FEDERAL DISTRICT ARCHIVE
District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Greenfield Man Sentenced to 15 Months on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty, II announced that Tobin White, 42, of Greenfield Township, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 15 months in prison and one year of supervised release for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. White pleaded guilty to an indictment on January 17, 2014.
On February 12, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home in Greenfield Township. As officers approached, the defendant left the house holding a flashlight and a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. When the officers identified themselves and ordered the defendant to the ground, he complied. Officers found the gun in a holster next to the defendant. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the firearm because he had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (assault) in 2003.
The case was investigated by the Maine Warden Service. the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maine State Police.
Gorham Man Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: James W. Chapman, Jr.
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Paulo D. Braga, 66, of Gorham, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to health care fraud. He was indicted on August 9, 2016.
According to court records, from 2010 to 2013, the defendant was a licensed clinical professional counselor who had offices in Portland and Windham, Maine. He billed MaineCare through a third-party mental health agency that required him to submit progress notes for each counseling session. He instructed his office staff to create and sign his name on false progress notes based on scheduled appointments that did not occur, or on past progress notes, or that they created using their “imagination.” As a result, his staff submitted progress notes to his billing agency that contained false information or dates-of-service and caused MaineCare to pay for counseling sessions that never took place. The investigation revealed that MaineCare paid $5,202 for over fifty counseling sessions that took place when Braga was out of the country and also paid for weekly or bi-weekly counseling sessions with some clients with whom he met less frequently or for less than the time billed.
Braga faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Healthcare Crimes Unit of the Maine Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Gorham Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Steven Tutt, 45, of Gorham, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possession of child pornography.
According to court records, law enforcement, using a peer-to-peer file sharing program, downloaded a child pornography video from the defendant’s home computer. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for the defendant’s residence. A forensic examination of the defendant’s computer was conducted and revealed several additional videos of child pornography. During an interview with law enforcement, the defendant admitted that he had actively searched for and obtained images and videos of child pornography using peer-to-peer software.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit.
Orono Woman Pleads Guilty to Maintaining a Drug-Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Amy Hakola, 42, of Orono, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to allowing her residence to be used as a place to use powder cocaine and to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to court records, between about January 2010 and August 2013, the defendant allowed her Orono residence to be used by Jermain Mitchell and others from New Haven, Connecticut to distribute crack. Although the drug deals did not occur in her residence, Hakola was aware that digital scales, packaging materials and drugs were stored in her residence. She was aware that men staying at her residence repeatedly left the residence to conduct transactions with people who pulled up outside the residence. On occasion, she drove the men from her residence to different locations in the Bangor area so that they could deliver drugs. She also knew that Mitchell did not have regular employment, yet regularly had large amounts of cash some of which he paid to her for rent and household expenses. Finally, Mitchell and the other men shared powder cocaine with her that was used in the residence.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the New Haven Office of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the New Haven Police Department.
Former Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Crack ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Lamar Young, 29, formerly of Lewiston, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to court records, in late 2012 and early 2013, Young and other conspirators acquired crack and cocaine powder from suppliers in Massachusetts, brought it to Maine, turned the powder into crack as necessary, packaged it for distribution, and sold it out of an apartment in Lewiston to customers in that area.
Young faces between five and 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine and at least four years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Lewiston Police Department; and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Making Illegal Campaign Contributions for the 2012 U.S. Presidential ElectionRead the Press Release
A Windermere, Florida, man pleaded guilty today to illegally making political contributions in the names of others to a presidential candidate’s primary campaign committee, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II of the District of Maine.
Michael A. Liberty, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of making political contributions in the names of others before U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby of the District of Maine.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, between May and June 2011, Liberty made $22,500 in primary contributions through nine employees, associates and family members to the principal campaign committee of a candidate for President of the United States, when, in fact, Liberty paid for all of the contributions.
The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Ryan J. Ellersick of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald E. Clark of the District of Maine are prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Making Illegal Campaign Contributions for the 2012 U.S. Presidential ElectionRead the Press Release
Contact: Donald E. Clark
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Ryan J. Ellersick, Trial Attorney
Public Integrity Section
Department of Justice
Tel: (202) 514-2007Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II and Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced that Michael A. Liberty, 56, of Windermere, Florida pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to illegally making political contributions in the names of others to a presidential candidate’s primary campaign committee.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, between May and June 2011, Liberty made $22,500 in primary contributions through nine employees, associates and family members to the principal campaign committee of a candidate for President of the United States, when, in fact, Liberty paid for all of the contributions.
The defendant faces up to 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Anthony Derrico, 36, of Grand Junction, Colorado, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to transporting child pornography. He was indicted on June 22, 2016.
According to court records, in May 2016, a federal agent in Maine investigating the online exchange of child pornography saw that an individual, later identified as the defendant, posted child pornography images to an online chat group. In a later private chat session with the agent, Derrico expressed an interest in child pornography, and sent the agent three child pornography images. The agent learned that Derrico, who was a truck driver, was driving from Idaho to Texas. Derrico was found in Laredo, Texas and arrested in his truck. Memory cards seized at the time of his arrest contained numerous child pornography images.
Derrico faces between five and 20 years in prison, between five years and life on supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Mechanics Falls Woman Sentenced to 30 Days in Tax CaseRead the Press Release
Contact: James W. Chapman, Jr.
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Amanda Ouellette, 38, of Mechanics Falls, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 30 days in prison and two years of supervised release for failing to account for and pay over federal employment taxes. She was also ordered to pay $114,488 in restitution. She pleaded guilty on July 12, 2016.
According to court records, from 2008 to 2013, Ouellette operated Daddy O’s, a restaurant in Oxford, Maine, and paid wages on a regular basis to several employees. She withheld federal income and FICA taxes from her employees’ gross pay, but from 2009 through 2013, she failed to file quarterly federal income tax returns and pay over the taxes she withheld to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), as required.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.Madison Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the VARead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that David B. Watson, Sr., 66, of Madison, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
According to court records, the defendant conspired with his daughter-in-law to illegally obtain for her VA compensation benefits. Watson submitted documents to the VA on her behalf, falsely claiming she had suffered from mental disabilities that were connected to her service in the U.S. Army and told her how she should falsely describe her mental condition to VA doctors.
Watson faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the VA Office of the Inspector General.
Falmouth Doctor Convicted of Tax Evasion, Illegal Drug Distribution and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
James W. Chapman, Jr.
Assistant United States Attorneys
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Dr. Joel A. Sabean, 69, of Falmouth, Maine, was found guilty today following a two-week jury trial in U.S. District Court of five counts of tax evasion, 52 counts of drug distribution for other than legitimate purposes, and one count of health care fraud. He was indicted on October 20, 2015.
According to court records, between January 2008 and December 2013, the defendant sent over $2.3 million to a relative who resided in Florida and had her fabricate and send him phony medical bills so that he could write off about $3 million in medical expenses on his 2008 through 2012 income tax returns. From 2007 through 2014, the defendant also wrote invalid prescriptions for the relative, in her name and the names of others, for controlled and non-controlled drugs, some of which were illegally reimbursed by the defendant’s insurance company that did not cover the relative. These prescriptions were invalid because, among other things, they were issued to a close family member who was not a patient without a medical examination.
The defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $100,000 fine on the tax charges, up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the drug charges, and up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the health care fraud charges. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Portsmouth (NH) Tactical Diversion Squad.
Chapman Man Sentenced to 2½ Years for Illegally Possessing HandgunRead the Press Release
Contact: James M. Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Frank Lavway, 66, of Chapman, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. to 2½ years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was also fined $7,500. Lavway pleaded guilty on August 18, 2015.
Court records reveal that on September 13, 2014, a Maine State Trooper encountered the defendant at his Chapman residence carrying a loaded Derringer handgun in his pocket. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the handgun because he had a 2009 Maine felony drug conviction.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Woodcock found that Lavway used the handgun in connection with maintaining a drug-involved premises where bath salts had been distributed.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Maine State Police.
Brewer Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Ronald Boersma, 38, of Brewer, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possession of child pornography.
According to court records, in February of 2016, law enforcement, using a peer-to-peer file sharing program, downloaded files containing images of child pornography from the defendant’s home computer. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for the defendant’s residence where a forensic examination of the defendant’s computer revealed additional images of child pornography. On the day the search warrant was executed, the defendant was interviewed and admitted that he had searched for and downloaded sexually explicit images via the internet and that his specific interest was in females between 8 and 10 years of age.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the U.S. Secret Service.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Ernest R. Cook, 58, of Bangor, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography and using the internet intending to view child pornography. Cook was indicted for those crimes in November 2016.
Court records reveal that on December 21, 2014, the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office received information that the defendant had images of child pornography on his computer. The sheriff’s office executed a search warrant and seized the defendant’s computer and a flash drive. A forensic examination by the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MSPCCU) revealed that the defendant used his computer to search for child pornography on the internet and saved those images to the flash drive.
Cook faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the two counts. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, the MSPCCU, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Salvadoran Man Sentenced to Eight Months for Unlawfully Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Manual Antonio Guerra-Nolasco, 36, of Canton Matelapa, El Salvador, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to eight months in prison for unlawfully re-entering the United States after having been removed from the country. He pled guilty on August 5, 2016.
According to court records, on May 30, 2016, the defendant was arrested after a traffic stop in Orrington, Maine when a Penobscot County Deputy Sherriff learned that the pick-up truck he was driving was not registered and that his California driver’s license had been issued in the name of another person. Immigration records revealed that the defendant had been removed from the United States on August 20, 2007.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Border Patrol.
Former Augusta Man Indicted for Threatening Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Peter Hamilton, a/k/a “Peter W. Merriman,” and “Peter M. Hooper,” 65, recently of Augusta, Maine, was charged by indictment in U.S. District Court for threatening federal officials.
According to court records, between May 2014 and May 2016, the defendant wrote messages and made statements threatening to kill President Barack Obama and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree.
The defendant made an initial appearance by video teleconference today in U.S. District Court. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Clinton Man Sentenced to Almost Six Years for Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that James J. Senior, 40, of Clinton, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 71 months in prison and three years of supervised release for pharmacy robbery. He was also ordered to pay restitution. Senior pleaded guilty on June 11, 2015.
Court records show that on March 31, 2015, Senior entered the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Newport, Maine, approached the pharmacy counter, presented a note that demanded oxycodone and threatened that employees would be harmed if they did not comply. While Senior waited, he told the employees to “hurry up” and “get moving.” He absconded with three bottles of oxycodone and hydrocodone-ibuprofen pills.
Law enforcement officers released a video of the robbery. After receiving a tip, they confirmed that Senior was the robber by comparing the video footage to a known photograph of Senior. Officers also recovered the three pill bottles that Senior had discarded a short distance from the pharmacy. The next day, Senior surrendered to the Waterville Police Department and admitted that he was the robber.
In imposing sentencing, Judge Woodcock noted the defendant’s “horrendous” criminal history involving 17 convictions -- including felony drug trafficking and felony assault and battery convictions -- and the “chilling” nature of the robbery.
The investigation was conducted by the Newport Police Department, the Maine State Police, the Waterville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Gray Man Sentenced to 17½ Years for Trafficking Bath Salts, Fentanyl, and HeroinRead the Press Release
Contact: Daniel J. Perry
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Scot Stolkner, 44, of Gray, Maine, was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 17½ years in prison and six years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute bath salts, fentanyl, and heroin. In addition, Stolkner was ordered to forfeit about $55,000. He pleaded guilty on April 1, 2016.
According to court records, from at least August 2014 through July 2015, Stolkner led a conspiracy that distributed bath salts, heroin, and fentanyl throughout the state. Stolkner obtained heroin and fentanyl from New Hampshire and Massachusetts suppliers and obtained bath salts through the mail from a source outside of the United States. Stolkner distributed the drugs personally and through other conspirators.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Scarborough and Portland Police Departments.
Stetson Man Sentenced to Almost 6 Years for Cocaine and Oxycodone Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that John Williams, 40, of Stetson was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine and oxycodone. He pled guilty on January 25, 2016.
According to court records, between about 2012 and November 2014, the defendant conspired with nine other people to distribute oxycodone and cocaine in the Dexter, Maine area. The drugs were acquired in Rhode Island and were distributed from his Stetson residence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with assistance from the Dexter Police Department and the Penobscot and Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Offices.
Mars Hill Woman Sentenced to Six Years for Bath Salts Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Leda Giggey, 45, of Mars Hill, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute bath salts. The defendant pled guilty to the charge on March 7, 2016.
According to court records, between about January 2012 and June 2014, Giggey conspired with others in Aroostook County to obtain and distribute bath salts. On multiple occasions, Giggey ordered bath salts over the internet from China for personal use and to sell to other conspirators.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Milford Resident Sentenced to 10 Years on Bath Salts and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Edwin Hamel, 60, of Milford was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute bath salts and being a felon in possession of firearms. He pleaded guilty on November 16, 2015.
According to court records, between January 1, 2012 and March 11, 2014, the defendant conspired to distribute the “bath salts” MDPV and Alpha-PVP in Penobscot County. The defendant obtained the drugs from China over the internet, paid for them by wire transfers, had them shipped to the United States, and repackaged them for distribution by dealers who sold them for $100 or more per gram.
In addition, the defendant possessed two rifles which he acquired in exchange for bath salts. They were recovered by law enforcement agents on March 11, 2014 when the defendant was arrested. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the firearms because he had a prior felony marijuana trafficking conviction.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Harmony Man Sentenced to a Year and a Day for Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Corey Pomerleau, 35, of Harmony, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to a year and a day in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. He was also fined $500. He pleaded guilty on January 25, 2016.
According to court records, in 2014, the defendant conspired with others to acquire oxycodone in Rhode Island and distribute it in the Dexter, Maine area.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with assistance provided by the Dexter Police Department, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office.
Holden Woman Sentenced to 32 Months for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Sara Monroe, 30, of Holden, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 32 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin. Monroe pleaded guilty on May 17, 2016.
According to court records, between February and September 2015, Monroe conspired with Mario Lee, a/k/a “Moe” and others to distribute heroin in the Bangor area and elsewhere. Monroe drove Lee to heroin customers and also obtained heroin from him for distribution.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Bangor Residents Sentenced for Maintaining a Drug Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Daniel Lyons, 42, and Laura Lyons, 31, of Bangor were sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen. Daniel was sentenced to three years in prison, Laura was sentenced to two years in prison, and both were ordered to serve three years of supervised release for maintaining a drug involved premises. Daniel pleaded guilty on March 28, 2016; Laura pleaded guilty on April 12, 2016.
According to Court records, between January and December 2014, the defendants maintained a residence on Essex Street in Bangor and allowed drug dealers to use it to store heroin and to sell heroin to area customers. The defendants were compensated with heroin.
The case was investigated by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Heroin Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Mario Lee, a/k/a “Moe”, 33, of Bangor, and formerly of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
According to court records, between August 2013 and September 2015, Lee conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Bangor area and elsewhere. Lee supplied heroin to dealers in the Bangor area and surrounding communities. Co-conspirators introduced customers to Lee, drove him to heroin transactions and allowed him to use their residences to distribute heroin. Lee paid them with heroin.
As a result of a prior drug trafficking conviction in New York, Lee faces enhanced penalties of between ten years and life in prison, up to eight years of supervised release and an $8,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Presque Isle Man Sentenced to Four Years for Bath Salts Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Andrew Grivois, 32, of Presque Isle, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to four years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute bath salts. The defendant pled guilty to the charge on March 3, 2016.
According to court records, between about June 2012 and June 2014, Grivois conspired with others in Aroostook County to obtain and distribute bath salts. On multiple occasions, Grivois ordered bath salts over the internet from China for personal use and to sell to other conspirators.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Bangor Man Sentenced to More Than a Year for Crack DistributionRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Syriane Baldwin, a/k/a “Del,” 30, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. to one year and three months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” The defendant pled guilty on May 18, 2016.
According to court records, on September 5, 2014, the defendant sold about three grams of crack for $300 to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the New Haven, Connecticut Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the City of New Haven Police Department.
Last Three Defendants Sentenced in Bangor Bath Salt Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jacob Gagnon, 27, formerly of Bangor and Van Buren, and Jamie Ketchen, 43, formerly of Bangor, were sentenced yesterday; and Ryan Ellis, 37, formerly of Greenbush and Levant, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute MDPV, a chemical compound commonly referred to as “bath salts” or “monkey dust.”
Gagnon was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. Ketchen, who also pled guilty to maintaining a drug involved premises, was sentenced to 13 years and four months. Ellis, who also pled guilty to possession of firearms in connection with a drug trafficking offense, was sentenced to 15 years. Each defendant was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court records, between April and December 2011, the defendants and their co-conspirators illegally distributed MDPV in Penobscot County and elsewhere. Ellis was the ring leader and obtained large quantities of the drug that he supplied to Gagnon, Ketchen and others, who distributed it to dealers in the Bangor area. Ellis also distributed the drug in the mid-coast area and in Aroostook County.
The three defendants were the last of sixteen defendants to be sentenced as part of this investigation which was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bangor, Old Town, Brewer and Veazie Police Departments.
Federal and State Officials and Maine ACLU Attorney Available to Field Election Fraud ClaimsRead the Press Release
Contact: John G. Osborn
Tel: (207) 771-3214
Andrew McCormack
Tel: (207) 262-4615
Assistant U.S. AttorneysPortland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that his office, in cooperation with Maine State officials, will participate in the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016 general elections. The program is designed to handle complaints in the District of Maine of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington and the State of Maine Attorney General’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) John G. Osborn and Andrew McCormack will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. AUSAs Osborn and McCormack have been appointed to serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) for District of Maine. Maine Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Phyllis Gardiner and Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn will coordinate election oversight for the State of Maine. Attorney Zachary Heiden of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maine will also be available to assist anyone who experiences difficulty in exercising their right to vote.
In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.
Arrangements have been made for attorneys to have immediate access to both federal and state court judges during the times that the polls are open to assist in the enforcement of voting rights if necessary.
U.S. Attorney Delahanty said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.The voting franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Delahanty stated that DEOs Osborn and McCormack will be on duty in his office while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (207) 771-3214 (AUSA Osborn) and (207) 262-4615 (AUSA McCormack).
The principal Maine FBI field office can be reached by the public at (207) 774-9322.
AAG Phyllis Gardiner may be contacted at the Attorney General’s Office by calling: (207) 626-8880. Deputy Secretary of State Flynn can be reached at (207) 624-7650. Attorney Zachary Heiden of the ACLU of Maine will be available at (207) 650-9535.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Delahanty said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
South Windham Man Convicted of Mailing Cyanide Resulting in Death, Fraud and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
Contact: Halsey B. Frank
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Bangor Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Sidney P. Kilmartin, 54, of South Windham, Maine, was convicted yesterday following a six-day jury trial in U.S. District Court of mailing injurious articles (cyanide) resulting in death, wire fraud, mail fraud and witness tampering. He was found not guilty of witness retaliation. On December 9, 2015, he was charged with those crimes in a superseding indictment. On October 3, 2015, he pled guilty to related wire and mail fraud charges.
According to court documents, in September 2012, the defendant acquired potassium cyanide and thereafter offered to sell it on a website devoted to suicidal persons. Between September of 2012 and May 2013, he communicated by email with people around the world offering the cyanide, and accepting payments for it through PayPal. To some of those victims, he sent Epsom salts instead of cyanide. When one victim he sent Epsom salts to in England did not die after the victim ingested them, the victim complained to the defendant and law enforcement authorities. Thereafter, the defendant sent him real cyanide that resulted in his death.
Kilmartin faces up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine on the mailing cyanide resulting in death charge, and up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the remaining charges. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Humberside Police Force (City of Hull, England).
Winslow Man Sentenced to 14 Months on Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Ervin Morrison III, 24, of Winslow, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 14 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $26,900 in restitution. The defendant pled guilty to the charges on June 16, 2016.
According to court records, between about June 2014 and July 2015, Morrison entered into contracts promising goods and services to five individuals and companies and for which he collected over $26,000 in advance payments. At the time he entered the contracts, Morrison had no intention or ability to provide the goods and services and he did not provide them.
At sentencing, Judge Woodcock described him as a “serial fraudster” whose life has “been a series of frauds” and noted that he “stole” money from his victims with a “stunning display of amorality.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maine State Police, the Brunswick and Belfast Police Departments, and the Monson (Massachusetts) Police Department.
New Hampshire Woman Sentenced to Three Years for Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Crystal Dufault, 34, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to three years in prison and five years of supervised release for armed bank robbery. The charges arose from the August 14, 2015 armed robbery of Franklin Savings Bank (FSB) in Franklin, New Hampshire and the September 4, 2015 armed robbery of University Credit Union (UCU) in Portland. The defendant pled guilty on January 20, 2016.
According to court records, the defendant and a co-conspirator, Joseph Richards, brandished a pellet gun and stole $13,240 from FSB and $12,308 from UCU.
On September 14, 2016, Chief Judge Torresen sentenced Richards to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release for his involvement in the FSB and USU robberies as well as for the August 3, 2015 robbery of Norway Savings Bank in Freeport and the September 12, 2015 robbery of TD Bank (TD) in Lewiston.
On July 28, 2016, a third co-conspirator, Neil West, Sr., of Portland, Maine, was found guilty following a jury trial in U.S. District Court of armed bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery arising out of the UCU and TD robberies. West served as the getaway driver for both robberies. The TD robbery resulted in a high-speed chase which culminated in Saco. Following the chase, West and Richards were arrested.
U.S. Attorney Delahanty praised the cooperation among these law enforcement agencies noting that “these armed bank robberies were quickly solved because local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across two states worked closely together.”
The joint investigation was conducted by the Franklin and Manchester (New Hampshire) Police Departments; the Freeport, Portland, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach and Saco Police Departments; the Maine State Police; and the Southern Maine Gang Task Force comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the Portland, South Portland, Lewiston and Biddeford Police Departments.
Gorham Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Fentanyl and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact: Daniel J. Perry
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that David Thurlow, 28, of Gorham, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 10 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl and heroin.
According to Court records, from at least December 2015 until February 2016, Thurlow distributed heroin and fentanyl in the greater Portland area.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Gorham Police Department.
Bangor Man Sentenced to over 20 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Andy Quinn Goodall, 29, most recently of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 20 years and 10 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sexual exploitation of a minor. The defendant pled guilty to the charge on January 29, 2016.
According to court records and proceedings, the defendant took sexually explicit images of two prepubescent minors, uploaded them to a foreign website, and provided links to the images in emails he sent to others. In addition, the defendant possessed hundreds of images and dozens of videos of child pornography. While announcing his sentence, Judge Woodcock stated: “There is a giant step between viewing images and producing them. … The defendant was in a position of trust. He was babysitting the victims. He consciously and intentionally violated this trust. … The role of a judge in a case like this is to protect the people who can’t protect themselves.”
The investigation was conducted jointly by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bangor Police Department, and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
Augusta Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of MailRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Julie K. Meek, 56, of Augusta, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to theft of mail.
Court records reveal that Meek was a contract route carrier for the U.S. Postal Service when she stole more than a dozen envelopes from the mail containing checks, cash and gift cards which she used at a gas station, a convenience store and a restaurant, in Orono, Maine. When she was confronted by a police officer and U.S. Postal Service Inspectors, she confessed and surrendered the envelopes she had stolen.
Meek faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Orono Police Department.
Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Prescription Drug and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Shannon Bragdon, 32, of Portland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to attempting to acquire oxycodone by deception and health care fraud.
According to court records, between May 2015 and March 2016, Bragdon took blank prescriptions from a dentist’s office where she was employed and caused dozens of them to be fraudulently issued for oxycodone pills and presented to at least nine pharmacies in Southern Maine.
On March 21, 2016, a pharmacist alerted authorities after suspecting that an oxycodone prescription Bragdon presented was invalid. DEA agents responded to the pharmacy and encountered Bragdon in the waiting area.
She faces up to four years on the drug charge, ten years on the fraud charge, and up to a $250,000 fine on each charge. Sentencing will be held following the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Winthrop Man Sentenced to 57 Months on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Jody Mullis
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Chad Goucher, 38, of Winthrop, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun. Goucher pleaded guilty to these charges on February 1, 2016.
According to court records, on March 6, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Goucher’s Winthrop residence. Officers recovered heroin, drug paraphernalia, and three firearms, including a .12 gauge Iver Johnson sawed-off shotgun. Goucher had a prior felony conviction which prohibited him from possessing firearms. Goucher admitted to law officers that he intended to distribute some of the heroin and he also admitted that he knew that he was not permitted to possess firearms.
At sentencing, Judge Woodcock noted that Goucher was a significant drug dealer, called his actions “disgraceful,” and said that he had disgraced his family’s name by turning his own mother’s home into a drug den.
The investigation was conducted by the Winthrop Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Topsham Couple Sentenced to Five Months for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Halsey B. Frank
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Thomas Gerken, 63, and Jill Gerken, 62, of Topsham, Maine were sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to five months in prison and three years of supervised release (the first five months of which is to be served on home detention) for conspiracy to defraud the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) by diverting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people who are blind, disabled or elderly and whose income is below specified levels and are to be used to pay for the needs of the beneficiary. The Gerkens were also ordered to pay $98,830 in restitution.
According to court records, the defendants are the parents of two disabled children. In 2004, on the basis of those disabilities, the defendants applied for and were granted SSI benefits for the children. Jill Gerken was designated as the representative payee for each child. As such, she was required to use the funds for their benefit, to annually account for her expenditure of the funds, and to periodically submit information to SSA to allow SSA to determine whether the children remained eligible for benefits.
Between January 2007 and July 2013, during a period of time that the children resided on a full-time basis at an assisted living facility, the defendants diverted SSI benefits and used them to pay for household expenses, including, but not limited to, their mortgage, a home equity loan, utilities, groceries, travel, restaurant meals and books. Over that period of time, they also failed to pay the assisted living facility even though Jill Gerken falsely certified to SSA each year that she spent the SSI benefits on food and housing at the assisted living facility.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Torresen described the Gerkens as greedy and said that a period of incarceration was necessary to reflect the seriousness of their offense, promote respect for law and provide adequate deterrence.
Scott Antolik, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Boston Division of the SSA’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations (“OIG”) stated that "representative payee fraud is an egregious offense, not only because it involves the misuse of Social Security funds, but because it affects some of the most vulnerable members of society who cannot manage their own affairs," "The SSA OIG is committed to upholding the integrity of Social Security's programs and protecting its beneficiaries, and our office is grateful to work with partners like the U.S. Attorney's Office in Maine in these efforts."
The investigation was conducted by the SSA’s OIG’s Office of Investigations.
Norwegian Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threatening Interstate CommunicationsRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Espen Brungodt, 28, of Norway, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to making threatening interstate communications.
According to court records, on August 3, 2016, Brungodt sent a detailed email to the Portland Police Department and to the press in which he threatened to kill police officers.
Brungodt faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. It is anticipated that the defendant will seek to have any sentence imposed served in Norway pursuant to the International Prisoner Transfer Program which permits the transfer of prisoners from countries in which they had been convicted of crimes to their home countries. The program is designed to relieve some of the special hardships that fall upon offenders incarcerated far from home, and to facilitate the rehabilitation of these offenders.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Portland Police Department.
Stetson Woman Sentenced to 14 Months for Cocaine and Oxycodone Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Cynthia “Cindy” Williams, 43, of Stetson, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release (including six months of community confinement) for conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine and oxycodone. She pled guilty to the charge on January 25, 2016.
According to court records, between about 2012 and November 2014, the defendant conspired with nine other people to distribute oxycodone and cocaine in the Dexter, Maine area. The drugs were acquired in Rhode Island and were distributed from her Stetson residence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with assistance from the Dexter Police Department and the Penobscot and Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Offices.
Stonington Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Arson of a Lobster BoatRead the Press Release
Contact: James M. Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jeremy Eaton, 39, of Stonington, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release for arson of a lobster boat. He pled guilty to the charge on March 11, 2016.
Court records reveal that on the evening of April 16, 2014, Eaton walked to Stonington Harbor, removed gasoline cans from a skiff docked in the harbor and then used a small boat to transport himself and the gas cans to a fiberglass lobster boat which was moored in the harbor. Eaton then emptied the cans of gasoline into the lobster boat and started a fire which destroyed the boat. Eaton later admitted to others that he had burned the boat.
In imposing the seven-year sentence, Judge Woodcock remarked, “To destroy a lobsterman’s boat is to destroy his livelihood.”
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Rockland Woman Sentenced to over Nine Years for Crack Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jackie Madore, 46, of Rockland was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to court records, between January 2010 and August 2013, the defendant conspired to distribute almost a kilogram of crack in Penobscot County and elsewhere. She sold half-gram bags for $50 and gram bags for $100. She transferred the proceeds of her sales to her source of supply in the New Haven, Connecticut area and got cash and crack in exchange. The crack was transported from Connecticut to the Bangor area by other conspirators. Members of the conspiracy from New Haven included members of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a violent street gang affiliated with the Almighty Blood Nation, a national street gang.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the New Haven, Connecticut Office of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the City of New Haven Department of Police Services.
Georgetown Man Convicted of Failing to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Michael Nagell, 51, of Georgetown, Maine, was convicted today following a jury trial in U.S. District Court of failing to update his sex offender registration.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that in 2007, Nagell was convicted in federal court in Massachusetts of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. As a result, he was a sex offender for purposes of the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and was required to register with the Maine sex offender registry. In December 2015, Nagell became a full-time employee of a company in Portland, and remained employed with the company until April 2016. Nagell knowingly failed to update his sex offender registration to reflect this change in his employment.
Nagell faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sidney Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Shawn Figoli, 45, of Sidney, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
According to Court records, on May 17, 2015, the Maine State Police received a report of a vehicle being operated erratically on the Maine Turnpike. A trooper located the vehicle at the Kennebunk Service Plaza and determined that Figoli was its operator and sole occupant. Figoli appeared to be impaired and had a bag that contained about 180 grams of heroin and fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Maine State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Hancock Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Embezzlement ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jodi L. Webber, 37, of Hancock, Maine, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to embezzling bank funds.
According to court documents, in September 2015, Webber was hired by Camden National Bank as a teller at its Bar Harbor (Town Hill), Maine branch. Between November 2015 and February 2016, Webber stole over $83,000 in cash from her teller drawer and concealed it by replacing it with money withdrawn from five customer account. These transactions were not authorized and she forged customer signatures on the withdrawal slips. She typically reversed those withdrawals on the same day that she made them after the bank’s cash audit had been completed. Her embezzlement scheme was discovered when a customer questioned an unauthorized withdrawal from the customer’s account. That inquiry caused the bank to conduct a comprehensive examination of the defendant’s transactions and to contact law enforcement.
Webber faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Bangor Man Sentenced to Three Years for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Antonio Gordon, 32, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to Court records, on three occasions between December 2014 and January 2015, Gordon distributed a total of 19 grams of crack to a person cooperating with federal and state law enforcement authorities. The transactions took place in Bangor.
The case was investigated by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Saco Woman Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Contact: Rick Murphy
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced Ann Marie Williams, 52, of Saco, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to embezzling funds from the City of Westbrook.
According to court records, between July of 2015 and April of this year, Williams embezzled $118,000 of cash tax receipts while employed as the City’s tax collector.
Williams faces up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Old Town Woman Sentenced to 5½ Years for Crack Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Fern Dowling, 40, of Old Town, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 5½ years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to court records, between January 2010 and August 2013, the defendant distributed 7.8 kilograms of crack in Penobscot County and elsewhere. She sold half-gram bags for $50 and gram bags for $100. She transferred the proceeds of her sales to her source of supply in the New Haven, Connecticut area and got cash and crack in exchange. Members of the conspiracy from New Haven included members of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a violent street gang affiliated with the Almighty Blood Nation, a national street gang.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the New Haven, Connecticut Office of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the City of New Haven Department of Police Services.
Orland Woman Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Carolyn J. Saunders, 57, of Orland, Maine, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to embezzlement in connection with health care.
According to court records, from November of 2011 until April 2015, Saunders, while employed as a financial administrator for Coastal Eye Care, PA and Coastal Eye Surgery Center, LLC, embezzled money by stealing cash from the practices’ bank deposits.
Saunders faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General and the Ellsworth Police Department.
The One Life Project – The Youth VoiceRead the Press Release
Contact: Daniel J. Perry
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, as part of National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week -- designated by the Department of Justice as the week of September 19-23, 2016 -- Maine students from high schools throughout the state will be participating in “The One Life Project – The Youth Voice” at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. The Maine Principal’s Association, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Maine Attorney General’s Office, and the Bangor Daily News are sponsoring this one-day conference to bring together diverse groups of students from throughout the state and to provide them with an opportunity to talk about and have their voices heard on the issues of drug use and abuse.
Maine is in the throes of a public health crisis relating to the use and abuse of opioids, opiates and other substances. It is well recognized that effectively combatting this problem requires coordination of treatment, prevention, and law enforcement efforts. As part of this coordinated effort, the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Janet Mills, the Maine Attorney General; and John Morris, the Maine Commissioner of Public Safety formed the Maine Opiate Collaborative. This Collaborative brought together experts from the fields of treatment, prevention/harm reduction, and law enforcement to come up with recommendations to address the opiate epidemic. One key recommendation was to engage our youth in the prevention efforts.
The goal of this summit is to give our youth a forum to discuss the issues they see in their schools and communities and to solicit their ideas on solutions. Information gathered at the summit will be shared with state and federal leaders, and school administrators and personnel to help inform future decisions about prevention efforts.
The summit will start at 9:00 a.m. and should be completed by about 1:30 p.m. Members of the media wishing to report on the conference are invited to attend a press conference at the Cross Insurance Center at 12:45 p.m.