District of New Hampshire

            CONCORD - Michael Dukette, 31, of Nashua, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in June of 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 woman found an email containing four videos that showed Dukette masturbating while standing over 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 currently is scheduled to be sentenced on August 23, 2022.

            “Protecting children from exploitation is an important priority of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, this individual is being held accountable for his disturbing and illegal conduct.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes related to sexual abuse material.”

            “Cases like this emphasize how critical the community is in our investigations. Without the assistance of the citizen who brought this material to police attention, the evidence of this exploitation may have gone unnoticed and unreported,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. 

             This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Hudson Police Department and the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

             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 - Ryan Cortina, 34, of Somersworth, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of an unregistered firearm, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 23, 2019, the Somersworth Police Department received information from a confidential information (CI) that Cortina possessed destructive devices at his Somersworth residence.  The CI claimed Cortina showed him a “grenade” he had built.  Officers applied for a search warrant for Cortina’s residence. While executing the warrant on September 27, 2019, officers located five suspected destructive devices in a duffle bag.  Further analysis showed that one of the devices was an improvised explosive bomb which therefore should have been registered in accordance with Federal Firearms Registrations

            Cortina is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, 2022.

            “By possessing an improvised bomb, the defendant placed residents of Somersworth in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Had the device been detonated, it could have threatened the lives of innocent people.  Thanks to the hard work and responsiveness of law enforcement officers, a potential tragedy was averted.  This case provides an example of how law enforcement officers are working each day to protect public safety in the Granite State.”

             This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Somersworth Police Department with the assistance of New Hampshire State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.

             The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes. 

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            CONCORD - Deborah Cross, 65, of Sanford, Maine was sentenced on Thursday to 37 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 4, 2018, a cooperating individual purchased over 60 grams of methamphetamine from Cross at a residence in Franklin, New Hampshire.  The cooperating individual made the purchase while working with law enforcement agents and wearing a video and audio recording device.   

            Cross previously pleaded guilty on December 8, 2021.

            “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is causing tremendous harm in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect our citizens, we are working closely with the FBI and all our law enforcement partners to identify traffickers who are distributing this deadly substance and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

            “Today, Deborah Cross learned that there are serious consequences to distributing methamphetamine out of your home, and endangering your community,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Given the horrific impact this drug has on its users, the FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to keep it, and other dangerous drugs, out of New Hampshire.”

             This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

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            CONCORD - Robesteur St. Felix, 47, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to bank fraud, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and July of 2019, the defendant was involved in a scheme to defraud several financial institutions.  The defendants in the scheme applied for and obtained multiple loans to purchase cars purportedly sold by Allied Imports, a Manchester car wholesaler, and Cap’s Auto Sales, a Manchester car retailer.  St. Felix was the CEO of Cap’s Auto Sales.  The sales were fraudulent because the defendants never owned or greatly inflated the value of the cars.  In total, the defendants defrauded the financial institutions of several hundred thousand dollars. 

            St. Felix participated in the scheme by fabricating three purchase contracts which were used to apply for three fraudulent loans.  On August 20, 2020, St. Felix entered into a consent order with the New Hampshire Banking Department in which he admitted to falsifying the purchase contracts for two of the vehicles in question. 

            St. Felix is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2022. 

            A total of six defendants were charged in this case.  Four defendants are awaiting trial and one has not yet been arrested.

            “By submitting false documents to obtain fraudulent loans, the defendant participated in a substantial criminal scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud.  By working together, we strive to hold these criminals accountable for their unlawful conduct and seek justice for victims.”

            “The U.S. Secret Service is committed to investigating complex fraud schemes in New Hampshire.”  stated Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New Hampshire Office. “The success of this investigation is due to the collaboration between the U.S. Secret Service, New Hampshire Banking Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”

            This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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            CONCORD - Jessica Pechtel, 35, of Springvale, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Pechtel was the office manager for a company in Somersworth, New Hampshire.  In that role, she had full access to the company’s finances, including its accounting records, bank accounts, and company credit card. 

            Between January 2019 and March 2021, Pechtel used her access to the company’s finances to make unauthorized purchases and transfers of funds to accounts that she controlled.  This scheme had four distinct components.  First, she transferred funds from the company’s bank accounts to her own accounts.  Second, she used the company’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases from retailers such as Amazon or make payments via the online payment transfer system Venmo.  Third, she drafted 17 unauthorized checks payable to herself that were drawn on the company’s bank account.  And fourth, she stole almost $44,000 in COVID-19 relief funds that were intended for the company.  Overall, Pechtel fraudulently obtained at least $587,219 from her employer.

            Pechtel is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2022.

            “This defendant stole a significant amount of money and betrayed the trust of her employer,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute white collar criminals to ensure they are held accountable for their crimes.”

            “The U.S. Secret Service is committed to investigating complex fraud schemes especially those that involve the exploitation of New Hampshire based businesses.”  stated Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New Hampshire Office.  “The success of this investigation is due to the collaboration between the U.S. Secret Service, Somersworth Police Department, and Nashua Police Department.”

            This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Somersworth Police Department and the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

            On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

            Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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           CONCORD - Michael A Clemence, 36, of Rochester, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2020, the Homeland Security Investigations New Hampshire office received information that on April 28, 2019, an individual originating from an IP address at a Rochester residence had accessed a website known for sharing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.  Clemence was identified as the subscriber of the target IP address. 

            On May 26, 2021, agents conducted a consensual interview with Clemence.  They advised him they were investigating internet activity associated with child exploitation material and that some of the activity occurred in April of 2019 from the IP address associated with his previous address.  After further investigation, a search warrant was executed at Clemence’s residence, which resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices.  Forensic examination of the devices confirmed the presence of child exploitation material.  The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified 1,351 images as depicting known minor victims.  It was determined by law enforcement that no other household members were involved in Clemence’s criminal activity.  

            Clemence previously pleaded guilty on December 7, 2021. In addition to his sentence, Clemence was ordered to pay $52,000 in restitution and will be under supervised release for 10 years after his release from prison.

            “Innocent children are exploited and harmed during the creation of child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By amassing a significant quantity of graphic images of minors, this defendant furthered the exploitation of these youthful victims.  To protect innocent children from harm, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess or distribute these horrific images of sexual abuse.”

            “Clemence downloaded material that depicted the horrific abuse of children. HSI is proud to work alongside our partners at the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to investigate and seek prosecution of those who download child exploitation material,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. “We are grateful for the additional assistance of the Rochester Police Department and Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office in this case.”

            This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Rochester Police Department and Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was 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 - Brian Perez, 31, of Salem, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 11, 2021, agents opened a suspicious package sent via UPS from the greater Los Angeles, California area to an apartment at an address in Salem.  The box contained over two kilograms of methamphetamine.  Additional shipping records revealed that since April 10, 2021, this was the ninth package sent from the Los Angeles area to the same address in Salem. 

            On May 19, 2021, investigators intercepted another suspicious UPS package destined for the Salem address.  After obtaining a search warrant, they discovered over 2.2 kilograms of 100 percent pure methamphetamine.  The contents were replaced with an innocuous filler and an undercover officer delivered the package to the front foyer of the Salem address.  Later that day agents observed a van arrive at the Salem address.  Perez entered the foyer and examined the package.  Perez then left the foyer and entered the van.  Investigators detained Perez and his passenger and observed the package in the van.  Perez had a receipt for parcel that was sent to Miami Beach.  The parcel was located and searched pursuant to a warrant.  Inside the package were orange pills containing approximately 363 grams of methamphetamine.

            Perez previously pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021.

            “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is causing increasing harm in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When methamphetamine is distributed in counterfeit pills it creates an even greater risk to public health and safety.  We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify methamphetamine traffickers in the Granite State and hold them responsible for their unlawful conduct.”

            “As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Perez accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to ship this poison to the Granite State.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hampshire State Police, and Salem Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

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            CONCORD – Jason Ellis, 45, of Derry was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            Ellis was arrested on a criminal complaint on February 16, 2022, and is being detained pending trial.  The original complaint filed in court alleges that on February 12, 2021, Ellis engaged in sexually graphic online chats with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl.  During those chats, Ellis sent an image of an erect penis to the officer.  In another online chat in January of 2022, Ellis sent to the undercover officer an image of a nude, prepubescent female child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  

            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 Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Derry Police Department.

             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 - Patrick R. Baker, 32, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 23, 2020, Hooksett police officers were surveilling a local motel generally associated with drug use and distribution.  After an encounter with Baker, additional investigation revealed that Baker’s girlfriend was the subject of several outstanding warrants and was likely inside the motel with Baker. Officers went to the motel room and located Baker and his girlfriend.  Baker was located in the bathroom where officers observed evidence of drug use in plain view.  The room was secured and officers obtained a search warrant. While executing the warrant, officers seized Baker’s wallet and ID as well as a backpack belonging to Baker which contained a ledger consistent with drug activity, $1,951 in cash, a loaded 9mm handgun, and various baggies containing 112 grams of methamphetamine.     

            Baker is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2022.  In addition to his sentence, Baker will forfeit $1,951 in cash and the handgun.

            “Armed drug traffickers pose a substantial threat to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By selling a dangerous and addictive drug while armed, this defendant’s actions endangered public health and safety. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent violent crime by holding armed drug dealers responsible for their dangerous and illegal conduct.”

             This matter was investigated by the Hooksett Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.  The forfeiture portion of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck. 

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            CONCORD - Stuart Adams, 61, of Hooksett, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in August, 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information pertaining to a mobile application that allows users to exchange materials over the internet.  The information provided that a particular user, later identified as Adams, expressed interest in and was attempting contact with underage females.  Adams established contact with an undercover FBI agent (UC) with an online persona portraying a 13-year-old girl. The two maintained contact throughout the month of October 2020. 

            On October 19, 2020, Adams sent the UC sexually explicit pictures and a video of himself and engaged the UC in a sexually explicit conversation. A federal search warrant was executed at Adams’ home and many electronic devices were seized.  Forensic review revealed Adams was engaged in sexually-oriented chats with numerous minor females.  Adams denied ever meeting in person anyone he has chatted with online.

            Adams previously pleaded guilty on November 23, 2021.

            “The defendant’s conduct in this case was appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By seeking out young females for sexual conversations and sending explicit photographs to an individual that he believed to be a 13-year girl, the defendant engaged in unacceptable and illegal behavior.  Although this case is a painful reminder to parents of the dangers that lurk on the internet, it also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to working with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the predators who seek to use the internet to exploit children.”

            “Stuart Adams admitted to sending sexually explicit images of himself to underage girls over the course of several years and while today’s sentence doesn’t erase the harm he inflicted upon his victims, it does hold him accountable for engaging in criminal conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is another example of how easy it is for young people to become victims, and how the FBI’s Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force will do everything it can to protect them from predators.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was 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 - Dylan Greene, 40, of Dover, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 11, 2020, a Dover police officer observed Greene conduct what appeared to be a drug transaction between two buildings in Dover.  Greene was subsequently stopped for a traffic violation. The officer learned Greene had a warrant for theft and he was arrested.  During a search incident to the arrest, the officer located 20 grams of fentanyl in Greene’s possession.

            On September 15, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Greene would be traveling from Hampton to Dover transporting drugs. After observing Greene and another male interact in Hampton and then depart in a truck, officers made a traffic stop.  A later search of the truck pursuant to a search warrant yielded approximately 361 grams of fentanyl, $2,190 in cash, and various items indicative of drug trafficking, including drug ledgers.       

            “Despite fentanyl’s deadly impact in our state, heartless drug dealers continue to sell this dangerous drug in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Drug traffickers who choose to do business in New Hampshire should understand that there will be significant penalties for their unlawful conduct.  We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect public safety by holding drug dealers responsible for their crimes.”

            “Dylan Greene will now spend the next six years behind bars after being caught red-handed trafficking fentanyl, furthering the scourge of opioids in our communities, for his own personal profit,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is a testament to the strength of our law enforcement partnerships in New Hampshire and illustrates how there really is no such thing as a routine traffic stop.”

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

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            CONCORD - Edwin Quezada, 33, of Lawrence, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to transfer firearms to an out-of-state resident by unlicensed persons, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, a New Hampshire resident agreed to sell firearms to a resident of Massachusetts. Quezada agreed to act as an intermediary for the Massachusetts resident.  On multiple occasions, Quezada traveled to New Hampshire to pick up firearms to deliver to the Massachusetts resident. None of the individuals involved were licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers or collectors of firearms.  As part of the scheme, Guzman obtained at least six handguns.

            Quezada is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2022.

            “To protect citizens from violent crime, it is important to enforce federal laws regarding firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who seek to buy guns unlawfully often are planning to use them to commit crimes.  In our effort to protect public safety and prevent violence, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who participate in unlawful gun trafficking.”

             This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.

             The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes. 

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has rejected Edward Brown’s appeal of his 300-month prison sentence.

            Brown, 79, formerly of Plainfield, was convicted in 2009 of a series of offenses arising from his role in leading an armed standoff with the United Marshals Service after his conviction and sentencing for tax-related charges.  Brown was initially sentenced to 444 months of imprisonment for his role in the standoff.  Because of new legal precedent from the United States Supreme Court, one of Brown's convictions was no longer valid and he was entitled to be resentenced.  At his resentencing, the court imposed a 300-month prison sentence.

            In a 45-page opinion issued on Wednesday, the Court of Appeals rejected Brown’s argument that the district judge erred by imposing a 300-month sentence. 

            “Thanks to this decision, Edward Brown will remain in federal prison, which is exactly where he belongs,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “Brown’s dangerous and reckless actions could have led to an extensive loss of life. This lengthy sentence holds him accountable for his criminal conduct and ensures that he cannot endanger lives in the Granite State again.”

             This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with substantial assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service, the New Hampshire State Police, the Plainfield Police Department, the Lebanon Police Department, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.  The appeal was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth R. Aframe. 

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            CONCORD - Dylan Miles, 28, of Laconia, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 9, 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents received information about a suspicious parcel sent from Phoenix, Arizona, to New Hampshire addressed to Miles in Laconia. After obtaining a warrant to open the package, investigators found a stereo system with vacuum-sealed bags containing over 665 grams of methamphetamine.

            Investigators obtained an anticipatory search warrant for Miles’ residence and on May 10, 2019, conducted a controlled delivery of the package with the drugs removed.  Once Miles took the package into the residence, agents executed the warrant and located methamphetamine, drug distribution materials, and firearms.  Miles is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.   

            Miles is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022.  

            “Methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is threatening large and small communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When methamphetamine traffickers are armed, the risk to public safety is greatly increased.  Good law enforcement work prevented this large quantity of methamphetamine from being sold in the Granite State and put this armed drug dealer out of business.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, the Hartford, Vermont Police Department, and the Lebanon Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

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            CONCORD - Kyle Amaral, 29, of Center Ossipee, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2021, investigators identified a series of chats involving images and videos of child sexual abuse that were posted by Amaral over a social networking platform. Evidence obtained through the execution of search warrants at his residence and the social networking platform confirmed that Amaral created images and videos of child sexual abuse at his residence, which he later distributed to other individuals over the social networking platform.

            Amaral is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022. 

            “Sexual exploitation of children is a horrific crime,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By sexually abusing minors and distributing videos of these terrible acts, this defendant stole the innocence of his victims and caused immeasurable harm. To protect the safety of our community’s children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who victimize young people in the Granite State.”

            "The NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners in an effort to fight child exploitation,” said Lt. Eric Kinsman, Commander, NH ICAC Task Force. “NH ICAC urges parents to talk to their kids about internet safety and to not hesitate to reach out to law enforcement for help.  Helpful resources can be found at nhicac.org."

            “The abuse and exploitation of a child is among the cruelest and most heinous crimes our agents investigate. The children who are preyed upon will live with the effects of this trauma for the rest of their lives,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. “HSI is proud to work with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to detect crimes like these and hold the perpetrators to account to prevent them from inflicting more harm.”

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam 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 - Christopher Kelley, 45, of Gonic, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 11, 2020, and October 9, 2020, Kelley committed three bank robberies in Rochester. He attempted to rob another bank in Wolfeboro on October 13, 2020.  In each of the incidents, Kelley claimed to have a bomb.

            Kelley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23, 2022.

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that endanger innocent people and cause untold emotional damage to bank employees and bystanders,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By robbing multiple banks while claiming to have a bomb, this defendant left behind victims in each location who may be affected by these incidents for years to come.  As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to fight back against violent crime and to hold violent criminals accountable for their unlawful and dangerous conduct.”

            “Today, Christopher Kelley finally admitted to putting innocent bystanders in fear for their lives when he walked into four different banks in Rochester and Wolfeboro, claiming he had a bomb, and demanding cash from the tellers,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “While no one was physically injured, Mr. Kelley’s actions have had a lasting impact on everyone who was there. That’s why the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything possible to seek justice for the victims and protect the public from violent criminals like him.”

             This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Rochester Police Department and Wolfeboro Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Aaron Gingrande.

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            CONCORD - Christopher R Ross, a/k/a Chris R. Ross, 41, of Waterboro, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 2, 2020, and July 8, 2020, at the direction of agents, a cooperating individual arranged through text and phone conversations to purchase fentanyl from Ross at two separate locations in Rochester. 

            Ross is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022.

            “To protect our community from harm, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify the criminals who are distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By prosecuting the drug traffickers who are seeking to profit from drug sales, we are helping to improve the quality of life in the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that continues to cause significant harm in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In identifying and disrupting dealers like Mr. Ross, the FBI and our law enforcement partners are able to prevent traffickers like him from continuing to endanger public health and safety.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

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         CONCORD - Jeffrey Paul Hatch, 42, of Savannah, Georgia, formerly of Manchester, was sentenced to three years of probation for using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, federal, state and local law enforcement officers conducted an investigation in 2017 of fentanyl traffickers, including an individual in Lawrence, Massachusetts who provided quantities of fentanyl to a Manchester-based fentanyl trafficker.  Couriers assisted the Manchester-based trafficker by transporting drugs and money.  On July 25, 2017, Hatch used his cellular telephone to arrange to pick up fentanyl from the Massachusetts-based trafficker on behalf of the Manchester-based trafficker.  

            From 2002 to 2005, Hatch played in the National Football League for the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.     

            Hatch previously pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019.  In addition to his probationary sentence, Hatch was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.  

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has been responsible for hundreds of overdose deaths and has damaged countless individuals and their families in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this case demonstrates, people from all walks of life can end up participating in the illegal drug trade.  As a result of his illegal conduct, this professional athlete is now a convicted felon.  I hope that his experience serves as a lesson to young people about the dangers of fentanyl and the consequences of drug trafficking.”

            “Homeland Security Investigations is proud to work closely with our law enforcement partners to uncover and disrupt trafficking networks that bring fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New England,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. 

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Portsmouth Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, and Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth R. Aframe.

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            CONCORD - Thomas Blanchette, 45, of Farmington, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Blanchette conspired with others between approximately 2016 and December 20, 2018 to distribute fentanyl.  As part of the conspiracy, on November 17, 2017, a New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) trooper made a motor vehicle stop of co-conspirator Christopher Stearns’ vehicle after observing several motor vehicle violations.  Blanchette and his wife, co-conspirator Amy Blanchette, were passengers in the vehicle, along with another individual.   The trooper subsequently seized the vehicle, executed a search warrant, and seized 176 grams of fentanyl from a box near the rear passenger seat where Amy Blanchette had been seated.  Arrest warrants were obtained for Blanchette, Stearns and Amy Blanchette.

            On January 2, 2018, DEA agents observed Stearns and Thomas Blanchette in Stearns’ vehicle travel to the area of Lawrence, Massachusetts and return to New Hampshire a short time later.  A NHSP trooper stopped the vehicle and arrested Stearns and Thomas Blanchette on the outstanding arrest warrants.  The NHSP subsequently executed a search warrant on Stearns’ vehicle and seized over 28 grams of fentanyl.

            On December 20, 2018, DEA agents executed federal arrest warrants for Thomas and Amy Blanchette at their residence.  A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and several firearms.  Thomas Blanchette was prohibited from owning firearms due to a felony conviction in 2010.

            Blanchette previously pleaded guilty on June 9, 2021.  Amy Blanchette and Christopher Stearns also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced.

            “Fentanyl traffickers are selling a deadly substance that has caused immeasurable harm to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When drug dealers are armed, the risk to the public is even greater.  As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the fentanyl dealers who peddle this dangerous substance in the Granite State.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Hampshire State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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

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           CONCORD - Adrian Hardin, 27, of Manchester, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 5, 2020, Manchester police officers responded to a domestic violence call and observed Hardin inside the residence.  The caller advised police that Hardin possessed a firearm.  While speaking with the caller, officers observed Hardin walking away from the residence.  Officers followed Hardin and saw him run into a parking garage and exit moments later.  A police dog went through the garage and located a handgun in the area of the garage where an officer had observed Hardin. After his arrest, Hardin agreed to speak to officers and admitted he possessed the firearm.

           On March 18, 2021, Hardin was arrested by Merrimack police officers on a state warrant.  At the time, Hardin was driving a stolen vehicle.  After the vehicle was towed, an employee of the towing company located two loaded firearms in the center console.  Hardin is forbidden from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a previous felony conviction in 2016.    

           Hardin previously pleaded guilty on November 1, 2021.  He will serve his sentence concurrent to a state prison sentence.

           “To protect our community from violent crime, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant’s possession of multiple firearms created a clear risk to public safety.  Thanks to good law enforcement work, this defendant has been held responsible for his unlawful conduct and our community has been protected from potential violence.”

            “The unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon is a violation of federal law that ATF takes very seriously as it threatens the safety of our communities,” said James M. Ferguson ATF Boston Special Agent in Charge.  “This investigation exemplifies ATF’s mission to work with our local and state law enforcement partners to combat the illegal possession of firearms, which in the wrong hands, could be used in crimes of violence against our citizens or law enforcement officers.” 

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manchester Police Department, and the Merrimack Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M Walsh.

            The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes. 

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            CONCORD - Jonathan Sargent, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced on Tuesday to 156 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 22, 2019, Manchester Police detectives and Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a search warrant at Sargent’s apartment and arrested him on a warrant for distributing controlled substances.  The search revealed several assault-style rifles, a handgun, ammunition, cash, and other items consistent with drug trafficking.  Law enforcement officers also seized approximately 850 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 56 grams of fentanyl from Sargent’s apartment.     

            Sargent previously pleaded guilty on October 20, 2021.  As part of his plea, Sargent agreed to forfeit multiple firearms that were in his possession at the time of his arrest. 

            “This case demonstrates the danger that armed drug traffickers pose to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Not only was this defendant distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, but he also possessed multiple guns to further his drug trafficking activities.  These firearms could have been used to endanger innocent people.  Thanks to excellent law enforcement work, this armed drug dealer will spend 13 years in prison and will no longer be a threat to the citizens of Manchester.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck handled the forfeiture aspects of this case.

            This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. 

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Catholic Medical Center (CMC) has agreed to pay $3.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the civil False Claims Act by providing free call coverage services to a cardiologist to induce patient referrals, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

            According to the settlement agreement, the United States asserted that CMC, a hospital in Manchester, paid its own cardiologists to cover for, and to be available to provide medical services for, another cardiologist’s patients when she was on vacation or otherwise unavailable.  The United States further alleged that CMC provided these call coverage services at no charge. The cardiologist who received the free call coverage referred millions of dollars in medical procedures and services to CMC over the decade in which the free services were provided.  Because CMC submitted claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs for the services referred by the cardiologist, the United States alleged that these claims were the result of unlawful kickbacks.

            “The False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute protect patients and federal health care programs from fraud and abuse by removing the corrupting influence of money,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When patients are referred for medical services, those referrals should be based solely on medical need and not affected by financial considerations.  We work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of federal health care programs and we will use all appropriate enforcement tools to combat health care fraud in New Hampshire.”

            “Kickback schemes can undermine our healthcare system, compromise medical decisions, and waste taxpayer dollars.  As today’s settlement makes clear, the FBI will aggressively investigate those who seek to bolster their bottom line by paying illegal kickbacks—whether directly or indirectly—to circumvent safeguards designed to protect the integrity of federal health care programs,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

            “Today’s settlement sends a clear message that these types of financial arrangements will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all medical providers properly follow health care rules and regulations,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “I appreciate the partnership with the New Hampshire U.S. Attorney's Office in identifying and prosecuting this type of fraud.”

            "Protecting TRICARE, the health care program for active-duty military personnel, retirees, and dependents, is a top priority for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)," said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office.  "When health care facilities submit claims to TRICARE for services that are driven by financial reasons and not strictly medical ones, it undermines the integrity of the TRICARE program.  Today's settlement agreement demonstrates the DCIS' ongoing commitment to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire, to investigate health care fraud."

            The Anti-Kickback Statute makes it illegal for a hospital to pay physicians in exchange for referrals of government insured health care programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare.  It arose out of congressional concern that remuneration given to those who can influence health care decisions would result in the provision of medically unnecessary services, or services of poor quality or otherwise harmful to patients. 

            The False Claims Act permits whistleblowers to file civil lawsuits alleging that false claims have been submitted to the United States. This False Claims Act settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower, David Goldberg, M.D., a former CMC employee, who is represented by Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C.  As part of the settlement the whistleblower will receive a portion of the settlement amount.

            CMC did not admit liability as part of this settlement agreement.

            This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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            CONCORD - Robert Audette, 32, of Manchester, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 12, 2019, Manchester police detectives executed a search warrant at an apartment Audette shared with his girlfriend, Quinn Pollock.  A search of their room yielded $1,200 in counterfeit currency, drug paraphernalia, various drugs, and a loaded 9 mm handgun in the bed headboard.  A search of Pollock’s vehicle revealed a backpack that Audette had been seen carrying during police surveillance.  Officers had observed Audette place the backpack into the vehicle just prior to the search. The backpack contained a scale, 9 mm ammunition, and baggies containing over 40 grams of fentanyl.  

            Audette previously pleaded guilty on October 18, 2021.  Pollock pleaded guilty to drug charges on November 20, 2020, an received a time-served sentence.    

            “Armed drug dealers present a serious threat to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Fentanyl traffickers endanger the community by selling a potent and deadly substance.  When these drug peddlers are armed with firearms, the risk of violence and death is further increased. As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with the Manchester Police Department to identify and prosecute armed drug traffickers and hold them accountable for their unlawful conduct.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

            This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. 

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Department Strategy Supports National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

           On Monday, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

           Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope.  It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

           “Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”

            “This national strategy will enhance the important work that is already being done in New Hampshire to combat human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Farley.  “Through the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, we work closely with a broad coalition of entities to address human trafficking using a victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive approach.  This joint effort is not just focused on prosecuting human traffickers.  It is a comprehensive approach that includes training citizens to identify victims of human trafficking and providing victims with the assistance they need to escape from harmful situations and rebuild their lives.”

            Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:

•        Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
•        Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
•        Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
•        Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
•        Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
•        Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
•        Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
•        Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.

           The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.

            If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.

            To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.

            For more information about the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, please visit:  https://www.nhhumantraffickingtaskforce.com/

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           CONCORD –Joshua Fields, 39, of Manchester was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with bank robbery, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           Fields is presently detained in Massachusetts on unrelated charges.   

           The indictment filed in court alleges that on December 29, 2021, Fields robbed a Citizens Bank branch located in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

           An 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 was investigated by the Londonderry Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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           CONCORD - Tara Hoisington, 34, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to two charges of possessing drugs with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 20, 2020, a Manchester police officer was surveilling a house that was known to be used for drug activity and observed a vehicle operated by Hoisington leave the location.  After stopping the vehicle for a traffic violation, the officer observed a crack pipe on the driver’s seat.  Hoisington refused consent to search the vehicle.  When the officer told her he would seek a search warrant, she asked for the $10,000 in the trunk that she claimed to be holding for a friend.  After the officer denied her request, Hoisington and her passenger walked away from the scene.

           Officers later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found $14,293.92, scales, cellphones, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. A data extraction of Hoisington’s cellphone included communications related to drug distribution.

           On August 24, 2020, Manchester police officers again stopped Hoisington for a traffic violation.  After the stop, Hoisington was arrested on outstanding warrants. After her arrest, Hoisington admitted that drugs were in the car.  A search pursuant to a warrant yielded $3,120, packaging materials, cellphones, methamphetamine, and approximately 140 grams of fentanyl.  She further admitted to drug distribution activities and confirmed the $14,293.29 that had been previously recovered from her vehicle was the proceeds of drug trafficking. 

           Hoisington is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2022.

           “Drug traffickers continue to threaten public safety in Manchester by seeking to profit from the sale of deadly substances,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Through Operation SOS, we are working closely with the Manchester Police Department to identify and prosecute the criminals who are selling fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in the Queen City.  These important enforcement efforts are taking drug dealers off the street and sending the message that those who choose to sell drugs in Manchester will face substantial consequences in federal court.”        

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

            This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. 

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            CONCORD - Raymond Ted Estes, 56, of Candia, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2019, a Federal Bureau of Investigation undercover agent logged into a website known to be involved in the sexual exploitation of minors.  Through the investigation, agents identified the defendant as one administrator for the website and determined that the defendant distributed child sexual abuse images to the undercover agent and others.  Following additional investigation, on June 5, 2019, agents executed a federal search warrant for Estes’ residence.  After agreeing to speak to agents, Estes admitted to uploading and downloading images of child sexual abuse material and that the images were on his phone and his gaming computer.  In total, approximately 22,000 images/videos of child sexual exploitation were located on the defendant’s devices, from which 1207 images and 75 videos of known victims of child sexual exploitation were identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.   

            “By possessing thousands of child exploitation images and distributing them online, this defendant perpetuated the abuse of the children who appeared in these horrific images,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This substantial prison sentence demonstrates that these crimes are unacceptable.  We will continue to work closely with the FBI and all our law enforcement partners to protect children from exploitation and pursue federal prosecutions of those who possess or distribute child sexual abuse material.”

            "Sadly, online predators like Raymond Estes who exploit children are becoming too common. Today’s sentence should make it crystal clear that there is nowhere in cyberspace they can escape justice,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is grateful for our collaborative partnerships across the state, and in this case the Candia Police Department, as we continue to combat crimes against New Hampshire’s youth.”

             Estes previously pleaded guilty on October 25, 2021. He was also ordered to pay $26,000 in restitution and to forfeit computer media.  Once his sentence is completed, Estes will be under supervised release for five years. 

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Candia Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.  The forfeiture portion of the matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck. 

            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 – United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Rite Aid has agreed to pay $30,000 in civil monetary penalties to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act when its pharmacists filled forged prescriptions at a Rite Aid store in Manchester.

            In the agreement, Maxi Drug North, Inc. d/b/a Rite Aid agreed to pay $30,000 to resolve allegations that its pharmacists filled 15 forged prescriptions for the same individual at its location at Mammoth Road in Manchester between October of 2016 and March of 2018. 

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

            Rite Aid denied liability in this matter and cooperated with the government’s investigation.

            “Criminals use a wide variety of methods to obtain controlled substances, including passing forged prescriptions,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When pharmacies dispense controlled substances to customers, they have an obligation to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are legitimate.  If a pharmacy does not adequately scrutinize prescriptions, potentially dangerous drugs can be diverted to unlawful uses that jeopardize public safety.  We will use the Controlled Substances Act and all available tools to protect public health and safety in the Granite State.  I am grateful to the DEA’s diversion investigators for their investigative work in this case and their ongoing efforts to protect the residents of New Hampshire.”

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. –Laveneur Jackson, 41, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm on two separate occasions.  Jackson was found guilty by a federal jury on September 28, 2021.

            According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the two-day jury trial, Jackson was prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions.  Despite this, on two separate occasions in December of 2016, Jackson unlawfully obtained firearms by having an acquaintance purchase them for him at two separate federally licensed gun stores in New Hampshire.  Jackson then sold the guns to others in Massachusetts. 

            “When convicted felons get their hands on guns, they present a grave risk to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By obtaining guns unlawfully and selling them in Massachusetts, the defendant not only committed a serious crime, but also put guns into the hands of others who may use them to commit crimes of violence.  To protect public safety, we work closely with the ATF and our other law enforcement partners to prosecute gun crimes and keep dangerous felons off the streets.”

            “ATF remains dedicated to investigating violent crime and disrupting straw purchasing schemes and today’s sentence is yet another example of the commitment we have made to tirelessly pursue those who violate federal firearms laws.” said James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Boston Field Division. “Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to take measures to ensure the safety of our communities and stop the flow of guns to individuals who cannot legally purchase them.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Seth R. Aframe, as well as former Assistant United States Attorney Shane B. Kelbley. 

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            CONCORD - Chad Rombow, 47, of Grafton, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 9, 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration agents received information about a suspicious package sent from Phoenix, Arizona to New Hampshire addressed to an individual in Lebanon (Person 1). After obtaining a warrant, investigators opened the package and found over 336 grams of methamphetamine.

            Investigators obtained a search warrant for Person 1’s residence.  On May 10, 2019, after removing the drugs from the package, the investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the package.  A co-defendant collected the package from the porch of the residence.  Investigators subsequently learned that Rombow paid the co-defendant in methamphetamine to pick up packages of methamphetamine for him.  Rombow intended to further distribute the methamphetamine that was in the package.

            Rombow is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, 2022.

            “Drug traffickers have been flooding New Hampshire with large quantities of methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This dangerous and addictive drug is being brought into our state by drug dealers who are seeking to profit from the misery caused by this illegal substance.  As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who are bringing this drug into the Granite State and distributing it in our communities.”

            “Rombow conspired to bring methamphetamine—a drug that has caused death and destruction in communities across the United States— into New Hampshire. HSI is proud to work alongside our local and federal partners to keep dangerous drugs out of New England,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office, which covers all of New England. 

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, the Hartford, Vermont Police Department, and the Lebanon Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

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            William Guerrero, 20, of Brighton, Massachusetts was arrested today on a complaint charging him with participating in a conspiracy to steal firearms from federally licensed firearm dealers, U.S. Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to the complaint, law enforcement agents have been investigating a series of efforts to conduct burglaries at federally licensed firearms dealers on January 22 and 23, 2022.  On January 23, 2022, at approximately 5:00 a.m., a vehicle pulled into the front of a firearms business in Hooksett, New Hampshire.  Four males were captured on video surveillance attempting to gain access to the store by smashing a window of the rear door, but were unable to gain access. Similar attempted burglaries occurred at firearms dealers on January 22, 2022, in Salem, Plaistow, and Kingston. 

            Guerrero was arrested on January 24, 2022, in Massachusetts.  Guerrero had an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was detained pending further proceedings.

            The investigation is ongoing.  Members of the public with information about these crimes are encouraged to contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS.

            This matter is investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and multiple local and state police agencies in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.

            The charges in the 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.

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            CONCORD - Zachary Cote, 24, of Franklin, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2020, a federal search warrant was executed at a residence in Franklin where Cote was residing.  The investigation stemmed from activity that occurred on a social media platform through an account that resolved back to Cote. Various electronic devices were seized during the search.  Forensic review of the devices revealed the presence of over 2,500 images and over 300 videos depicting child sexual exploitation material.

            During a consensual interview, Cote admitted viewing and possessing child sexual abuse material on his phone and trading the material with others online. 

            Cote previously pleaded guilty on September 20, 2021.  Cote was ordered to pay $26,000 in restitution and will be under supervised release for eight years after the completion of his sentence. 

            “Protecting the innocence of children is one of the foremost obligations of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who possess and distribute graphic sexual images of children are drawing pleasure from horrific acts of child abuse and committing a serious federal crime.  In our ongoing effort to protect young people from abuse, we will continue to work closely with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute crimes related to images of child sexual abuse.”

            “Now more than ever, our children need to be protected from predators seeking to exploit their innocence. Today’s sentence helps us do that by keeping Zachary Cote behind bars for quite some time. By his own admission, Mr. Cote had four phones filled with thousands of explicit images and hundreds of videos depicting kids under the age of 12 being sexually abused,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Sadly, his despicable actions revictimized the minors featured in these images and videos all over again. Investigating violent crimes against children is a top priority of ours at the FBI, and this case exemplifies how we will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure people like him are brought to justice.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance by the Franklin Police Department.  The case was 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 - Charles Paul Jansen, 36, of Pittsfield, was sentenced on Tuesday to 97 months in federal prison for distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 11, 2020, an undercover officer (UC) was conducting an investigation on Kik in an attempt to identify individuals using the platform to exchange child sexual abuse material.  Kik is a social media platform that facilitates communication by users over the internet.  The UC identified an individual who posted an image to a Kik group devoted to the exchange of child sexual abuse material.  Further investigation indicated identified Jansen as the individual who posted the image.  A search warrant was executed at his residence in Pittsfield.  During a voluntary interview, Jansen admitted using Kik and other online applications to view, download, and store pornographic images, some of which contained child sexual abuse material.  Jansen also admitted to committing contact sexual offenses against two children.

            Jansen previously pleaded guilty on October 8, 2021.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for 5 years.

            “Child pornography crimes are particularly harmful offenses that cause incalculable damage to young victims,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While distributing child sexual abuse material is a serious crime, this defendant’s behavior was even more egregious because he admitted to sexually abusing two children.  This substantial sentence holds Mr. Jansen accountable for his conduct and ensures that he cannot harm any more children.  To protect the safety of innocent children, we work closely with the FBI and our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the predators who prey on children and distribute child pornography so they cannot cause more harm in our community.”

            “Charles Jansen is a predator who admitted to sexually abusing two children, and using online platforms to view, download, and share images of child sexual abuse. What he did is absolutely despicable, and he is without a doubt, a serious danger to the community. While today’s sentence will keep him behind bars for quite some time, it will never make up for the lifetime of painful memories and harm he has inflicted on his victims and their families,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Cases like this one fuel the FBI’s commitment to identify, investigate, and hold others like him accountable.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsfield Police Department.  The case was 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 - Nicholas Jewett, 30, formerly of Woburn, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to transportation of stolen property and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 26, 2020, Salem police responded to a report of suspicious activity involving a Cadillac at a motel.  The officer sought to speak to Jewett, who was the operator of the Cadillac.  Although, Jewett initially ignored the officer, the officer was able to stop him and approached the vehicle. 

            Jewett initially provided incorrect identifying information and was placed under arrest.  He had an empty gun holster in his possession.  The Cadillac was later searched pursuant to a warrant.  Investigators found that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was covered up with a label containing a fraudulent VIN.  Investigators determined that the vehicle had been stolen from a Woburn car dealership.  Also located in the vehicle was a .22 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number and a key fob for a Ford Fusion.

            Further investigation revealed that Jewett had presented a false identity to rent the Fusion in Nashua on August 5, 2020.  The car was never returned and was later reported stolen.  The Fusion was subsequently located in a parking lot in Woburn on September 8, 2020.

            Jewett is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2022.

            “When an armed criminal like this defendant appears at a motel while possessing a handgun and operating a stolen car, the risk to public safety is substantial,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to good police work, this criminal was stopped in his tracks before he could do more harm.  This case is a great example of the way that law enforcement agencies work together to investigate crimes and protect the public from potential violence.”

            “This case is a good example of what police officers face every day and how there is no such thing as a routine car stop. Today, Nicholas Jewett admitted to possessing two stolen vehicles, fake IDs, and a handgun with an obliterated serial number that he went to great lengths to conceal,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and reduce violent crime in our communities.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Salem Police Department, Woburn Police Department, and Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

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            CONCORD - Sean R.  Meola, 51, of Hampton, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of ammunition and 10 additional months for a supervised release violation, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 17, 2021, Hampton police officers responded to a domestic disturbance at Meola’s residence.  Officers encountered an injured victim who reported that Meola had assaulted her and threatened to shoot her approximately two days earlier.  The victim reported that Meola had a 9mm handgun. Officers obtained a search warrant for Meola’s residence.  Officers seized 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition from the residence.  Meola is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of prior felony convictions. 

            At the time of the offense, Meola was on federal supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  He has prior federal convictions for bank robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

            Meola previously pleaded guilty on August 16, 2021.  

            “To protect the public from violent crime, it is imperative that we keep firearms and ammunition out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This dangerous felon committed multiple prior gun-related crimes and yet continued to possess ammunition while on federal supervised release.  Such unlawful conduct threatens public safety and will not be tolerated.  As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute violent criminals whose conduct threatens the residents of New Hampshire.”

            “Keeping firearms and ammunition out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the ATF’s top priorities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge ATF Boston Field Division.  “This is especially important when it comes to individuals who commit domestic violence. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, this is another way we prevent gun violence in our communities.”

             This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Hampton Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

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            CONCORD – Santo Benito Lara, 48, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced on Monday to 120 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  Lara was convicted by a federal jury on May 10, 2019.

            Evidence presented during the four-day trial showed that beginning at least in May of 2018, the defendant participated in a conspiracy to sell fentanyl to a customer in Salem, New Hampshire.  After the DEA received information about the conspiracy, it began an investigation into the Lara's activities.  Between May and September of 2018, Lara and another individual sold fentanyl in Lawrence to a cooperating individual on multiple occasions.

            Lara will likely face removal from the United States after serving his sentence. 

            “Drug traffickers who come to New Hampshire to sell fentanyl are endangering the lives of our state’s residents,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This ten-year sentence demonstrates that those who sell fentanyl in the Granite State will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct.  We will continue to work closely with the DEA and all our law enforcement partners to protect public safety by identifying and prosecuting the drug dealers who seek to profit from selling deadly substances in New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Essex County (MA) Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Jarad Hodes.

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            CONCORD - Paul Gracey, 57, formerly of Vermont, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to theft of government funds, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2014, Gracey was found disabled and eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA).  With limited exception, SSI benefits are available only to U.S. residents.  Beneficiaries who leave the United States for more than 30 days or more consecutively are not considered to be back in the United States until the individual resides in the United States again for 30 days in a row. 

            Gracey was required to report certain changes, including whether he moved, within 10 days after the month the change took place.  He moved to Mexico by February 2017 and was required to report that change to the SSA by March 2017.  However, he never informed SSA of his move.  Therefore, he was ineligible for SSI benefits until he reestablished residency in the United States.

            Facebook records showed that Gracey admitted to living in Mexico between February 2017 and May 2021 to multiple people.  During this timeframe, Gracey also asked several people in the United States to let him report their addresses to SSA as his own to cause the SSA to continue paying him SSI benefits.  Due to his improperly reporting false addresses to the SSA, Gracey obtained $37,743 in SSI benefits he was not entitled to receive.  

            Gracey is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2022.

            “Federal benefits provide important financial support to qualified individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who lie to obtain federal benefits are committing a serious federal crime.  By moving to Mexico and creating a web of lies to continue to obtain SSI benefits, this defendant stole federal funds.  Thanks to the hard work of the Office of the Inspector General, he is now being held accountable for his criminal conduct.”

            “Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based safety net for the most vulnerable among us; Mr. Gracey intentionally concealed his living arrangements for several years to fraudulently receive benefits that he was not entitled to receive,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.  “My office will continue to hold accountable those who improperly obtain Social Security benefits.  I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen for prosecuting this case.” 

            This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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            CONCORD - Christopher Pierro, 29, of North Hampton, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2020, postal inspectors and police officers executed a search warrant at Pierro’s North Hampton residence.  Investigators located nearly $80,000 in cash, a Rolex watch and other jewelry, body armor, drug packaging materials and an extensive amount of packaging consistent with mailed parcels.  Investigators also located over 84 grams of methamphetamine. 

            Pierro previously pleaded guilty on August 3, 2021.  Following his arrest, Pierro forfeited cash, cryptocurrency, and a substantial amount of additional property.    

            “Methamphetamine traffickers seek to reap profits from selling a very dangerous drug,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute these drug dealers and hold them responsible for their unlawful activities.”

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted in the forfeiture portion of the case.

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             CONCORD – Christopher Yule, 30, and Jacob Brady, 30, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking charges and related charges, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  Yule pleaded guilty two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  Brady pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 29, 2020, Manchester police detectives received information that a female would be traveling from Manchester to Lawrence, Massachusetts to obtain a significant amount of drugs for redistribution in New Hampshire.  Surveillance officers observed her drive to Lawrence and park in an area known as a distribution “hot spot.”  A vehicle registered to Yule parked close by and extinguished its lights.  Within a minute, the cars departed.  Surveillance units followed both vehicles.

            When Yule’s vehicle entered Manchester, it was stopped by the police for a traffic violation and suspicion of drug activity.  Brady was the driver of the vehicle. Yule and Brady both engaged in furtive movements within the vehicle as officers approached.  Both individuals were instructed to step out of the vehicle.  Brady explained that he and Yule traveled to Lawrence so Yule could meet with his source and purchase drugs.  He further disclosed the drugs were in the glove compartment. 

            During the encounter, an officer observed through the window a tied-off glassine baggie protruding from a side compartment area.  It contained a powder that appeared to be fentanyl.  Yule consented to a search of the vehicle and officers located over 78 grams of fentanyl and over six grams of cocaine base. 

            On March 27, 2021, Hooksett police officers responded to a call reporting a male “passed out” in a rental van in a hotel parking lot known as a hot spot for drug activity in Hooksett.  The caller stated a needle and firearm were visible in the vehicle.  Officers found Yule slumped over in the driver’s seat with a needle and tourniquet visible next to him.  Officers also saw a firearm in the open driver’s door compartment.  After securing the firearm, they woke Yule.

            Officers learned that Yule was a convicted felon and he was placed under arrest.  During a search incident to arrest, officers located syringes in his pockets, $3,170 in his wallet and two small bags of suspected drugs, which Yule identified as “crack.” 

            On March 30, 2021, pursuant to a search warrant, officers searched the van and found over 58 grams of methamphetamine and over five grams of fentanyl.  They also located holsters, loaded 9mm magazines, and other firearm accessories.  

Yule and Brady are both scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2022.

            “Drug trafficking continues to endanger the health and welfare of the residents of Manchester and other communities in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Armed drug dealers are an even greater danger because their illegal behavior increases the risk of violence.  By working with the Manchester Police Department to prosecute drug dealers like Yule and Brady, we are improving public safety in Manchester and throughout the Granite State.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Hooksett Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. 

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            CONCORD - Raylene Vaillancourt, 68, of Eliot, Maine sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for wire and mail fraud, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Raylene Vaillancourt worked as the office manager for “Business A,” a limited liability company based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Vaillancourt was responsible for accounting and making payments to vendors.

            Between at least April of 2009 and May of 2018, Vaillancourt embezzled money from Business A and its owner through various means, including: (a) making fraudulent checks drawn on Business A’s checking account; (b) making unauthorized transfers to her personal financial accounts for her personal expenses; and (c) making unauthorized online payments from Business A’s checking account to pay her personal credit card debt.  As part of Vaillancourt’s scheme, she altered Business A’s internal accounting records to conceal her embezzlement from her employer.  In total, Business A lost approximately $200,000 due to the defendant’s scheme. 

            Court documents also show that Vaillancourt stole money from at least three prior employers and previously was convicted of a federal charge of bank theft.

            Vaillancourt previously pleaded guilty on June 17, 2021.  In addition to her prison sentence, she was ordered to pay restitution and forfeit $203,106.32 to the United States. 

            “Like many white-collar criminals, this defendant took advantage of the trust of others to steal large sums of money,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By embezzling over $200,000 from her employer, Ms. Vaillancourt’s brazen actions caused significant financial harm and showed that she was not deterred from crime by a prior federal conviction.  As this case demonstrates, we work closely with the FBI to identify and prosecute fraudsters and seek justice for the victims of their heartless crimes.”

            “On at least four occasions, Raylene Vaillancourt abused the trust of her employers by stealing from them. In this case, she embezzled more than $122,0000 to pay the mortgage on her home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Ms. Vaillancourt has shown absolutely no remorse, and no respect for the law, and with today’s sentence, her crime spree has finally come to an end and she has been held accountable,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

             This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.  The forfeiture aspects of this matter were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.

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            CONCORD - Gianno Koeiman, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2017, an undercover Salem police officer observed what he believed to be a drug transaction in the shoe department of a local store between Koeiman and a drug customer.  The officer observed the men leave the store and get into separate vehicles.  The drug customer stayed in his car and began to inject himself with drugs.  After being approached by an officer, the customer confirmed he had just purchased one gram of heroin from the man in the shoe department. 

            In the meantime, a second Salem police officer followed Koeiman’s vehicle and stopped it.  After explaining what the first officer observed in the shoe department, Koeiman responded that those observations were accurate.  When asked if he had illegal substances in the car, Koeiman responded that he did and consented to a search of the trunk.  The search revealed 95 baggies which contained a total of approximately 67 grams of fentanyl and 23 baggies which contained a total of approximately 16 grams of cocaine. 

            Koeiman previously pleaded guilty on August 30, 2021.  In addition to his sentence, Koeiman was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. 

            “Drug traffickers who come to New Hampshire to sell fentanyl and other dangerous substances should understand that their unlawful conduct will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By brazenly selling drugs inside a store, this defendant endangered members of the public.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers whose illegal conduct jeopardizes public safety in the Granite State.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Salem Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

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CONCORD - Robert Gramolini, 63, of Malden, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession or storage of stolen goods, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 16, 2020, Gramolini was seen on video stealing a black enclosed trailer from a business in Hampton, New Hampshire.  Law enforcement located the stolen trailer at a storage lot in Brentwood on September 11, 2020.  The owner of the storage lot confirmed Gramolini rented space on his lot to store trailers and other items and gave the officers permission to inspect the lot.  In Gramolini’s space on the lot officers found, among other things, the trailer stolen from Hampton as well as three other trailers stolen from Massachusetts. 

In a statement to law enforcement, Gramolini gave varying stories about how he acquired the trailers but admitted to stealing the Hampton trailer.  He also said that he took one of the other trailers “off the side of the road.”

Gramolini is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2022.

            “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose hard work put an end to this defendant’s criminal activities and held him accountable for his unlawful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We work each day with our law enforcement partners to protect residents of the Granite State from crime and to seek justice for crime victims.”

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hampton Police Department, and the Brentwood Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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           CONCORD – John J. Farley was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire effective January 1, 2022. 

            As the U.S. Attorney, Farley serves at the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Hampshire.  He supervises all the attorneys and staff who prosecute federal criminal offenses and represent the United States in civil litigation.

            Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Farley.

            “I am honored to serve as the United States Attorney in New Hampshire and am humbled by the Attorney General’s decision to entrust me with this significant responsibility,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The men and women at the U.S. Attorney’s Office are dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to obtain just outcomes in all the civil and criminal matters handled by this office.  As U.S. Attorney, I will continue to work closely with our outstanding staff and our superb law enforcement partners to protect public safety and pursue justice on behalf of the citizens of the Granite State.” 

            U.S. Attorney Farley began serving as the Acting U.S. Attorney on March 7, 2021, following the resignation of U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray.  As a result of the Attorney General’s appointment, he will serve as the U.S. Attorney for a period of 120 days or until a U.S. Attorney is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.  If a U.S. Attorney is not nominated and confirmed within that period, a U.S. Attorney will be appointed by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.

            A career public servant, U.S. Attorney Farley has worked for the U.S. Department of Justice for over 26 years.  After clerking for U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan in the District of Columbia, he joined the Justice Department through the Honors Program in 1995.  He first worked for the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section in the Department’s Criminal Division where he prosecuted drug cases in multiple locations, including Texas, California, and Puerto Rico.  He then worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Massachusetts from 1998 to 2004, where he prosecuted drug and public corruption cases.

            In 2004, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire.  From 2004 to 2012, he worked in the Civil Division where he primarily handled civil health care fraud and civil rights matters.  He then moved to the Criminal Division, where he served as the Lead Task Force Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and prosecuted a wide variety of criminal cases.  In 2016, he became the First Assistant U.S. Attorney.  He previously served as Acting U.S. Attorney from March of 2017 to March of 2018.

            Originally from Philadelphia, U.S. Attorney Farley has resided in New Hampshire for over 20 years.  He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Georgetown University Law Center.  He and his wife are the proud parents of two teenage boys.

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            CONCORD - Andre McBreairty, 45, previously of Keene, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain CARES Act funds, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed several measures designed to help small businesses, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act created, among other things, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Under that program, businesses could obtain low-interest loans to meet payroll during the first few months of the pandemic.  If the money was spent on payroll and other approved purposes such as utilities and rent, the Small Business Administration (SBA) would forgive the loans in full.  Congress later passed the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which authorized a second tranche of PPP loans.

            The SBA also opened up its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses.  Under the program, businesses could obtain loans for working capital and normal operating expenses.  EIDL applicants were also eligible for advances of up to $15,000, provided certain conditions were met.  These advances generally do not need to be repaid.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant lied about his payroll and income to obtain three CARES Act loans.  For example, when applying for a loan under the EIDL program, McBreairty falsely claimed that his annual income was $100,000.  When applying for a PPP loan, he generated a false IRS form inflating his 2020 earnings.  Overall, McBreairty obtained and misused $55,316 in CARES Act proceeds that he was not entitled to receive.

            McBreairty, who now resides in Pennsylvania, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2022.

            “Although Congress passed the CARES Act to provide financial assistance during the pandemic, some greedy individuals have used fraud to obtain funds they are not entitled to receive,” said U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By submitting false documents and false information to obtain CARES Act funds, this defendant stole from the American taxpayers.  Thanks to the hard work of federal law enforcement agents, he is now being held responsible for his unlawful conduct.  As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who defraud federal assistance programs.”

            “The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who endeavor to defraud programs afforded to the American people under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).  “We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Department Justice and our law enforcement partners in this effort.”   

             This matter was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and Social Security Administration’s Office for the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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            On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.  The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.  For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

            Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

            CONCORD – Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley announced today that United States District Judge Joseph Laplante has approved a consent decree resolving claims that John J. Flatley, d/b/a John J. Flatley Company (Flatley), and a property manager employed by Flatley, violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

            In a complaint filed in April of 2021, the United States alleged that Flatley discriminated against a tenant in its apartment complex in Nashua by refusing to allow a reasonable accommodation of the tenant’s disability when the tenant sought to have an emotional support animal, a dog named Molly.  The tenant, who experienced anxiety and depression, used Molly as an emotional support animal.  After the tenant requested permission to have an emotional support animal at the apartment, Flatley and the property manager agreed to permit the tenant to have an emotional support animal, but not a dog.  The complaint alleged Flatley would not permit tenants to have dogs as emotional support animals.

            The United States and Flatley agreed to the entry of a consent decree, which Judge Laplante approved on December 27, 2021.  The Consent Decree resolved the claims in the government’s complaint.  Without admitting liability, Flatley agreed to pay the tenant $35,000, enact reasonable accommodation policies for its New Hampshire residential properties that comply with the FHA, and complete FHA training.

            “Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We are pleased that the company has agreed to resolve this matter and is now instituting policies and conducting training so that individuals with disabilities are given equal housing opportunities.  As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and will vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws in the Granite State.”

            “Protecting the rights of individuals and families when their fair housing rights are violated is central to HUD’s mission,” said Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD commends the Department of Justice for reaching this settlement and for pursuing allegations of fair housing violations.”

            This lawsuit arose from an administrative complaint filed by the tenant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Upon investigation, HUD determined that there was reasonable cause to believe that the FHA had been violated. The tenant elected, pursuant to the FHA, to have HUD’s determination resolved in federal court. 

            The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. 

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

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            CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Joseph A. Foistner, 67, of Mont Vernon, was found guilty on Thursday of four counts of bank fraud, as well as charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and making misrepresentations during bankruptcy proceedings.  The verdict was returned by Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro on Thursday, December 23, 2021, following a two-week bench trial.

            According to exhibits and witness testimony during the trial, Foistner used fraudulent means to apply for over $8 million in loans from five different financial institutions, laundered money, and made material misrepresentations during bankruptcy proceedings between 2015 and 2018.  Foistner, at the time of the scheme, was a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.  He did not have any paying clients and earned no income through his law firm.  In order to obtain millions of dollars in loans from multiple financial institutions, Foistner provided banks with misleading documents that suggested that he was operating a lucrative law firm.  For example, he claimed that he was a “seasoned attorney” with international clients and that his firm earned over a million dollars in annual income.  In fact, all the firm’s purported income was based upon bogus, unpaid invoices the firm submitted to entities that the defendant controlled, including bankrupt entities.  The defendant also made other false statements to obtain bank loans, including lying about whether he was involved as a party to any lawsuits and denying that he had an interest in other companies.  He also falsely represented that he had a salary by mischaracterizing loan proceeds as a salary.  In one of the bank fraud schemes, the defendant submitted false information to obtain a loan by claiming falsely that his wife was earning over $200,000 per year as a paralegal.  Each of the loans made to Foistner were backed by either the Department of the Veterans Affairs or the Small Business Administration.

            The evidence further showed that Foistner committed several crimes during Chapter 7 bankruptcy court proceedings in 2017 and 2018.  He made false representations by falsely denying that he held or controlled property owned by others when he actually controlled funds that were held in the name of a business.  He also made false statements under oath by lying about what happened to the proceeds of one of the fraudulent loans and lying about not knowing the location of a piece of real estate that had been purchased in part with funds he borrowed and had subsequently funneled into bank accounts not in his name.

            Foistner is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2022. 

            “While no one is entitled to commit fraud, this defendant’s crimes were particularly egregious because they were committed by an attorney,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The evidence in this case demonstrated that Foistner engaged in a shocking pattern of fraudulent and deceitful conduct to obtain millions of dollars from financial institutions and that he told a host of lies in his efforts to further his scheme and cover his tracks during bankruptcy proceedings.  With this guilty verdict, Foistner finally is being held accountable for his lengthy pattern of lying and manipulation.  I am grateful to all of the federal agents and prosecutors who worked hard to investigate and prosecute this significant fraud case.”

            “Joseph Foistner took advantage of programs that were designed to help veterans achieve home ownership, and small businesses expand and develop. In fraudulently collecting millions of dollars, his lies and deceit have not only hurt himself, but every citizen whose tax dollars support these federally funded programs,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is determined to work with our partners to hold anyone who commits such fraud accountable.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Inspector General of the Small Business Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau, Seth R. Aframe and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella, Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Kasey Weiland previously worked on this matter. 

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            CONCORD - Ramon Guerrero, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 27, 2020, and March 11, 2020, a cooperating individual working with the Manchester Police Department arranged to purchase fentanyl on two occasions from Guerrero and Gabriel Rivera at an apartment in Manchester.  While in the apartment, the cooperator observed quantities of suspected fentanyl, crack, and methamphetamine.

            On May 15, 2020, detectives observed Guerrero and a woman check into a local motel at 3:30 am under the woman’s name.  After obtaining arrest and search warrants, officers entered the room.  Detectives discovered $9,254, cocaine, and fentanyl in pill form.  A subsequent search of the apartment found Rivera sitting on a couch with an open fanny pack next to him, an open safe at his feet, and a 9 mm handgun tucked behind the cushion.  On his person, detectives located $1,151.  The safe and pack contained over 4 grams of crack, over 76 grams of cocaine and over 162 grams of fentanyl.  Court records confirm that Rivera is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

            At the time of this offense, Guerrero was on federal supervised release after serving a 102-month sentence for a prior drug trafficking crime.

            Guerrero and Rivera pleaded guilty on August 3, 2021.  Rivera was sentenced to 90 months on November 24, 2021.  The currency and firearms were forfeited to the United States.

            “Ramon Guerrero is a repeat offender who was not deterred by a prior federal prison sentence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Rather than conform his conduct to the law, he chose to return to drug trafficking and sought to profit from the sale of fentanyl and other extremely dangerous drugs.  Thanks to the hard work of the Manchester Police Department, this dangerous drug trafficker and his partner will no longer be able to endanger our community by selling deadly substances.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck handled the forfeiture aspects of this matter.

            This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. 

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            CONCORD - Stephen Johnstone, 32, of Gilford, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 21, 2020, New Hampshire State Probation and Parole officers made contact with Johnstone, who was a state parolee under their supervision.  Johnstone appeared to be in possession of baggies of methamphetamine. The officers requested assistance from the Laconia Police Department. 

            Johnstone’s car was impounded and searched pursuant to a state search warrant.  Detectives found a backpack containing a Ruger .380 handgun with five rounds of ammunition, over 680 grams of methamphetamine, over 170 grams of cocaine, and other evidence of drug trafficking.  As a convicted felon, Johnstone was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.          

            “Armed drug dealers pose a significant threat to public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Although drug traffickers endanger the lives of our citizens by peddling deadly substances, the danger is enhanced when drug dealers possess firearms.  As this case demonstrates, we will seek substantial prison sentences for the armed drug traffickers whose conduct threatens the security of communities in the Granite State.”

             This matter was investigated by the Laconia Police Department and New Hampshire State Probation and Parole Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.   The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

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            CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that a federal jury found James Leonard, 36, of Henniker, guilty of unlawfully possessing a destructive device.  The verdict was returned on Thursday, December 16, 2021.

             According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the three-day jury trial, on June 12, 2018, the Bennington Police Department was called to the defendant’s apartment for a noise complaint.  When the police arrived, they heard a male yelling and screaming.  The police attempted to contact the defendant by knocking at his front door but were unable to contact him. The police went around to the back side of the apartment to a slider door in an effort to speak with the defendant.  While they were at the back slider door, the police smelled an odor of burnt marijuana.  Officers later obtained and executed a search warrant for the defendant’s residence.  During the search, they located marijuana and the component parts for a pipe bomb.

            The police contacted the New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad who responded to the defendant’s residence to assist in the investigation and gather the explosive material.  The ATF subsequently identified the explosive material and determined that the defendant had all the necessary component parts to readily assemble a destructive device, specifically, an explosive pipe bomb.  This combination of parts was not registered on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law. 

            Leonard, who is detained, faces up to ten years in prison.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28, 2022. 

            “By constructing a pipe bomb in his residence, this defendant placed his neighbors and the community in danger,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to good police work, law enforcement officers were able to secure this potentially-deadly device and prevent any individuals from being harmed.  We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect public safety and prevent acts of violence in the Granite State.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Bennington Police Department. The Hancock, Antrim, and Francestown Police Departments also assisted with this matter.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.

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            CONCORD –Michael Francis, 34, of Manchester, was indicted on Monday by a federal grand jury and charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine; possession of over 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements in court, Francis was arrested on September 1, 2021, for parole violations.  At the time of his arrest, there was a holster under the driver’s seat of his vehicle.  Law enforcement agents later obtained a warrant to search Francis’ Manchester residence and recovered four loaded handguns, two of which were stolen.  Law enforcement officers also recovered over 400 grams of suspected fentanyl and over 400 grams of suspected methamphetamine.  The charges allege that Francis is prohibited from possessing firearms due to at least one prior felony conviction.

            Francis was originally indicted on September 15, 2021, and charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  Francis has been detained pending trial.

            “To protect public safety in Manchester, we are working closely with the Manchester Police Department and all our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute drug trafficking and firearms crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This case is an example of the close working partnership that we have with federal law enforcement agencies and the Manchester Police Department.  This collaborative effort to protect Manchester residents from drug trafficking and gun-related crimes is an important priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

            “Shutting down the illegal gun and drug trade is key to reducing violent crime and saving lives. The FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify individuals and criminal organizations that we believe pose threats to the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

            “This proves how newly implemented crime reducing initiatives and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies has been successful,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “We hear the community concerns about safety, and we will continue to work hard to investigate, identify, and arrest those engaged in criminal activity.”

            The charges in the superseding 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 Manchester Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joachim Barth and Aaron Gingrande.

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