District of New Hampshire

CONCORD – A Methuen, Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Jaythean Diaz, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 24 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.  Diaz was also ordered to pay $5,100 in restitution.  On April 13, 2023, Diaz pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee. One of Diaz’ co-conspirators, Gary Ortiz, pleaded guilty to similar charges on May 1, 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2023.

“It is criminals, like the defendant and his co-conspirators, that put illegal guns on our streets and often into the hands of dangerous people,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Their crime also has a direct financial impact on legitimate firearm commerce and our federal firearms licensees, like the victim in this case, Second Amendment Outdoors in Derry. The defendant’s lengthy incarceration sends a strong message that the illegal firearm market will not be tolerated in the Granite State.”

“Diaz and his co-conspirators targeted a local gun dealer in order to steal and resell guns on the street. This sentence is proof of ATF’s relentless resolve to bring to justice anyone who would victimize members of our community and put illegal guns into circulation,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. “Federal firearms licensees are law-abiding citizens who make their livelihood providing a safe and legal means to responsibly bear arms, criminal acts against these businesses will be met with the full weight of the law.”

On December 8, 2021, the Diaz and his co-conspirators broke into Second Amendment Outdoors in Derry, New Hampshire and stole 12 firearms—11 pistols and one rifle.  Videos recovered from the phone of a co-conspirator show Diaz holding the stolen firearms, and messages recovered in another search show attempts by Diaz to sell at least one of the stolen firearms. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (“ATF”) led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department, Methuen Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Derry Police Department, Atkinson Police Department, Plaistow Police Department, Kingston Police Department, Windham Police Department, Hooksett Police Department, and Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.

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CONCORD – A New Hampshire charity pleaded guilty today in federal court to export offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

NuDay, a/k/a NuDay Syria, pleaded guilty to three counts of Failure to File Export Information.  U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for December 28, 2023.

NuDay was founded by Nadia Alawa as a non-profit charity in 2013 and is headquartered in Windham, New Hampshire.  Alawa served as NuDay’s President.  Between 2018 and 2021, NuDay made over 100 shipments to Syria, a country that was subject to sanctions and export restrictions.  NuDay had the items shipped to Mersin, Turkey, where another company would transship them into Syria.  U.S. Department of Commerce regulations require exporters, such as NuDay, to report true and accurate information about the items being exported, including the shipment’s description, end user, and monetary value.  However, NuDay falsely reported that the end destination of the shipments was Turkey and not Syria, and artificially deflated the value of the goods to be below the $2,500 reporting threshold.  For example, on May 5th, 2019, NuDay falsely reported that their shipment was intended for Turkey and that the value of the container was less than $2,500. NuDay now admits that this container was actually intended for Syria and claims its true value was $8.3 million.

For an organizational defendant, the charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than five years of probation and a fine of $10,000 per count.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  As a condition of the plea, Nadia Alawa and her family members will have no further involvement with NuDay.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations division, and Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – A Bronx, New York, woman has been charged in connection with trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl combined with xylazine from New York to New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.  

Katherine Sanchez Lugo, 33, was arrested today in Nashua on a criminal complaint of possessing with intent to distribute and distributing controlled substances.  Sanchez Lugo will make an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on September 7, 2023.   

According to the charging documents, Sanchez Lugo trafficked controlled substances on three occasions from New York to New Hampshire. Sanchez Lugo distributed a 200-gram mixture of fentanyl, heroin and xylazine, and 55-grams of methamphetamine on June 14, 2023. The defendant also trafficked more than half of a kilogram of substances allegedly containing fentanyl on July 12th, 2023 and August 10th, 2023.   

Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful non-opiate sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for veterinary use only.  Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects.  Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning.  People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis—the rotting of human tissue—that may lead to amputation. The combination is referred to on the street as the “zombie drug.”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently issued a public safety alert warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine and the drug’s deadly effects.  The FDA also published an alert to health care providers about the risks to patients exposed to xylazine in illicit drugs. 

The charge of possessing with intent to distribute and distributing controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

DEA led the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case. 

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

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CONCORD – A previously removed Mexican national has been charged in connection with a human smuggling incident along the New Hampshire-Canada border, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Reynaldo Velasco-Velasco, 36, was charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326 and unlawful transportation of certain aliens in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324. Velasco-Velasco made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on September 5, 2023.

According to the charging documents, on the evening of September 2, 2023, a group of individuals wearing backpacks were observed crossing the international border from Canada near Canaan, Vermont. At approximately 5:30 a.m. the next morning, a U.S. Border Patrol agent observed two vehicles traveling away from the same area. The agent stopped the lead vehicle and determined that all five of its occupants were citizens of Mexico with no lawful authority to be present in the United States. All four passengers had backpacks with them, and their pants appeared wet and dirty from their shins down. The driver was subsequently identified via biometric databases as Velasco-Velasco, a Mexican citizen who was previously removed from the United States in 2011.

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

United States Border Patrol led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Merrimack man pleaded guilty today in federal court to charges in connection with his theft of funds from his previous employer, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Scott Dulac, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of federal wire fraud charges.  U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2023. Defendant was indicted on March 7, 2022.

Dulac worked as the manager of Confluence Medical, a radiologist staffing and recruiting company.  He had access to and signatory authority on the company’s bank accounts in order to manage payroll, pay company bills, and arrange for payments to contracted radiologists.  On numerous occasions, between early 2019 and early 2020, Dulac made unauthorized fund transfers and cash withdrawals for his own personal benefit in excess of $100,000.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.  The plea agreement additionally requires Dulac to pay restitution in the amount of $135,000 to the victim company.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for his role as a drug runner in a conspiracy to distribute internationally sourced fentanyl operating out of Lawrence, Massachusetts., U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Ramon Jaquez Diaz, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. The defendant was convicted by a federal jury for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on April 6, 2023.

“For an international drug conspiracy to function, criminals perform various jobs- including delivering the drugs to suppliers and customers.  Regardless of the role, those involved in conspiracies to distribute fentanyl will be prosecuted and punished,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s crime and should serve as a deterrent to those who pollute our communities with this deadly poison.”

“New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl soar. The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Diaz, who are contributing to the crisis,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence holds Mr. Diaz accountable for his crimes, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put other callous distributers like him behind bars.”

At trial, the government introduced transcripts from recorded telephone conversations between Jaquez Diaz and his co-conspirators, wherein the co-defendants discussed Jaquez Diaz’s role as the runner in the New England area.  The evidence against the defendant also included law-enforcement surveillance.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth R. Aframe, Heather A. Cherniske, and John Kennedy are prosecuting the case.  

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

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CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that was used to export weapons to Pakistan, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Muhammad Mohsin Raja, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 24 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release.  On May 25, 2022, Raja pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.

“The defendant facilitated the export of weapons, and weapon components, to foreign national organizations that threaten U.S. security interests abroad,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said.  “This case underscores the importance of our banking laws and regulations in protecting our national security interests.”  

“Raja over multiple years engaged in money facilitation in order to evade export restrictions and ultimately enabled the shipment of weapons overseas,” said James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office. “This case highlights the important role that enforcement of financial laws plays in our national security. The FBI is committed to ensuring that anyone who engages in criminal activity in order to elude laws and regulations is held accountable in the criminal justice system.”

“Preventing parties on the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) Entity List from acquiring items that contribute to programs of national security concern, such as components for use in cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), is a shared U.S. Government priority,” said Rashel D. Assouri, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Boston Field Office, Office of Export Enforcement.  “The Office of Export Enforcement, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously pursue, dismantle, and disrupt illicit networks that violate U.S. law.”

For several years, Raja operated a “hawala” based out of New York and worked with individuals in Pakistan to coordinate the transfer of money between parties in the United States and Pakistan.  A hawala is a type of informal money transfer system that uses a network of agents to transfer money across international borders without using the banking system, typically to circumvent banking laws and regulations.

The defendant transmitted approximately $4.7 million to Pakistan in 2021 alone.  As part of the hawala, he made multiple payments for products intended for an organization on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, Pakistan’s Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO). AERO was added to the Entity List, which imposes export restrictions for organizations whose activities threaten U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, for procuring items for use in Pakistan’s cruise missile and strategic UAV programs. For example, the defendant made payments for a blade antenna manufactured by a New Hampshire defense contractor.  Those antennas are typically used in UAVs, tactical missiles, helicopters, and aircraft.  The defendant also made payments to a Florida defense contractor for rotary pumps and a solenoid valve.  The rotary pumps were designed for use in M110 self-propelled howitzers, and the solenoid valve was designed for use in an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile or an AGM-86B air-launched cruise missile. 

The defendant also made payments to a Florida firearms manufacturer on behalf of a Pakistani company called Al-Akbar Arms.  The payments were for two shipments of assault weapons.  The defendant messaged another individual suggesting they disguise the purpose of the payments as “purchasing watches as sports equipment.”  However, law enforcement successfully intercepted the assault weapons. 

In operating the hawala, the defendant used multiple cell phones to coordinate with other individuals, used multiple bank accounts, and enlisted the assistance of at least 10 friends and family members to visit banks and check cashing businesses to help cash checks, place money orders, and deposit funds. 

Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Nashua man was indicted for making false statements during the acquisition of firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Charles Stone, age 23, was indicted on five (5) counts of making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers during the purchase of firearms. Stone will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.

According to the charging document, between September and November of 2021, Stone purchased a total of six firearms on five separate occasions from federally licensed firearms dealers in New Hampshire. When he completed the firearm purchase forms, he stated that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the gun, when in fact he was buying the guns for someone else.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Manchester man was indicted in connection with the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Walter Velez, 41, was indicted on four counts of distribution of controlled substances in connection with the sale of fentanyl and crack cocaine to a confidential informant.  Velez will appear in federal court at a later date.

According to the charging documents, Velez sold fentanyl and crack cocaine at his business, Velez Alignment & Auto Services, LLC, in Manchester on four separate occasions.  The four sales totaled over 200 grams of fentanyl and over 20 grams of crack cocaine.

These charges of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least 6 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2,000,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Franklin man has been indicted for threatening to kill a United States Senator, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Brian Landry, 67, was charged with threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a United States official in connection with the official’s performance of official duties and with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.  Landry was originally arrested by complaint on June 2, 2023.  He is scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court on September 14, 2023.

According to the charging documents, Landry called a district field office of a United States Senator on May 17, 2023 and left a voicemail, stating:

“Hey stupid. I’m a veteran sniper.  And unless you change your ways, I got my scope pointed in your direction and I’m coming to get you.  You’re a dead man walking, you piece of f*****g sh*t.”

Investigators identified the phone call as coming from a number associated with Landry.  When they interviewed Landry, he admitted to having called the Senator’s office but did not initially recall exactly what he said in the voicemail.

The charges provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, the Franklin Police Department, and the Manchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces that Bradley J. Russ, Maureen Sullivan, and former Major Joseph M. Ebert have been appointed to serve as the Project Safe Neighborhood’s (PSN) Selection Committee.

“These three individuals will serve as the members of an external panel that will review applications for subawards under the PSN Program,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “I am thankful for their willingness to contribute their valuable expertise and perspectives to this process.”

Bradley J. Russ is the Executive Director of the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College. He previously served as the Chief of Police of the Portsmouth Police Department and the Commander of the Northern New England Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He has over 35 years of experience as a national instructor for U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) funded training programs, and as a member of national DOJ task forces and commissions. Brad Russ holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire and is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and Law Enforcement Executive Development training programs.

Maureen “Moe” Sullivan is the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County (CACRC). Maureen serves on a variety of committees, including the state advisory committee for the New Hampshire Police Academy and the Rockingham County Chiefs Association (RCCA). She is a former adjunct instructor at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul School of Business and Economics, a 2004 graduate of Leadership Seacoast, and former board member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club. She also volunteers with local organizations to include the Rotary District 7780 Opioid Recovery Initiative and Portsmouth Community Coordinated Response to Substance Misuse Disorder. Maureen holds a Doctorate of the Arts in Leadership Studies from Franklin Pierce University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Former Major Joseph M. Ebert served in the New Hampshire State Police from 2002-2023. During his time in the State Police, Joe served in a variety of roles to include as: a Trooper assigned to Troop-A; a Field Training Officer; a Drug Recognition Expert; a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team; a Sergeant, Lead Homicide Detective, and Commander in the Major Crime Unit; Director of the New Hampshire Information and Analysis Center; and a Captain in the Investigation Services. In 2022, he was promoted to Major and Commander of the Investigative Services Unit (ISB). As the Commander of the ISB, Major Ebert oversaw the Narcotics Investigations Unit, the Major Crime Unit, the Polygraph Unit, the Special Investigations Unit and the Terrorism and Intelligence Unit. During his tenor as Major, he also acted as, among other roles, a legislative liaison and grant overseer. Joe earned his Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Springfield College in 2001.

PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community-based partners, and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the 94 federal judicial districts throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories.

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CONCORD – A Lee man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Joshua Olsen, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 136 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Olsen was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.

“Our office, together with our state and federal law enforcement partners, remains dedicated to ensuring the protection of our children and communities from predators like the defendant,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “Today’s lengthy sentence sends a strong message that the sexual exploitation of children in New Hampshire will not be tolerated.”

“The sexual exploitation of children by predators like Joshua Olsen requires decisive action which is why the FBI acted so quickly in this case,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence certainly does not erase the harm Mr. Olsen inflicted upon his victims, but it does ensure that others will be protected from his abuse.” 

Olsen engaged in sexually explicit online chats with an undercover federal agent in November of last year.  During the chats, Olsen distributed images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to the undercover officer.  A phone later seized from Olsen was found to contain additional CSAM.  Olsen also made admissions during a voluntary interview with law enforcement regarding his sexual abuse of an eight-year-old child.  This conduct is the subject of separate state charges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lee Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Anthony Govan, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.  

“The defendant trafficked lethal narcotics to the Granite State,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “His sentence serves as a warning that trafficking, any amount of fentanyl and crack cocaine to New Hampshire, will have consequences.”

According to Court documents and statements made in Court, Govan’s charges stem from a 2019 traffic-stop along I-95 in Portsmouth.  Govan was a passenger in the vehicle and was found to be in possession of distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.  Govan has been in state custody in Massachusetts on unrelated charges since August 2021.

United States Attorney Jane E. Young made the announcement today. The New Hampshire State Police led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Derry man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with importing, manufacturing, and distributing steroids, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Ralph Cardarelli, 44, was indicted with distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce. Cardarelli was charged by complaint on July 17, 2023.

According to the charging documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Cardarelli’s residence on March 23, 2023, federal investigations discovered over 4800 vials and bottles of suspected controlled substances and prescription drugs, including: Nandrolone Phenylpropionate; Trenbolone Acetate; Dromostanolone Propionate; Boldenone Undecylenate; Testosterone Propionate; Trenbolone Enanthate; Nandrolone Decanoate; Testosterone Enanthate; and Testosterone Cypionate.  These drugs are commonly known as steroids.  Evidence was also discovered through the search warrant that Cardarelli was importing these drugs, manufacturing, and packaging them in his residence, and dispensing the drugs without requiring a prescription.

The charge of distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 2 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000.00. The charge of causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.00. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W.R. Ward is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A former Dover man was indicted in connection with illegally possessing four firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Christopher T. Brown, 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Brown was arrested in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, and was ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Alexandria, Virginia.  Law enforcement will transport Brown to appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.

According to the charging documents, Brown is a convicted felon and was legally prohibited from possessing firearms.  However, on January 9, 2023 in Dover, Brown possessed four firearms, including two 9 mm pistols, a .40 caliber rifle, and a 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun with no serial number. 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Dover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A man pleaded guilty in federal court in connection to his illegal reentry into the United States after being deported twice, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Luis Aragon-Lara, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of reentry after deportation.  U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2023. Lara was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 29, 2023.

On October 26, 2022, the Keene Police Department arrested the defendant in connection with the passing of counterfeit currency at retail stores in the area. A subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant was again illegally in the United States, after having been previously deported on or about June 9, 2009 and April 3, 2020.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Keene Police Department and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W.R. Ward.

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CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Johan M. Rodriguez, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 60 months in prison. On March 28, 2023, Rodriguez plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

“The defendant traveled into New Hampshire for the sole purpose of selling more than twenty pounds of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The magnitude of harm this quantity of fentanyl could have caused the citizens of New Hampshire if it had reached the streets is unfathomable, and for that the defendant will be imprisoned for a lengthy period of time. The tireless efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers safeguarded countless members of our communities from the poison the defendant was intending to pollute into our communities.”

“Johan Rodriguez headed to New Hampshire intending to sell an alarming amount of fentanyl,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Thankfully, the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force stopped him before he could flood our streets with this poison. Today’s sentence removes Rodriguez from our community and sends a strong message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to identify and bring to justice drug dealers who seek to profit from the misery of others.”

On September 26, 2022, Rodriguez took a rideshare from Lawrence, Massachusetts to a residence in Dover to deliver approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl for a Lawrence-based drug supplier. Law enforcement surveilled Rodriguez as he removed a toolbox and tool bag from the vehicle’s trunk and carried them to the door of the residence. A search of the toolbox resulted in the seizure of approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl, which was separated into individual bundles ready for distribution.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Strafford County Sheriff ‘s Office’s Problem Solving Oriented Policing Unit, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Task Force, and the Dover Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis prosecuted the case.                   

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CONCORD – A second Manchester man has been charged in connection with the distribution of fentanyl in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

Joseph Goffinet, Jr., 53, was arrested and charged with distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in connection with the sale of fentanyl.  Goffinet, Jr. made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on Friday, August 4, 2023, and was detained. According to the charging documents, on one occasion Goffinet, Jr. conspired with Walter Velez to distribute fentanyl. Velez was charged with the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine on July 26, 2023.

The charges of distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy each provide for a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Department of Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Lawrence man was sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Santo Evangelista Soto, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joesph N. Laplante to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On February 21, 2023, Soto plead guilty to distributing heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

From February 12, 2020 through October 9, 2020, the defendant conspired with other individuals to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. On one occasion during the investigation, the defendant sold 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained heroin and methamphetamine. Soto was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration on October 9, 2020. At the time of the arrest, Soto intended to sell one and a half kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.

“The defendant has a long history of drug dealing, and has already been convicted for drug trafficking twice,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Today’s lengthy sentence ensures he will serve a significant period of incarceration for this serious crime.”

The DEA’s Manchester District Office, New Hampshire State Police’s Narcotics Investigations and Mobile Enforcement Units and the Dover Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis is prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – Heath Gauthier, 46, of Rochester, New Hampshire, was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography on August 2, 2023. Gauthier will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.

According to the charging documents, Gauthier was indicted on February 15, 2023, on charges of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with his alleged fraudulent applications for more than $1 million in CARES Act loans. Gauthier was arrested on February 16, 2023, and investigators executed a search warrant on his residence and person. The search warrant authorized the search of his electronic devices. Subsequently, investigators located one or more computer disks and other material that contained one or more images of child sexual abuse material.

The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.  If a defendant has a qualifying prior conviction, the charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years and at least 10 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

IRS Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Social Security Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A former Hampton Falls man pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain additional Social Security benefits, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Kenneth Simard Jr., 37, pleaded guilty to False Statements. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for November 30, 2023.

Simard applied for Social Security Supplemental Security Insurance benefits on behalf of a disabled minor child in October 2018.  In the application, Simard represented that the child lived with him and that he would use the benefits on behalf of the child.  However, Simard lost custody of the child in February 2019.  Although he was required to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) if the child moved, Simard continued to tell the SSA that he lived with the child and obtained $23,148 in benefits that he was not entitled to receive. 

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Matthew T. Hunter are prosecuting the case.  

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U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners at Manchester Police Department’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The event is scheduled from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Beech Street School and JFK Coliseum.

“National Night Out is a special night of the year that allows law enforcement and the public a tangible opportunity to build vitally important relationships and mutual trust,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “I hope the people of Manchester will join me and my colleagues on Tuesday night to celebrate our partnership as a community.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. 

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

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CONCORD – A New York man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord to transporting stolen goods across state lines, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

Jalil McIntyre, 32, pleaded guilty to Transportation of Stolen Goods.  U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for November 6, 2023.

McIntyre and his co-defendant, Deshun Jackson, traveled to Lowe’s and Home Depots across the northeastern United States, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. They stole high-value commercial items, such as circuit breakers. They were seen on surveillance footage grabbing products off shelves, placing them into large plastic bags, and walking out of the stores.  In total, they stole $195,604.76 worth of products across 23 separate thefts.  They also attempted to steal another $46,619.07 worth of products during 11 additional unsuccessful thefts.  The stolen products were brought back to New York, where both McIntyre and Jackson lived. 

Jackson is currently in state custody in New York and will be transported by law enforcement to New Hampshire. 

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in New York, Seabrook Police Department, Nashua Police Department, Windham Police Department, and Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – A Goffstown man was sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Zachary Janas, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joesph N. Laplante to 55 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 17, 2023, Janas plead guilty to distribution of and unlawful possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

“Individuals trafficking in fentanyl, whether acting alone or as a participant in an organized drug trafficking organization, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Drug traffickers, like the defendant, import and distribute fentanyl in New Hampshire at an alarming rate. As evident by the work done in this case, our law enforcement partners will deploy the necessary assets to investigate and bring to justice those who sell drugs knowing full well the potentially deadly consequences of their actions.”     

“Zachary Janas deserves the prison sentence he received today for distributing a significant amount of fentanyl and possessing multiple firearms in his home in Goffstown,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “Fentanyl is an insidious drug that has destroyed countless lives in New Hampshire, and the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove from our streets the dangerous criminals who peddle this poison."

On September 21, 2021, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents arranged the purchase of approximately one-half kilogram of fentanyl from Janas at his Goffstown residence. On September 24, 2021, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Janas’ residence and seized an additional one-half kilogram of fentanyl packaged for distribution, approximately $7,000 cash, multiple firearms, and ammunition.

The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force, New Hampshire State Police’s Narcotics Investigations Unit and the Goffstown Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis is prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – A Manchester man has been charged in connection with the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Walter Velez, 41, was arrested and charged with distribution of controlled substances in connection with the sale of fentanyl to a confidential informant. Velez made an initial appearance in federal court on Friday, July 21, 2023.  Velez was ordered temporarily detained and a detention hearing is scheduled for July 26, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

According to the charging documents, Velez sold fentanyl and crack cocaine on four separate occasions totaling over 200 grams of fentanyl and over 20 grams of crack cocaine.

The charge of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Vermont man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for unlawfully possessing quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Damien Rousseau, Jr., 31, formerly of Vershire, Vermont was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 10, 2023, Rousseau plead guilty to unlawful possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.

“This office is committed to prosecuting drug traffickers who possess firearms and large quantities of narcotics for distribution in New Hampshire, and surrounding states, to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Methamphetamine and cocaine are insidiously dangerous drugs that continue to ravage New Hampshire. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement, the defendant was brought to justice and our communities will be free from his drug dealing.”

“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Poly Drug Trafficking Organizations like this one headed by Mr. Rousseau, who are responsible for distributing drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take these poisons off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

On May 11, 2022, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center security personnel determined that Rousseau was in a patient’s room while in possession of a bag that contained a small quantity of narcotics and a drug ledger. The Lebanon Police Department responded and observed that Rousseau’s BMW vehicle, in the medical center’s parking-lot, had methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. A drug detecting canine also alerted the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. The defendant was arrested and released on bail.  The following day, May 12, 2022, the Lebanon Police Department observed Rousseau trespassing in their secure-impound lot. After finding him hidden in the BMW, officers arrested him and executed a search warrant on the vehicle. Law Enforcement seized approximately 436 grams of methamphetamine, 98.66 grams of cocaine, 10.5 grams of fentanyl, three loaded firearms, assorted loose ammunition, $2,179, and 20 assorted silver and gold-colored coins.   

This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration- Manchester District Office and Burlington Vermont Resident Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lebanon Police Department, and the Vermont State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.

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CONCORD – An inmate at FCI Berlin was indicted in connection with his possession of a homemade weapon within the prison, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Jawan Fernanders, 21, was indicted on one count of possession of contraband in prison. Fernanders will make an initial appearance in federal court on a later date.

According to the charging documents on May 6, 2023, Fernanders, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire, possessed a prohibited object—namely, a homemade knife with a serrated blade. 

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

Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by FCI-Berlin’s Office of the Special Investigative Supervisor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Webster man was indicted in connection with two pipe bomb explosions in Weare, New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Dale G. Stewart, Jr., 54, was indicted on three counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, specifically a destructive device.  Stewart made an initial appearance in federal court on May 3, 2023, and is detained.

According to the charging documents, Stewart allegedly constructed and detonated two destructive devices in Weare, New Hampshire, on April 26, 2023 and April 27, 2023. In response to the explosions, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Stewart’s vehicle and retrieved an additional destructive device, constructed of white PVC pipe, with glued end caps, wrapped in black electrical tape, with a green hobby fuse protruding from one of the end caps. The destructive device found in the vehicle contained more than 4 ounces of an explosive material, consistent with the manufacturing of the two recovered suspected pipe bombs from the two separate detonation scenes in Weare, New Hampshire.

The charge of possessing an unregistered destructive device provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Weare Police Department, and the Federal Protective Service led the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Hampshire State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar Vega is prosecuting the case. 

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

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CONCORD – A Woonsocket, Rhode Island man was indicted and arrested in connection with federal firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Mario Marques, 25, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to make false statements during the acquisition of firearms, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Marques will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.

According to the charging documents, Marques was legally prohibited from purchasing firearms but conspired with another person to purchase six firearms for him.  The guns were purchased from five separate federally licensed firearms dealers in New Hampshire, between September 30 and November 20, 2021.  Marques is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm for possessing a Springfield Armory Model XD, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol purchased in New Hampshire during the course of the conspiracy.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Lawrence man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for conspiring to steal firearms from three different New Hampshire gun stores, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

William Mejia, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliot to 30 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Mejia was also ordered to pay $23,915.02 in restitution. Mejia and his two co-defendants, Johariel Quezada and Ethan Ayala, were indicted on June 13, 2022. On March 29, 2023, Mejia pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee.

“The defendant and his confederates traveled to New Hampshire multiple times for one purpose – to steal 43 firearms. Such brazen behavior poses risks to our communities and will simply not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “As is apparent from this investigation, law enforcement will continue to work together to ensure that those who target federal firearm licensees will be caught, prosecuted, and incarcerated for lengthy periods upon conviction.”

“ATF works closely with our law enforcement partners as well as Federal Firearms Licensees to ensure firearms that are stolen and diverted into the community to further criminal activity, are held accountable for their actions. This sentence illustrates ATF’s abiding commitment to justice,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.

Between August 29, 2021 and October 4, 2021, Mejia conspired with others to steal firearms from three New Hampshire Federal Firearms Licensees.  Throughout the conspiracy, 43 firearms were stolen from Milford Firearms in Milford, Second Amendment Arms in Windham, and MacPherson Firearms in Brentwood. Multiple stolen firearms were recovered from a co-defendant’s residence, including one with Mejia’s fingerprints on it. Videos recovered from a co-defendant’s phone as well as from social media showed numerous stolen firearms and admissions of Mejia’s involvement in the conspiracy.

Mejia’s codefendant, Johariel Quezada, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release on May 12, 2023. Ethan Ayala is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2024.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Andover Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, the Haverhill Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Saugus Police Department, the Wellesley Police Department, and the Windham Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.

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CONCORD – A Barrington man was sentenced in federal court for defrauding the church where he worked, Journey Baptist Church in Barrington, out of approximately $130,000, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Gregory Neal of Barrington, age 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 18 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.  Neal was also ordered to pay $129,960.13 in restitution to the victims of the fraud, including the church and the insurance company that covered a portion of the losses incurred by the fraudulent activity. On April 12, 2023, Neal pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with wire fraud.    

“Today, a man who abused his position of trust- as a leader of his church- and stole from his congregation to support his gambling habit has been brought to justice,” United States Attorney Jane Young stated. “Criminals like the defendant who defraud organizations and public institutions in our community will be prosecuted by this office to the full extent of the law.”

Between January 2017 to March 2020, as the Executive Pastor of the Journey Baptist Church, Neal made unauthorized withdrawals of the church’s funds to pay off his gambling debts.  He also made unauthorized purchases with the church’s credit cards for his own benefit, including items from various vendors and retail stores. These unauthorized transactions amounted to $129,960.13. 

The United States Secret Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Derry man has been charged in connection with importing, manufacturing, and distributing steroids, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Ralph Cardarelli, 44, was charged with distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce. Cardarelli will make an initial appearance in federal court on July 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

According to the charging documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Cardarelli’s residence on March 23, 2023, federal investigations discovered over 4800 vials and bottles of suspected controlled substances and prescription drugs, including: Nandrolone Phenylpropionate; Trenbolone Acetate; Dromostanolone Propionate; Boldenone Undecylenate; Testosterone Propionate; Trenbolone Enanthate; Nandrolone Decanoate; Testosterone Enanthate; and Testosterone Cypionate.  These drugs are commonly known as steroids.  Evidence was also discovered through the search warrant that Cardarelli was importing these drugs, manufacturing, and packaging them in his residence, and dispensing the drugs without requiring a prescription.

The charge of distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 2 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000.00. The charge of causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.00. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Nashua man was sentenced in federal court for attempting to rob Bank of America and East Hollis Variety in Nashua, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Shawn Soucy, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty to 89 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.  On March 9, 2023, Soucy pleaded guilty to attempted bank robbery and interference with commerce by threats or violence.

“People who threaten others and attempt to steal from businesses in our communities will be held accountable and significantly punished for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritizes working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.  No one should have to go to work and have their safety and security jeopardized by another person.”

“Shawn Soucy is a dangerous criminal who threatened innocent victims, bank tellers and bystanders, during the commission of his violent crimes,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case should be a warning to others that if you commit a bank robbery or any other violent crime in New Hampshire, you will face serious consequences. The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force is committed to taking violent criminals off the street and stopping them from continuing to victimize others.”

On January 18, 2022, Soucy entered Bank of America and threatened to shoot the teller if that individual did not give him money.  He then went to East Hollis Variety, where he held his hand in the shape of a gun and demanded money from the clerk.  He did not take any money from either establishment.   

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske and Anna Dronzek prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Lebanon man pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, and firearms crimes, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Marshall Dimick, 32, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for October 30, 2023. The defendant was previously charged on March 9, 2021.

On July 9, 2020, an officer of the Lebanon Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by the defendant.  A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a handgun in the center console with a loaded magazine, 540 small bags containing approximately 10g of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, over $2,000 in cash, and a cell phone.  The phone contained texts of drug activity between the defendant and others, as well as a conversation between the defendant and his mother referencing the gun in the car.  The defendant is a convicted felon and cannot legally possess a gun.

The charging statute for the drug offense provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. The charging statute for the felon in possession offense provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The charging statute for offense of carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking provides a sentence of up to life in prison, and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a term of supervised release of not more than five years, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Lebanon Police Department led the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.

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CONCORD – A former Keene woman was indicted in connection with stealing more than $500,000 from her employer between 2015 and 2021, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Stephanie Pratt, 38, was indicted on six counts of wire fraud.  Pratt will appear before Magistrate Judge Andrea K. Johnstone for an initial appearance in federal court today at 2:00pm.

According to the charging documents, Pratt was the office administrator for a company based in Hinsdale, New Hampshire.  She had full access to the company’s finances, including its bank accounts and credit cards.  Over the course of six-and-a-half years, Pratt stole more than $500,000 from the company.  She cashed unauthorized checks to herself and entered them as payments to legitimate vendors in the company’s accounting system.  Pratt also used the company’s credit cards to make unauthorized personal purchases, including for items like plane tickets, a smart TV, a hot tub, Patriots tickets, and miscellaneous herbs and spices.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A bookkeeper from Barnstead was sentenced today in federal court for stealing money from both Barnstead and Hampton School Districts, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Amy Burley, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 12 months and one day in federal prison and 2 years of supervised release. Burley was also ordered to pay $131,261.81 in restitution. On February 23, 2023, Burley pleaded guilty to two counts of Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds.

“These public-school districts placed trust in Burley as their bookkeeper, and she blatantly abused that trust by stealing funds intended for the school children in these districts,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “I’m proud that we were able to bring restitution to the taxpayers while sending a deterrent message that this type of thievery will result in incarceration.”

“Instead of working honestly on behalf of two financially struggling school districts, Amy Burley took advantage of them, betraying the trust they placed in her, by stealing tens of thousands of dollars to line her own pockets,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “Her selfish greed is an affront to all the hard-working students and taxpayers struggling to make ends meet, and today’s sentence ensures she’s held accountable for her criminal conduct.”

Burley was employed as a bookkeeper for Barnstead School District and then Hampton School District.  In her role, Burley processed payroll and handled the payment of invoices.

Burley used her access at Barnstead School District to alter her payroll information, make personal student loan payments and payments to personal creditors, and pay for an Amazon account charged to Barnstead but controlled by Burley, totaling $110,295.26.  Following her termination from Barnstead, Burley was hired as a bookkeeper at Hampton School District, where she used again her position to use district funds to pay student loans and credit cards belonging to her or her family members, totaling $20,966.52

Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Education Office of the Inspector General, the Barnstead Police Department, and the Hampton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – Narquin Antonio Sanchez-Unbes, 23, will appear before Magistrate Judge Andrea K. Johnstone for an initial appearance in federal court today at 4:00pm for trafficking approximately 25 pounds of alleged crystal methamphetamine to New Hampshire from Massachusetts, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

According to the charging documents, Sanchez-Unbes delivered 25 pounds of crystal methamphetamine to law enforcement on Monday, July 10, 2023 in Rochester.  Sanchez-Unbes took an Uber from Massachusetts to traffic the package containing 25 pounds of alleged crystal methamphetamine in exchange for $58,000 in U.S. currency, of which $3000 was a delivery fee.

Sanchez was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charging statute has a penalty of not more than 20 years of imprisonment.

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

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CONCORD – A Brooklyn, New York man was indicted in connection with smuggling unauthorized immigrants across the Canadian border, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Abraham Hernandez, 27, was indicted on three counts of bringing in and harboring certain aliens. Hernandez will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.

According to the charging documents, on June 13, 2023, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police advised the U.S. Border Patrol that individuals with backpacks were walking southbound from Canada toward Halls Stream Road in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.  Hernandez was later stopped by law enforcement in Pittsburg, New Hampshire while transporting nine unauthorized immigrants in a white Honda SUV.

The charge of bringing in and harboring certain aliens provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Border Patrol led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

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

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CONCORD – A Rochester man was sentenced today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Bradford Sargent, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 108 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On March 28, 2023, Sargent pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Sargent’s co-defendant, Jennelle Brown, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison on May 12, 2023.

“The defendant and his co-defendant were significant fentanyl and methamphetamine dealers in the Seacoast,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.  “Law enforcement in the Granite State will continue their concerted efforts to disrupt conspiracies to distribute vast quantities of these dangerous drugs.”

“Today’s sentence holds Bradford Sargent accountable for trafficking significant amounts of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine in New Hampshire, and perpetuating the destructive cycle of drug addiction,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and disrupt other large-scale drug traffickers like him who are intent on flooding our communities with their poison.”

Sargent, and his co-defendant Jennelle Brown, sold drugs multiple times from their hotel room in Portsmouth. When law enforcement searched their room, they uncovered large quantities of money, drugs, and drug ledgers.  Searches of two vehicles, storage units, and safety deposit boxes uncovered more currency and drugs.  In total, law enforcement seized over $130,000, approximately 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl, 650 grams of methamphetamine, and cocaine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Strafford County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Jarad E. Hodes prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – Justin Gebo was indicted in connection with his possession of firearm as a prohibited person, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. 

Gebo, 28, was charged with three counts of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, including (1) being in possession of a firearm while under indictment; (2) being a felon in possession of a firearm; and (3) being a user of illegal drugs in possession of a firearm.

According to the charging documents, on or about January 1, 2023, Gebo was in receipt of a Ceska Zrojovka (“CZ”) model Scorpion EVO 3, S2, 9x19mm short-barreled rifle, with an attached armbrace, while he was under felony indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.  That firearm was later recovered during a homicide investigation on June 3, 2023 in Franklin, New Hampshire.  In addition, on or about February 3, 2023, Gebo was in possession of a 17 Design and Manufacturing, model 17DM-15, multicaliber rifle, after he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and while he was an unlawful user of any controlled substance.

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

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CONCORD – Special sessions of the U.S. District Court’s Central Violations Bureau were convened by U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrea K. Johnston at the Littleton District Courthouse in Littleton on Friday, June 30, 2023, and the Warren B. Rudman United States Courthouse in Concord on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

The purpose of these special sessions was to process violation notices that were issued by the U.S. Forest Service at the Rainbow Family Gathering, being held in the White Mountain National Forest. There were 121 violations issued by the U.S Forest Service, of which 37 were resolved by the defendants agreeing to pay a fine, ranging between $25-$200 per violation. Circumstances, or the evidence, warranted a dismissal of 58 violations. 24 were unresolved and will be rescheduled for the next hearing date, as the individuals failed to appear. Bench trials have been scheduled for two defendants on September 23, 2023, and November 13, 2023.

“The orderly resolution of these violations was a testament to the coordination of this office, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. District Court, who agreed to host these two special sessions,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said.

Any additional violations issued during the Rainbow Family Gathering will be processed during the U.S. District Court’s normal business.

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CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces today that PillPack, LLC dba PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy (PillPack) will pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances.

In 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating PillPack for potential violations of the CSA, and in October of 2020 conducted an audit of PillPack, which revealed recordkeeping deficiencies.  Specifically, DEA investigators found that PillPack’s records did not accurately reflect its inventory for ten Schedule III-V substances: Codeine #4, Tramadol, Zolpidem, Butalbital, Alprazolam, Acetaminophen with Codeine #3, Clonazepam, Lorazepam Carisoprodol, and Lyrica.

“PillPack’s failure to maintain accurate records risked the diversion of drugs that are often abused in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “As a pharmacy, they have a responsibility to safeguard these controlled substances, and their penalty for failing to do so, serves as a warning to other entities handling medications improperly.”

“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “When a pharmacy like PillPack fails to comply, that increases the potential for diversion and puts the safety of the public in jeopardy.  DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules are followed.”

The CSA deters the illegal distribution, possession, dispensing, and improper use of controlled substances. The CSA requires the accurate inventorying, tracking and recordkeeping of each controlled substances to prevent misuse.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation leading to the settlement agreement. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Bryam Toribio Frias, age 24, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely, cocaine.  U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2023. The defendant was previously indicted on February 1, 2023.

On December 15, 2021, the defendant signed for and accepted a package addressed to him. A search revealed that the package contained over four kilograms of cocaine.  The defendant was arrested shortly after he received the package.  A later search of the defendant’s phone showed communications he sent about the package, and a search of his residence yielded additional cocaine in his bedroom.

The charging statute for the drug offense provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court for conspiring to traffic firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Julius Clemente, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCaffery to the statutory maximum penalty of 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On February 9, 2023, Clemente pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.

“The defendant’s criminal conduct resulted in more than two dozen firearms being illegally trafficked into Massachusetts,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The consequences of his crime led to a juvenile being armed with a weapon, a weapon that was used in multiple shootings, one of which injured another juvenile. In addition, the defendant’s crime was motivated by pure greed.  The imposition of the highest possible sentence under the law sends a clear message that such conduct will result in a significant period of imprisonment.”

“Trafficking firearms results in additional crimes being committed and this sentence demonstrates ATF’s continued perseverance to stopping these crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.

Clemente conspired to traffic 25 firearms, four of which have since been recovered in Massachusetts.  One of the firearms was recovered from the waistband of a 14-year-old boy.  That firearm was previously used in four shootings in Boston, including a non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old. The defendant’s text messages indicated that he identified customers, controlled pricing, kept a substantial portion of the profits, and destroyed firearm serial numbers, making them harder for law enforcement to trace.   In addition, the defendant solicited a drug customer to serve as a straw purchaser of firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Seth R. Aframe prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Nashua man pleaded guilty in federal court to transporting stolen property, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Guangwei “William” Wu, 30, pleaded guilty to the interstate transportation of stolen property.  U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2023. Wu was charged on June 1, 2023. 

The defendant owned and operated a transshipping company in Manchester called Hai Xing Qiao.  In fall 2022, the victim company purchased Apple products, including iPads, iPhones, Apple Watches, and Macbooks, and then hired Hai Xing Qiao to forward the products onto Hong Kong.  However, Yongfu Huo, another Hong Kong-based company, paid a bribe of over $700,000 to the defendant to have the products shipped to Yongfu Huo instead.  To cover up his tracks, the defendant claimed that law enforcement had seized the Apple products and sent the victim company a false document titled “Disclaimer of Ownership” purportedly issued by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The defendant also forged the signature of a federal agent on the document.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  As part of the plea agreement, the defendant is repaying $2 million in restitution to the victim.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD –CVS has agreed to pay $70,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act at CVS stores in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

“Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to ensure that controlled substances are dispensed only pursuant to valid prescriptions,” said United States Attorney Jane E. Young.  “When pharmacies ignore red flags that a prescription is fraudulent, they miss a critical opportunity to prevent prescription drugs from being misused or diverted for unlawful uses or into the black market. We will use the Controlled Substances Act along with all other available tools to protect the residents of New Hampshire.  I am grateful to the DEA’s diversion investigators for their investigative work in this case.”

“Pharmacies are responsible for handling controlled substances responsibly and staying in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Any violation of that will not be tolerated. We are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office contended that CVS pharmacists filled 41 forged prescriptions of Adderall, Ritalin, and Xanax. This affirmative civil enforcement resulted from two separate criminal investigations into individuals who filled prescriptions at multiple CVS pharmacies in New Hampshire. Theodoros Bahtsevanos pled guilty in June 2019 to two counts of misuse of a DEA registration number and one count of possession of five or more false identification documents, based on his presentment and obtaining numerous prescriptions under fictitious names.  He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 3 years of probation on April 30, 2020.  Jane Mastrogiovanni pled guilty to ten counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge in July 2020 based on her use of forged prescriptions to obtain controlled substances.  She was sentenced to 3 years of probation on February 5, 2021, following transfer of the case to the U.S. District Court for New Jersey.

Under the Controlled Substances Act, a valid prescription for a controlled substance must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of his or her practice. Based on its investigation, the government alleged that the pharmacists at CVS should have known that they were presented with invalid prescriptions that should not have been filled.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces today that Cheshire Medical Center (CMC) in Keene will pay $2 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances, including opioids.

“Cheshire Medical Center’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the Controlled Substance Act enabled the theft of prescription narcotics – including powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which led to a shockingly high percentage of drugs missing from CMS’s inventory. The failures uncovered warranted a multi-million-dollar penalty and a stringent corrective action plan,” said U.S. Attorney Jane Young. “This is one of the largest settlements of drug diversion claims against a hospital in the country.”

“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety.  DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.”

The CSA deters the illegal distribution, possession, dispensing, and improper use of controlled substances, all of which have contributed to the opioid epidemic. The CSA requires the accurate inventorying, tracking and recordkeeping of each controlled substances to prevent misuse.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation of CMC after a nurse had stolen twenty-three intravenous bags of fentanyl solution from an automatic medication dispensing machine. CMC initially disclosed this theft to the DEA in February 2022. CMC later reported that an additional six hundred thirty-four bags of fentanyl were unaccounted for. The nurse that allegedly stole these drugs died on March 3, 2022. In April 2022, DEA investigators conducted audits of eight controlled substances at CMC’s inpatient pharmacy, which included audits of fentanyl 2ml vial; fentanyl 50 ml vial; fentanyl 50 ml IV bag; midazolam 2ml vial; lorazepam 1ml vial; hydromorphone 4mg tablet; hydromorphone 1 ml vial; and morphine sulfate 1ml vial.

This audit revealed an additional 17,961 missing controlled substance units and various related recordkeeping deficiencies on the part of CMC, such as failing to maintain accurate purchase and dispensation records. The audit also revealed that, among other things, CMC failed to regularly review reports to look for possible diversion, to have sufficient structures in place to alert it to the greatly increased purchasing of controlled substances from one month to the other, and to enforce various controlled substance security policies. 

The settlement resolved the allegations that CMC violated the recordkeeping requirements of the CSA and its regulations.  As part of the settlement, in addition to the improvements voluntarily undertaken by CMC before and after the DEA investigation, CMC has agreed to additional security and recordkeeping measures.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation leading to the settlement agreement. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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CONCORD – A former Concord man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing fentanyl and cocaine, and distributing fentanyl in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Juan Abud, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 36 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. On February 23, 2023, Abud pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

“The defendant will serve a lengthy sentence for dealing dangerous drugs in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “His incarceration should serve as a warning to those that traffic controlled substances across state lines that law enforcement in New Hampshire will investigate and prosecute these crimes to the greatest extent that we can.”

On both January 4 and January 10, 2022, Abud sold 50 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating source.  Following the sale on January 10, Abud was observed by law enforcement in Lawrence, Massachusetts with an unidentified male carrying a bag. When Abud returned to New Hampshire later that day, Law enforcement stopped his vehicle and seized 683 grams of fentanyl and 140 grams of cocaine.  Abud was arrested on September 7, 2022 in Concord, New Hampshire.  At the time of his arrest, law enforcement seized a .45-caliber Ruger handgun with a magazine and nine bullets, as well as 150 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of fentanyl, 13.8 grams of methamphetamine, and 4.3 grams of cocaine base from Abud’s vehicle.

The New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Unit led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces the appointment of career prosecutor Jeff Strelzin as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and the appointments of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland as the Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC) and Jarad Hodes as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Coordinator.

AUSA Strelzin has over 25 years of experience as a prosecutor. AUSA Strelzin most recently served as the Associate Attorney General, Director of the Division of Public Protection at the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, where he oversaw the Criminal Bureau, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, and the Environmental Protection Bureau. During his career, AUSA Strelzin prosecuted murder cases as the Chief of the Homicide Unit for nearly 15 years and investigated hundreds of suspicious deaths.  He also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office in 2003. AUSA Strelzin is expected to investigate and prosecute a variety of federal crimes, including violent crime, firearm and drug offences, and immigration cases.

“Assistant U.S. Attorney Strelzin has devoted his career to serving New Hampshire,” said Jane E. Young. “Not only has he spent the past three decades working to make our communities safer, but he has been a committed granite-stater, attending college and law school here.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland has been appointed to serve as the district’s Senior Litigation Counsel. The SLC is a federal prosecutor with at least five years of experience who has been recognized as an outstanding litigator. The SLC is responsible for in-office trainings of other Assistant U.S. Attorneys. Weiland will continue to serve as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and the Human Trafficking Coordinator.

“Assistant U.S. Attorney Weiland has had a distinguished career both in the District of New Hampshire and the Western District of Tennessee,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “She is an exceptional attorney that has earned the respect of her colleagues. She will be an outstanding mentor for this generation of prosecutors.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes has been promoted to serve as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Coordinator in the District of New Hampshire. The OCDETF Coordinator is responsible for leading the district’s specialized investigation and prosecutions of drug trafficking and money laundering criminal conspiracies.

AUSA Hodes previously served as a Trial Attorney in the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, as well as an Associate Deputy Attorney General, and an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California. AUSA Hodes will continue to serve as the National Security Coordinator in the District of New Hampshire.

“Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes’ experience in the U.S. Department of Justice makes him uniquely suited to lead the organized crime and drug enforcement task force for the District of New Hampshire,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “The OCDETF program requires cohesion and coordination among our federal investigative partners, and Jarad is undoubtedly equipped to work with this specialized group of agents.”

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CONCORD – An inmate at FCI Berlin pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord to assaulting and seriously injuring another prisoner, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Aniel Gomez, 48, pleaded guilty to an assault resulting in serious bodily injury. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for September 26, 2023. Gomez was charged on March 15, 2023.

On December 19, 2022, Gomez beat another inmate with a homemade weapon consisting of two padlocks strapped together.  Prison video footage showed Gomez waiting for the victim.  After the victim exited a shower, Gomez followed him and beat him with the homemade weapon. As a result, the victim suffered head trauma including lacerations above the right eyebrow and back of the head. 

At the time of the assault, Gomez was serving a 365 month imprisonment for conspiracy to maintain a residence for manufacturing and distributing marijuana, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 100 or more marijuana plants.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and FCI-Berlin’s Office of the Special Investigative Supervisor led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.  

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