District of New Hampshire

            CONCORD –Philip Wetmore, 32, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in February 2022, Wetmore sold approximately 81 grams of crystal methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) at a residence and in a retail store in Nashua, New Hampshire. After the second drug sale, the FBI arrested Wetmore, who had a loaded firearm on his person, as he drove out of the store parking lot. The FBI subsequently executed a search warrant on Wetmore’s vehicle and seized approximately 671 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a second loaded firearm, and other items associated with drug trafficking. Wetmore is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

            Wetmore is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2023.

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force with the assistance of the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.

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CONCORD, N.H. – Joshua Olsen, 30, of Lee, New Hampshire, was charged in federal court with distribution of child sexual abuse materials, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            Olsen was arrested without incident on Friday, December 9, after investigators executed a search warrant at his residence in Lee. According to court documents and statements made in court, in November, Olsen distributed child pornography to an undercover FBI agent through on-line chat platforms. 

            Olsen had an initial appearance hearing in federal district court last Friday. At that time, the Court ordered him detained pending a detention hearing that was scheduled for today. At today’s detention hearing the Court ordered Olsen detained pending trial.

            This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lee Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kasey Weiland.

            A complaint is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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            CONCORD – John E. Murray, III, 56, of Alton Bay pled guilty in federal court today to twelve counts of production of child sexual abuse materials and four counts of sex trafficking of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            Murray was a manager at the West Alton Marina on Alton Bay, where he was responsible for hiring and supervising seasonal employees, many of whom were minors.  According to court documents and statements made in court, Murray solicited minor employees of the marina for sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, often in exchange for cash.  Murray directed the victims to send him the videos via Snapchat, and videos of the victims were found on Murray’s cell phone and in his Snapchat account.  Murray also subjected minor employees to unwanted sexual contact and sexual acts, to include fondling and oral sex.  With respect to two minor victims, Murray made cash payments to the victims in exchange for allowing Murray to perform sexual acts on the victims.  The conduct took place over the course of several years and dates back to at least 2015.  Murray has been in state custody since August 2021 on related charges.  The binding plea agreement filed in federal court recommends that Murray be sentenced to 300 months—or 25 years—of imprisonment. 

            Sentencing is scheduled for March 22, 2023.

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Alton Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

             In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Jabreel A. Amir, 41, of Waterbury, Connecticut, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking charges, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2022, Amir arranged with an individual who was cooperating with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) to deliver a quantity of cocaine to this individual in New Hampshire. On May 9, 2022, law enforcement officers surveilled Amir as he travelled from Waterbury, Connecticut to New Hampshire to conduct the drug sale and stopped Amir’s vehicle in Concord, New Hampshire. A search of Amir’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately more than 2 kilograms of cocaine. 

            Amir is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2023.

            This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.

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            CONCORD – Brandon Dumont, 30, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in connection with the attempted acquisition of a firearm, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to statements made in court, Dumont is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of a prior felony conviction.  On April 2, 2022, Dumont attempted to purchase a rifle from Wal-Mart, a federally licensed firearms dealer, in North Conway, New Hampshire.  Dumont falsely represented that he had never been convicted of a felony when, in fact, he had previously been convicted of a felony.  On April 8, 2022, Dumont purchased over 400 rounds of ammunition from a gun store in Hooksett, New Hampshire.  On April 11, 2022, Dumont possessed three firearms, including a revolver and a .45 caliber pistol

            Dumont is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2023.   

            The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Concord Police Department, and the Londonderry Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.

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            CONCORD – Eric Mohan, 48, of Manchester, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for a string of bank robberies in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Mohan’s three-month robbery spree began on February 11, 2022, when he robbed a Triangle Credit Union in Manchester, New Hampshire using a demand note, and stealing $2070. Subsequently, Mohan twice robbed a Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, an Align Credit Union in Danvers, Massachusetts, a Northeast Credit Union in Lee, New Hampshire, and a Service Federal Credit Union in Hampton, New Hampshire. Unbeknownst to Mohan, on April 4, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation had identified his vehicle, tracked him to Hampton, and arrested him as he was leaving the Service Federal Credit Union. While being arrested, Mohan dropped a bag containing $10,659 in currency and a demand note.

            “Bank robbers, like the defendant, endanger the safety of the bank employees, the public and law enforcement officers who respond to these robberies,” said U.S. Attorney Young.    “As evidenced by the diligent investigation in this case, law enforcement will prioritize apprehending bank robbers and the United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute bank robbers and seek lengthy periods of incarceration to protect the public and to deter others from committing this dangerous crime.”

            “Eric Mohan is a serial bank robber who terrorized innocent bank tellers and bystanders just trying to go about their daily lives, and his actions will no doubt have a lifelong impact on those involved,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence should send a clear message that if you rob a bank in this state, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you, arrest you, and ensure you go to federal prison for a long time.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, with valuable assistance from the Tewksbury Police Department and the Danvers Police Department.

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            CONCORD – Kaylie Esquivel Arizmendi, 32, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Arizmendi was receiving Supplemental Nutritional Agricultural (SNAP) benefits, better known as food stamps, and Medicaid benefits.  In New Hampshire, the state Department of Health and Human Services administers the food stamp and Medicaid programs.  Because eligibility is tied to household resources, applicants are required to provide truthful information to the state and timely notify the state if their household’s composition or income changes.

            Arizmendi married her spouse in February 2015.  On March 3, 2015, she applied to the Department of Health and Human Services for food stamps and Medicaid benefits.  She claimed under penalty of perjury that she was unmarried.  Between March 2015 and November 2020, Arizmendi continued to falsely represent to the state that she was unmarried and claimed she and her spouse had no personal relationship to one another.  For example, she provided a fraudulent “Rental Verification Request” identifying her spouse as a “Landlord, Manager or Housing Official.” 

            If Arizmendi truthfully disclosed her marital status, her spouse’s income would have reduced her eligibility for benefits.  In total, Arizmendi obtained $64,401 in food stamps and Medicaid benefits she was not entitled to receive.

            Arizmendi is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2023.

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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            CONCORD - Jerry S. Roberts, Jr., 38, of Concord, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison and lifetime supervised release for exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2019, the Concord Police arrested Roberts, a convicted sex offender, following his assault of another individual.  The victim of the assault advised that Roberts and a minor (Child Victim A) had left their personal property in the victim’s apartment. Pursuant to a search warrant, detectives searched the bags and recovered assorted electronic media, including a digital camera. Detectives obtained an additional search warrant for the electronic media.  From the digital camera, detectives identified two videos that Roberts filmed depicting Child Victim A engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

            “Roberts is a repeat and dangerous sex offender against children. The sentence handed down in this case reflects the serious nature of the crimes committed by this defendant, which are particularly troubling given his multiple prior convictions for sexual abuse of young children,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “This office is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society—our children—and to bringing sexual predators like Roberts to justice.”

            “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes Roberts committed and damage he has done to the children he harmed. He will now be behind bars, unable to reoffend, while those he victimized can begin to heal and look to the future. Homeland Security Investigations is proud to provide assistance and expertise to our local partners in the Concord Police Department, working together to ensure predators like Roberts are brought to justice,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

            “The Concord Police Department remains committed to investigating crimes against children in an effort to protect such a vulnerable population,” said Lt. Marc P. McGonagle, Criminal Investigations Division. “We are thankful for the hard work that was put in by all investigators from the Concord Police Department, Homeland Security and staff from the US Attorney’s Office on this case.”

            This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cam T. Le and Alexander S. Chen.

             In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Dennis Michael Bousquet, 32, of Lisbon, NH, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release for production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Bousquet was observed by an undercover FBI agent in an online chat group devoted to child exploitation, to include the exchange of child sexual abuse material.  During a chat with the undercover agent, Bousquet sent several sexually explicit images of a prepubescent child.  Upon receiving these images, the FBI submitted emergency legal process to obtain subscriber information related to the target account.  A review of this information and the associated IP address logs led federal agents to Bousquet’s residence.  During the execution of a federal search warrant, Bousquet admitted to taking the images and disseminating them online.  Bousquet further admitted to having engaged in similar conduct with another child several years ago.

            “Protecting children from sexual predators is a paramount priority for this office and for our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to ferret out such predatory actions,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “The sentence imposed on the defendant demonstrates the grievousness of his criminal conduct.  Those who engage in such depraved actions will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.

            “Dennis Bousquet’s actions were atrocious and what he subjected his young victims to will likely have untold ramifications for years.  Today’s sentence ensures he will not be able to subject another child to sexual abuse and exploitation for quite some time,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work hard every day to put predators like him who harm children behind bars.”

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the Lisbon Police Department, and the Littleton Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey A. Weiland.

             In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Leith Sukkar, 22, of Merrimack, pleaded guilty in federal court to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and making false statements during the acquisition of firearms, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to statements made in court, between September 2021 to May 3, 2022, Sukkar purchased 22 firearms from four federally licensed dealers in New Hampshire.  Sukkar falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms when, in fact, he was purchasing the firearms for other people.  On May 3, 2022, Sukkar made a false statement during the purchase of a Glock model 29, 10mm pistol and a Glock model 43, 9mm pistol from Shooter’s Outpost, a federally licensed firearms dealer, located in Hooksett, New Hampshire.  Similarly, on April 27, 2022, Sukkar made a false statement during the purchase of a Taurus model G2S, 9mm pistol, from Shooter’s Outpost.  Other evidence obtained during the investigation showed that he was charging $900 for firearms and accepted drugs as payment for at least one firearm.  Sukkar does not have a license to sell or deal in firearms. 

            Sukkar is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023.   

            The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manchester Police Department Special Investigations Unit, and the New Hampshire State Police.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deb Walsh.

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            CONCORD – Craig Wiggin, 44, formerly of Rochester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to sell fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2021, Wiggin conspired with other individuals to sell approximately 225 grams of fentanyl to an individual cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and to an FBI Task Force Officer, who was acting in an undercover capacity as a drug customer. The drug sales occurred at various locations in Rochester, New Hampshire.

            Wiggin is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023.

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force and the New Hampshire State Police’s Narcotics Investigations Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.

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            CONCORD – Scott Wilkinson, 38, of Concord, New Hampshire, was charged in a criminal complaint today with one count of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            Wilkinson was arrested on Friday, November 11, 2022, and made an initial court appearance in the District of New Hampshire today at 3:00 pm.  The defendant was detained and a detention hearing has been scheduled for November 17, 2022 at 2:30 pm.

            The criminal complaint filed in court alleges that Wilkinson traveled from New Hampshire to New Jersey to engage in sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female victim and used his phone to video the act which occurred in the back of his car.  In addition, internet activity reported by Google, Inc. indicated that files depicting apparent child sexual abuse materials were uploaded to Wilkinson’s Google Drive account from the IP address associated with his residence in Concord.

            The charges in the criminal complaint are only allegations.  The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Concord Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Zuckerman and Kasey Weiland.

             In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Kevin Scott, 46, of Manchester was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute powder cocaine and cocaine base (“crack” cocaine), and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, officers of the Litchfield Police Department received information from a confidential source that the defendant, Mr. Scott, was using an apartment in Litchfield to cook crack cocaine.  Surveillance revealed Mr. Scott coming in and out of the apartment, carrying a fanny pack from the apartment into his car.  A traffic stop of Scott’s car was conducted, and a subsequent search of his car revealed a Glock 9 mm pistol, lactose powder (a known cutting agent for cocaine), and $10,982 in cash inside the fanny pack. Litchfield police officers also found a baggie near where Mr. Scott had been standing prior to his arrest, which contained 5.83 grams of crack cocaine and 5.86 grams of powder cocaine.  Text messages from Mr. Scott’s phone confirmed his involvement in drug trafficking.

            “Felons like the defendant who carry guns and deal drugs pose a unique threat to the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Due to the efforts of the Litchfield Police Department, working in collaboration with ATF and the DEA, the defendant’s efforts to distribute dangerous narcotics were thwarted and he has been held accountable for his crimes.”

            “DEA is committed to investigating individuals involved in drug trafficking like Mr. Scott in Litchfield, New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”

            “ATF remains dedicated in our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them” said James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our state, local and federal, law enforcement partners to combat violent crimes that occur within our communities.” 

             This matter was investigated by the Litchfield Police Department in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Cam Le.

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            CONCORD – Anthony Silva, 37, of Hampton, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and mail fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Silva orchestrated two different fraud schemes.  First, in late 2021, he used stolen personal identifying information of victims, including their names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth, to apply for 15 different credit cards from American Express.  Silva sometimes also submitted fake driver’s licenses with the victims’ names and other personal identifying information, but with his own photograph.  Silva used the credit cards to make personal purchases at retailers like Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, and Home Depot, and was recorded on store security footage making the purchases.

            Second, between April 2020 and May 2021, Silva submitted unemployment insurance applications to Vermont and Massachusetts using the identities of many individuals.  He typically had the unemployment insurance payments mailed as checks to addresses he controlled or had access to.  He then deposited the checks into one of 32 different trust accounts he opened at Citizens Bank, which were in the names of purported charitable causes.  

            Silva will be required to pay restitution of $699,496.14 and forfeit the trust accounts he controlled at Citizens Bank.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2023.   

            The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General, and Secret Service.  It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy.

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            CONCORD – Juan Veras-Marcano, 29, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 170 grams of fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant sold over 170 grams of fentanyl over the course of eight controlled purchases to a confidential source and an undercover agent.  In addition, he was attempting to sell another 20 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent at the time of his arrest.  The defendant made the sales in the parking lots outside various retail stores in Salem, New Hampshire.  The defendant took measures to avoid law enforcement detection before selling the drugs by secreting baggies of fentanyl in his mouth and working with a conspirator who conducted countersurveillance techniques.  In a subsequent search of the defendant’s phone, law enforcement viewed photos of large stacks of cash, and the defendant’s texts reveal that he sent large amounts of money to the Dominican Republic during the time he was dealing drugs.  

            “This case demonstrates the law enforcement efforts expended to stop deadly narcotics like fentanyl from flooding our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “Despite the defendant’s covert attempts to avoid law enforcement detection, through the use of confidential sources and undercover agents, law enforcement was able to apprehend the defendant in the act of dealing fentanyl.  Bringing the defendant to justice was the result of a collaboration among state law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, working in partnership with the DEA and our office.”

             This matter was investigated by the Salem Police Narcotics Unit in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Attorney General’s Task Force, with the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.

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            CONCORD – Richard J. Crispin, 26, of Rochester, NH, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 24, 2022 and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            Crispin has been in custody since April 2021 on related charges in Maine. He had an initial appearance on Tuesday, and he will remain in custody pending resolution of his federal and state criminal matters.

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

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Somersworth, NH Police Department, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, the North Berwick, ME Police Department, and the Rochester, NH Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le.

            In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Jared Stottlar, 43, of Tilton, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 8, 2019, law enforcement obtained a search warrant to search Stottlar’s truck and found two firearms, $54,000, drug packaging materials, and over 500 grams of methamphetamine.  A search of Stottlar’s bedroom also uncovered six additional firearms and more drug packaging materials.

            Stottlar is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2023.   

            The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Tilton, Franklin, and Sanbornton Police Departments.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth R. Aframe.

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            CONCORD – John E. Murray, III, of Alton Bay was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with twelve counts of production of child pornography and four counts of sex trafficking of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            Murray was a manager at the West Alton Marina on Alton Bay, where he was responsible for hiring and supervising seasonal employees, many of whom were minors.  The indictment alleges that Murray solicited minor employees of the marina for sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, often in exchange for cash.  He is also accused of subjecting minor employees to unwanted sexual contact and sexual acts. The offenses alleged in the indictment took place over the course of several years and date back to at least 2015.  Murray has been in state custody since August 2021 on related charges.

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

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Alton Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

            In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Jennifer Bosworth, 31, of Keene, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 1, 2021, law enforcement officers conducting surveillance of Ms. Bosworth observed her travel by car from her residence in Keene, New Hampshire, to Lawrence, Massachusetts, picking up an associate along the way.  Once in Lawrence, she stopped at an ATM and made multiple cash withdrawals.  She then drove to an area in Lawrence known for its drug activity. Law enforcement observed Ms. Bosworth interact with an individual who walked up to Ms. Bosworth’s vehicle but did not get inside.  Ms. Bosworth then drove back to Keene. Ms. Bosworth was on probation at the time and had violated its terms by traveling out of state, so law enforcement conducted a stop of her car.  After removing Ms. Bosworth from her car, law enforcement observed a baggie containing roughly 15 grams of crack cocaine. A later search of Ms. Bosworth’s car resulted in the seizure of over 85 additional grams of crack cocaine, over 80 grams of fentanyl, and roughly 10 grams of powder cocaine, along with $1,220 in an Arizona Tea can “hide” compartment, and ATM receipts showing numerous large cash withdrawals totaling thousands of dollars. 

            “Drug dealers like the defendant who traffic fentanyl, crack cocaine and other dangerous drugs across our state borders for distribution will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “Through the efforts of Homeland Security and local law enforcement working with our office, the defendant will no longer be able to sell these lethal drugs that are poisoning residents of Keene and other New Hampshire communities.” 

            This matter was investigated by the Keene Police Department with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.

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            CONCORD – Renee Crawford, 35, of Danville was sentenced to 2 years of probation with six months of home confinement and ordered to pay full restitution for embezzling $66,114.02 from Saint Anselm College, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Crawford was employed as the Assistant Vice President of Finance for the College.  In her role, Crawford had authority to manage invoice approvals, enter vendor information, and had oversight of the Finance Office’s credit card program.

            Crawford used her access to submit fraudulent invoices for a company that she created, receiving more than $44,000 from the College which she used for personal purchases. In addition, Crawford used two College issued credit cards to make personal purchases, such as family vacations and theme park tickets, totaling nearly $22,000.

            According to statements made in court, Crawford is making full restitution to Saint Anselm College today.

            “As the Assistant Vice President of Finance for St. Anselm College, Renee Crawford went to great lengths to submit phony receipts for thousands of dollars in personal purchases, including family vacations and theme park tickets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Defrauding her employer not only exhibited poor judgement, but it is a federal crime for which she has now been held accountable.”

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Goffstown Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy

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            CONCORD – Raheem Tyler, 24, of Manchester, was sentenced today to 34 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 7 and 23, 2021, the defendant took videos of himself carrying a handgun, which he posted on social media.  Through investigation, law enforcement was able to determine the defendant’s location.  Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the apartment where the defendant was when he posted the July 23, 2021 video of himself with the gun.  The search led to seizure of the handgun.  The defendant later admitted that he had carried the gun.  The defendant was legally prohibited from possessing a gun because he was a convicted felon based on multiple convictions, including a 2017 robbery in Manchester.

            “Felons who possess firearms, especially those like the defendant who was convicted of a violent crime in his past, pose a serious threat to public safety” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “The defendant was apprehended and convicted due to the diligent efforts of the Manchester Police Anti-Crime Unit, whose mission is the reduction of violent crime and apprehension of violent criminals.  The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to work with local law enforcement to keep our communities safe from felons in possession of firearms.” 

            “I am very pleased with this sentence, as it sends a clear message that violent criminals have no place in our community,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “I would like to commend the detectives in our Anti-Crime Unit for their commitment to this case. This positive resolution is a testament to their hard work.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.

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            CONCORD – Pierre Rogers, 44, of Irvine, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between March 2020 and November 2021, Rogers and his co-defendant, Joshua Leavitt, agreed to fraudulently apply for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.  Congress had authorized the PPP and EIDL relief programs to help the millions of Americans and many small businesses adversely affected by the early stages of the COVID pandemic.  PPP loans were issued by private lenders but fully guaranteed by the government, and EIDL funds were issued by the Small Business Administration.

            For example, during their conspiracy Leavitt applied for a $175,000 PPP loan from TD Bank for one of their companies, Puro Group.  The application falsely claimed that Puro Group’s monthly payroll was $70,000 and that the company had six employees.  Rogers knew that the application had false information and signed it.

            False supporting documents were included with this application.  One of those documents was a false IRS Form 941, or quarterly tax return, for the first quarter of 2020.  The document, which was purportedly filed with the IRS, claimed that Puro Group had five employees that quarter who were paid a total of $209,999.99.  The document also claimed that the company paid actual federal income tax of $27,600 that quarter.  However, that document was never filed with the IRS.  The real tax filings showed that Puro Group paid $48,255.53 to its employees during the entire calendar year of 2020, or approximately $4,000 per month.

            Rogers then spent $107,780 of the PPP loan proceeds to purchase a Rolls Royce Ghost.

            As another example of the fraud, during the conspiracy Leavitt applied and obtained a $29,000 EIDL and $7,000 Economic Injury Disaster Grant for one of Rogers’s companies, Monticello Transnational.  The application falsely claimed that Monticello Transnational’s gross revenues for the year preceding January 31, 2020, was $75,000 and that the company had seven employees.  However, bank records showed no payments to employees and that the company had only a few thousand dollars’ worth of deposits.  In addition, there were no tax filings for the company for 2019 or the first quarter of 2020. 

            In total, Rogers and Leavitt attempted to fraudulently obtain more than $3.5 million in PPP and EIDL funds.  Rogers will be required to pay restitution of $803,756.

            Rogers is scheduled to be sentenced on January 31, 2023. Leavitt previously pled guilty to bank fraud and wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2023.

            The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and Secret Service, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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            CONCORD – Paul Ubsdell (a/k/a Paul Upstall and Paul James Kanes), 49, of the United Kingdom, was sentenced today to 8 months in federal prison and a fine of $10,000 for failure to surrender for service of sentence, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Ubsdell was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison in 2013 following his guilty plea to wire fraud conspiracy. At the defendant’s request, the sentencing court granted his request to return to the United Kingdom and settle his affairs before reporting to the designated Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility to serve his sentence.  Rather than face punishment for his crime, Ubsdell later changed his legal name, and he remained in the United Kingdom for 8 years until his extradition. Ubsdell was taken into custody on August 25, 2021, on the United States’ extradition request, and he was taken into U.S. custody on May 18, 2022.

            Ubsdell’s sentence for failure to surrender for service of sentence will run consecutive to the 18 months in prison that was imposed in 2013.  

            “This prosecution demonstrates that defendants cannot flee from the United States to escape responsibility for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “Ubsdell violated his promise to surrender to serve his sentence, and instead spent years avoiding the punishment for his crime.  Through hard work and diligence of the U.S. Marshals Service and law enforcement officials in the United Kingdom, Ubsdell was located and extradited back to New Hampshire to face the consequences of his 2013 guilty plea and his flight from justice.  Other criminal defendants should take note that efforts to flee from justice will not succeed.”

             This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in the UK to secure the arrest and extradition of Ubsdell. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Seth R. Aframe will lead the efforts of her office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.  AUSA Aframe has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of New Hampshire, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

            United States Attorney Young said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

            The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

            Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

            United States Attorney Young stated that: “The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the right to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Aframe will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 603-230-2503.

            In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 857-386-2000 or at tips.fbi.gov.

            Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

            United States Attorney Young said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

            Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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            CONCORD – Intertech Trading Corporation, an Atkinson, New Hampshire-based laboratory equipment distributor, was sentenced today in federal court after pleading guilty to 14 felony counts of failure to file export information on shipments to Russia and Ukraine, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced. Judge Paul Barbadoro ordered that Intertech pay the maximum allowable fine of $10,000 per count, for a total of $140,000, and be subject to a two-year term of corporate probation and monitoring.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2015 and 2019, Intertech exported laboratory equipment to Russia, Ukraine, and elsewhere, falsely describing the nature and value of the exported items on commercial invoices and shipping forms. In its plea agreement, Intertech admitted that it used false, innocuous descriptions such as “lamp for aquarium” or “spares for welding system,” rather than accurately identifying the sophisticated scientific equipment actually contained in the shipments. Intertech admitted that it drastically undervalued the shipments, thereby evading the requirement to file Electronic Export Information, which would have been reported to the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security.

            “Evasion of export control requirements is a serious felony and undermines the government’s ability to ensure that sensitive equipment does not end up in the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Our office works closely with our law enforcement partners to detect, deter, and punish companies and individuals that violate export control laws.”

            “Through lies and deceit, Intertech Trading Corporation evaded U.S. export laws to illegally send sophisticated scientific equipment to Russia and Ukraine, jeopardizing our national security,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case demonstrates how the FBI and our law enforcement partners will use all the resources at our disposal to ensure that sensitive technology doesn’t end up in the wrong hands, and those who try and circumvent U.S. law will be held accountable.”

             This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, and the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes and Trial Attorney David Lim of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

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            CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $88,528 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the District of New Hampshire. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grant, to the New Hampshire Department of Justice, is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

            Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

            “Today’s grant award will hopefully be a step toward preventing violence from occurring in the future,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “It is only by a dedicated and sustained collaboration between law enforcement and community partners that we can truly address gun violence that strikes every corner of our communities.” 

            “Reducing violence and sustaining those reductions will require strong partnerships between criminal justice agencies and community stakeholders and a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of every community member,” said OJP Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg. “The investments we are making through Project Safe Neighborhoods will enable every stakeholder to play a part in building safer and healthier communities.”

            PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

            “Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

             The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

             The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

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            CONCORD – Jonathan Sepulveda-Lara, 44, of Manchester, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for the sale of fentanyl and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2020, an individual cooperating with the Manchester Police Department purchased 19.85 grams of fentanyl from Mr. Sepulveda-Lara.  Moreover, the investigation revealed that for approximately ten years, Sepulveda-Lara used a false identity, using a Social Security number and birthdate associated with an actual Puerto Rican citizen.

            “Using another person’s identity is a severe invasion of privacy.  Coupling that with the sale of dangerous narcotics is conduct that jeopardizes the safety and security of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “This federal sentence reflects the seriousness of this conduct and the potentially devastating impact on our citizens.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the New Hampshire State Police. 

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           CONCORD – William Hallinan, 36, of Rochester, was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 2, 2020, a traffic stop of the vehicle Mr. Hallinan was driving and a subsequent search of his vehicle conducted by Somersworth Police yielded a baggie of methamphetamine, a loaded 9 mm handgun, a digital scale, and multiple unused baggies. Mr. Hallinan was also carrying roughly $900 in cash in his pocket.  In a post-arrest interview, Mr. Hallinan admitted to selling drugs, and explained he carried the firearm to protect his money.  On September 14, 2020, Strafford County Sheriff’s deputies conducted another motor vehicle stop of Mr. Hallinan, and during a pat check found a sheathed knife on his person, a switch blade, $1,131 in cash, 5.4 grams of crack cocaine, and a handgun.  A subsequent search of his vehicle resulted in seizure of roughly 100 grams of fentanyl, 27.5 grams of methamphetamine, 24.5 grams of cocaine, a .45 caliber handgun, and $12,371 in cash.  A search of Mr. Hallinan’s telephone revealed exchanges showing he conspired with his source of supply to purchase narcotics for distribution. Texts in his phone confirmed he was dealing drugs from February to September of 2020. 

            “Armed drug traffickers are a threat to the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “Bringing these criminals to justice is a priority for the United States Attorney’s Office, so that we curb the violence and societal harm that stems from distribution of narcotics by armed criminals like the defendant.” 

               “Guns and drugs take far too many lives in our communities, and William Hallinan was contributing to the devastating impact of both here in New Hampshire,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “With today’s sentence, this armed drug trafficker will spend a significant time behind bars, while the FBI continues to work with our law enforcement partners to remove dangerous criminals from the streets.”

This matter was investigated by the Rochester Police Department with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.

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            CONCORD – Antron Hughes, 60, formerly of Nashua, New Hampshire was sentenced to 68 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately December 2022 through March 2021, Hughes conspired with another individual on five occasions to distribute quantities of cocaine base (“crack”) to an individual who was cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua, New Hampshire Police Department during their investigation into increased drug trafficking in the “Tree Streets” area of the city. 

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force and the Nashua, New Hampshire Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.

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            CONCORD – Russell Graham, 42, of Lowell, MA was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Graham communicated online with an undercover law enforcement officer in New Hampshire and sent the undercover officer numerous images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Graham was arrested when he traveled to New Hampshire to meet the undercover officer.  A cell phone containing additional child sexual abuse material was seized from Graham at the time of his arrest.  Graham was previously convicted of possession of child pornography in Massachusetts in 2017.

            The case was investigated by the Nashua Police Department with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey A. Weiland and Georgiana MacDonald.

             In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Jason Ellis, 45, of Derry was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Ellis engaged in sexually graphic online conversations with numerous individuals, some of whom appeared to be minors as young as 14 years old.  Several of these chats included Ellis soliciting and receiving nude images from apparent minors.  Ellis also sent images of his own genitalia to apparent minors.  One of the individuals that Ellis was corresponding with online was actually an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl.  Ellis corresponded with the undercover and expressed his desire to meet her for sexual contact.  His chats with the undercover took place over several months and included explicit discussions about sexual acts.  Portions of these conversations, as well as the online accounts Ellis had used to communicate with the undercover, were later found on Ellis’ phone during the execution of a search warrant.  Also found on Ellis’ phone were over 100 images of child sexual abuse material.

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Derry Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey A. Weiland.

             In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD – Christopher Archambault, 56, of Rochester, was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 24, 2020, after conducting surveillance of a residence in Weare, NH believed to be the site of drug activity, officers of the New Hampshire State Police conducted a motor vehicle stop of a car in which Mr. Archambault was a passenger.  A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a black cloth bag concealed in the cushion of the back passenger seat, which contained 250.6 grams of fentanyl, packaged for distribution in smaller baggies.  Mr. Archambault admitted that the drugs belonged to him.  

            “We will prosecute drug dealers who poison the community with dangerous narcotics to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “This federal sentence reflects the recognized danger that narcotics, and those who sell them for a profit, pose to our state.  Our office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt illegal drug distribution in a concerted effort to prevent the harm that narcotics such as fentanyl are causing New Hampshire residents.”

             “DEA is committed to investigating individuals who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers who distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes deadly drugs.”

             This matter was investigated by New Hampshire State Police with the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Cam Le.

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CONCORD – In connection with a nationwide effort to bring attention to elder fraud scams, United States Attorney Jane E. Young made the following statement today, “It is paramount that we protect our elder adults from scams targeted to steal their hard-earned assets.  A critical tool in combatting the scammers is education and available resources for our elder adults to access when they are asked to send money or provide personal information over the phone or via email.  Scams to take advantage and exploit our seniors can take many forms, but they share a common theme—to separate seniors from the money and property they have worked their lives to obtain,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  Some of the more prevalent schemes are:

• Social Security Administration Imposters – Imposters contact prospective victims by telephone and falsely claim that the victim’s Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it has been involved in a crime. They ask to confirm the victim’s Social Security number, or they may say they need to withdraw money from the victim’s bank and to store it on gift cards or in other unusual ways for “safekeeping.” Victims may be told their accounts will be seized or frozen if they fail to act quickly.

• Romance Scams—Imposters use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to target unsuspecting seniors.  They create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince people to send money in the name of love. Some even make wedding plans before disappearing with the money. An online love interest who asks for money is almost certainly a scam artist. Romance Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators. Sometimes, perpetrators of Romance Scams convince victims to serve as money mules, receiving illegal proceeds of crime and forwarding those proceeds to perpetrators. For example, Romance Scam victims often are induced to receive payments and/or goods such as technology equipment procured through fraud and to forward those payments and goods directly or indirectly to perpetrators.

• Tech Support Scams—Fraudsters make telephone calls and claim to be computer technicians associated with a well-known company or they may use internet pop-up messages to warn about non-existent computer problems. The scammers claim they have detected viruses, other malware, or hacking attempts on the victim’s computer. They pretend to be “tech support” and ask that the victim give them remote access to his or her computer. Eventually, they diagnose a non-existent problem and ask the victim to pay large sums of money for unnecessary – or even harmful – services. Tech Support Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules (including legitimate-seeming businesses registered in the U.S.) to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators.

• Lottery Scams—Fraudulent telemarketers based in foreign countries are calling people in the U.S., telling them that they have won a sweepstakes or foreign lottery. The fraudulent telemarketers typically identify themselves as lawyers, customs officials, or lottery representatives, and tell people they have won vacations, cars or thousands — even millions — of dollars. “Winners” need only pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. Victims pay hundreds or thousands of dollars and receive nothing in return, and often are revictimized until they have no money left. Lottery Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators.

• IRS Imposter Scams—Scammers aggressively target taxpayers, claiming to be employees of the IRS, but are not. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a wire transfer or stored value card such as a gift card. Victims who refuse to cooperate are threatened with arrest, deportation, or suspension of a business or driver’s license. IRS Imposter Scams operating from abroad often use U.S.-based money mules to receive victim payments and transmit proceeds to perpetrators.

            Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-866 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

            More information about today’s national announcement regarding the Department’s efforts to combat elder fraud can be found at www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-expands-transnational-elder-fraud-strike-force-protect-older-americans.

            CONCORD – Kyle Goff, 28, a resident of Pembroke New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm silencer that was unregistered and did not contain a serial number, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, during the fall of 2020, law enforcement began a drug distribution investigation into the defendant. During this investigation, the defendant made three controlled sales of fentanyl to a confidential informant. 

            Based on the evidence obtained from these controlled sales, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant of the defendant's home and car. The search of the defendant's home resulted in the seizure of over 390 grams of fentanyl from a safe in the defendant's bedroom.  In addition, the police found a firearm silencer that did not contain a serial number in the house.  The silencer was also not registered on the national firearms registry.

            Goff is scheduled for sentencing on January 17, 2023. 

            The case was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police Drug Task Force, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and the Pembroke Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Seth R. Aframe.

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            CONCORD – Charles Clark, 64, of Merrimack, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2020, Clark fraudulently applied for a loan under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.  Congress had authorized multiple relief programs, including EIDL, to help the millions of Americans and many small businesses adversely affected by the early stages of the COVID pandemic.  EIDL funds were issued by the Small Business Administration and were to be used for limited purposes such as payroll expenses, sick leave, and production costs.

            In his EIDL application, Clark falsely claimed to have been an independent contractor working in the “Hair & Nail Salon” industry when he was working as a full-time IRS employee.  He obtained $62,300 in funds which he then misused by spending them on renovating an investment property he owned.

            Clark is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2023.

            The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.  It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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            CONCORD – Joshua Leavitt, 40, of Northwood, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between March 2020 and November 2021, Leavitt and his co-defendant fraudulently applied for over two dozen loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.  Congress had authorized the PPP and EIDL relief programs to help the millions of Americans and many small businesses adversely affected by the early stages of the COVID pandemic.  PPP loans were issued by private lenders but fully guaranteed by the government, and EIDL funds were issued by the Small Business Administration.

            For example, Leavitt and his co-defendant applied for and obtained a $175,000 PPP loan from TD Bank for one of their companies, Puro Group.  The application claimed that Puro Group’s monthly payroll was $70,000 and that the company had six employees.

            In connection with this application, Leavitt and his co-defendant submitted false supporting documents.  One of those documents was a false IRS Form 941, or quarterly tax return, for the first quarter 2020.  The document, which the defendants purportedly filed with the IRS, claimed that Puro Group had five employees that quarter who were paid a total of $209,999.99.  The document also claimed that the defendants paid actual federal income tax of $27,600 that quarter.  However, that document was never filed with the IRS.  The real tax filings showed that Puro Group paid $48,255.53 to its employees during the entire calendar year of 2020, or approximately $4,000 per month.

            As another example of the fraud, Leavitt and his co-defendant applied for, and obtained a $29,000 EIDL and $7,000 Economic Injury Disaster Grant for another of their companies, Monticello Transnational.  They falsely claimed that Monticello Transnational’s gross revenues for the year preceding January 31, 2020, was $75,000 and that the company had seven employees.  However, bank records showed no payments to employees and that the company had only a few thousand dollars’ worth of deposits.  In addition, there were no tax filings for the company for 2019 or the first quarter of 2020. 

            In total, Leavitt and his co-defendant attempted to fraudulently obtain more than $3.5 million in PPP and EIDL funds.  Leavitt will be required to pay restitution of $869,475.50.

            Leavitt is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2023.

            Leavitt’s co-defendant has pleaded not guilty.  The charges in the indictment are only allegations.  He is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and Secret Service, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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            CONCORD –Johan M. Rodriguez, 37, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was charged in a criminal complaint today, with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, specifically, fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

            Rodriguez was arrested in Dover, New Hampshire on September 26, 2022, and is scheduled to make an initial court appearance in the District of New Hampshire today at 3:00 pm.

            The criminal complaint filed in court alleges that on September 26, 2022, Rodriguez hired an Uber to drive him 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 Uber’s trunk and carried them to the door of the residence where law enforcement encountered him. A search of the toolbox resulted in the seizure of approximately ten kilograms of suspected fentanyl which was separated into individual bundles ready for distribution.

            The charges in the criminal complaint are only allegations.  The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force and was assisted by 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.

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            CONCORD – Garrito “Tony” Fort, 38, of Randolph, Massachusetts was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 1, 2022, which charged him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            Fort was arrested in Rhode Island on September 19, 2022, and he is scheduled to make an initial court appearance in the District of New Hampshire on September 20, 2022 at 4:45 pm.

            The indictment filed in court alleges that on November 1, 2021, Fort, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense, unlawfully possessed a Taurus 9mm caliber pistol and assorted 9mm ammunition. The alleged conduct occurred in Seabrook, New Hampshire.

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

            The case was investigated by the Seabrook Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from Salisbury, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Portsmouth, and Exeter police departments.

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            CONCORD – Katie Ricker, 22, of Littleton, New Hampshire, and formerly of South Ryegate, Vermont, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2018 and October 2021, Ricker was employed in various positions by a company in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.  In or about October 2021, Ricker stole blank checks belonging to the company. She wrote fraudulent checks addressed to herself, her co-defendant William Hill, and others to transfer funds from the company’s account to her joint bank account with Hill.  Ricker forged the signature of the employee authorized to sign on the company’s account.  The defendants were caught on camera cashing some of the fraudulent checks.  In total, Ricker stole $46,055.35 from the company.

            Ricker is scheduled to be sentenced on December 29, 2022.  Hill pled guilty on June 27, 2022.

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Sugar Hill Police Department and Lisbon Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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CONCORD – Michael Racine, 50, formerly of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2019, Racine worked with another individual to distribute crack cocaine in and around the Hinsdale, New Hampshire and Brattleboro, VT areas.  Specifically, on at least two occasions, investigators either directly or through intermediaries purchased crack cocaine from Racine.  On a third occasion, Racine fled after being provided with buy money but before providing the crack cocaine.  Racine was arrested in February 2022, and has been detained pending trial.

            Racine is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2023.

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Keene, NH Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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            CONCORD – Darvent Cummings, 31, of Brooklyn, New York was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2020, a New Hampshire State Trooper stopped a vehicle in which Cummings was a passenger based on a traffic violation. The driver of the vehicle did not have a license and the driver and the defendant gave inconsistent stories about their travel itineraries.  The driver was asked if there was anything illegal in the car and then started to cry.  The driver eventually told the trooper that there were drugs in the car.  A search of the car revealed two small bricks wrapped in duct tape, which later tested positive for more than 500 grams of fentanyl.

            The case was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth R. Aframe and John J. Kennedy. 

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               CONCORD, N.H. – Michael Dukette, 31, of Manchester, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession of child sex abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2018 an individual reported potential child exploitation images to the Hudson Police Department.  The individual had lent an iPhone to another person and after it was returned, the individual found an email containing four videos that showed Dukette sexually exploiting a sleeping child.  Dukette subsequently admitted to police during voluntary interviews that he made and kept the videos.  Further investigation revealed the child in the videos was five years old at the time the videos were made. 

            Dukette, who pleaded guilty on April 5, 2022, will be on supervised release for 5 years after serving his prison sentence.

            “The production of child sex abuse materials victimizes the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “Protecting children from harm is a paramount obligation of the law enforcement community, and the United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute these crimes. I am grateful for the hard work of our law enforcement partners who assisted us in holding this defendant accountable.”

            “This case shows that when members of the public come forward when they see something wrong, it can help put offenders like Dukette behind bars. To possess child sexual abuse material is to possess the permanent documentation of the sexual exploitation of a child. HSI is committed to pursuing anyone who participates in these crimes and bringing them to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Millhollin for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

            This matter was investigated by the Hudson Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. 

            In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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CONCORD – Aria DiMezzo, 35, of Keene, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between June 2020 and January 2021, DiMezzo operated a business in New Hampshire through which she exchanged fiat currency (mostly United States dollars) for virtual currency for a fee.  DiMezzo recruited customers on websites, including localbitcoins.com, who sent money to her through bank accounts opened in her name and in the name of the Reformed Satanic Church, an organization she created.  DiMezzo then sent customers bitcoin or other virtual currency in return.  DiMezzo sold more than $1.5 million worth of virtual currency through the bank accounts that she operated as part of the business.  DiMezzo did not register her business as a money transmitting business and she did not comply with any of the various regulations imposed on money transmitting businesses.  For example, at no time did DiMezzo file currency transaction reports for transactions over $10,000, or suspicious activity reports for transactions over $2,000 that may involve funds derived from illegal activity, among other things.     

            DiMezzo is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, 2022.

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service in coordination with the U.S. Treasury Department Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.  The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team also assisted in the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John J. Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe.

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            CONCORD –Tyler Townsend, 28, of Dover pled guilty in federal court on Friday to one count of sex trafficking of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Townsend posted online advertisements offering a minor female for commercial sex on a now-defunct website in 2017.  The online account used to post the advertisements was linked to Townsend through email and phone records.  Townsend often dealt directly with the individuals who responded to the advertisements, negotiating terms and discussing prices.  He also frequently accompanied the minor female and collected the money that was paid by the individuals in exchange for sex with the minor female.

           Townsend is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2022.

           The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Dover Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Anna Dronzek.

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            CONCORD –Michael Chick, 39, of Eliot, ME, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of cyberstalking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            Chick was arrested on a criminal complaint on August 5, 2022, following the execution of a search warrant at his residence.  He is being detained pending trial.

            Chick is accused of stalking and threatening a Greenland child who was on his bus route.  The indictment alleges that Chick provided cell phones to the child and used the cell phones to communicate with the child after being warned to cease all contact.  Chick is also alleged to have placed GPS tracking devices on the parents’ vehicles and to have walked around the outside of the child’s home at night on numerous occasions. 

            The charge in the indictment is only an allegation.  The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Greenland Police Department.

            Anyone with information pertinent to this investigation is asked to call HSI’s tipline at 603-722-1751.

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             CONCORD – Mary Baird, 55, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2020 and May 2021, Baird entered Citizens Bank branches in New Hampshire and other states on at least 13 separate occasions.  She presented means of identification, including Social Security numbers, belonging to real Citizens Bank account holders.  Baird then attempted to cash fraudulent checks addressed to those account holders or withdraw funds from their accounts.  In total, on these 13 occasions, Baird obtained $36,780 and attempted to fraudulently obtain another $15,450.

            After Baird was arrested in this case and released on conditions, she traveled to Pennsylvania and attempted to cash a fraudulent check for $4,990 addressed to another victim.  In connection with that failed attempt, Baird presented a fake New Jersey’s driver’s license with that victim’s name.

            Baird is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2022.

            The case was investigated by the Secret Service.  It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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           CONCORD – William Guerrero, 21, of Brighton, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to steal firearms from a New Hampshire Federal Firearm Licensee, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 23, 2022, Guerrero drove a stolen vehicle into the parking lot of Shooters Outpost, a Federal Firearm Licensee in Hooksett, New Hampshire.  Surveillance footage shows Guerrero and three other men attempting to get into the store by smashing a window by the rear door.  The previous day, using the same stolen vehicle, three of the four men attempted to gain access to three other Federal Firearm Licensees in New Hampshire.  Following his arrest, a search of Guerrero’s telephones revealed a conversation in which he and his co-conspirators discussed breaking into gun stores.

            Guerrero is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2022.

            The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Andover Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, the Haverhill Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Methuen Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem (NH) Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Saugus Police Department, the Wellesley Police Department, and the Windham Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and John J. Kennedy

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire recently entered into an agreement with Mountain Sports, LLC, to ensure that all Eastern Mountain Sports stores are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

            Mountain Sports, doing business as Eastern Mountain Sports, operates over twenty retail stores throughout the United States, seven of which are in New Hampshire.  The United States conducted an investigation after receiving a complaint about disability access to the stores.

            Mountain Sports has agreed to implement a nationwide policy that will prevent its employees from placing items such as merchandise, shopping carts, or boxes, in its stores’ aisles or pathways.  Mountain Sports has also agreed to provide training to its employees to ensure that they are compliant with this policy.

            U.S. Attorney Young said, “This agreement ensures that people with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to enjoy the same retail shopping experience other patrons enjoy. I applaud the company for its commitment to making its stores accessible.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the rights of those with disabilities.”

            The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by public accommodations, such as retail stores. Public accommodations must allow people with disabilities the full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, and facilities.

            More information regarding maintaining accessible features in retail establishments may be found at www.ada.gov/business/retail_access.htm.  Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation is not accessible to persons with disabilities may file a complaint online at www.ada.gov or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (603) 225-2552.

            The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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            CONCORD – David Carlton Hall, 39, of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 19, 2021, a Portsmouth New Hampshire police officer attempted to stop Hall’s vehicle for making an illegal U-turn and failing to signal. Hall initially pulled over, but when the officer stepped out of his cruiser, Hall took off at high speed. Hall stopped at the gate to Pease Air National Guard Base, unlawfully entered the base on foot, and fled into the woods.

            Inside the abandoned vehicle, officers found a bag containing 50 grams of fentanyl, which Hall admitted was intended for distribution. Hall was eventually apprehended by Deputy U.S. Marshals in San Diego, California.

            Hall previously pleaded guilty on April 12, 2022.

            “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Hall accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.” 
 

            This matter was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarad Hodes and Anna Krasinski.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Trevor Allen, 30, formerly of Vermont, was sentenced today to 77 months in federal prison for bank robbery, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 28, 2018, Allen walked into the Claremont Savings Bank branch in Charlestown, New Hampshire, handed the teller a note demanding money, and showed the teller what subsequent investigation determined to be a BB gun. The teller gave Allen $2,485 cash. Surveillance cameras captured images of the robbery, which were broadcast on local news outlets. Numerous individuals identified Allen from the photographs and he was apprehended two days later.     

            Allen previously pleaded guilty on November 16, 2021 to one count of bank robbery. 

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that place the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community in jeopardy,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the law enforcement community to combat these kinds of dangerous offenses.  By combatting violent crime, our goal is to ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe as they conduct their daily business in their local communities.”

            “Today’s sentence holds Trevor Allen accountable for targeting this financial institution and instilling fear in innocent employees and bystanders. It also is a warning to others that if you commit bank robbery or any other violent crime in New Hampshire you will face serious consequences for your unlawful actions,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

             This matter was investigated by the Charlestown Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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