District of New Hampshire

            CONCORD - Michael Rand, 36, of Rochester, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to distribution of fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2019 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received a tip that Rand was selling heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Dover and Rochester areas. Working with a cooperating individual, the FBI arranged for a controlled purchase of fentanyl at Rand’s apartment in November of 2019. 

            Rand is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2022.

            “Fentanyl trafficking endangers lives and damages communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We work closely with the FBI and all our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are peddling fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in the Granite State.”

            “Today, Michael Rand admitted to selling the deadly drug fentanyl which is associated with the vast majority of drug overdose deaths in New Hampshire,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of fentanyl and to bring to justice those like Rand who are pushing highly addictive drugs on our streets and into the hands of addicts.”

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

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            CONCORD - Deborah Cross, 65, of Sanford, Maine pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court to distributing methamphetamine, Acting 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2022.

            “To protect our community from the dangerous effects of methamphetamine, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the dealers who are distributing this potentially-deadly substance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Given the horrific impact that methamphetamine can have on its users, we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against those who seek to profit from selling this dangerous illegal drug.”

             “It doesn’t matter if it’s a large-scale drug trafficking organization, or an individual like Deborah Cross who was distributing methamphetamine out of her home in Franklin, NH, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to put those who have furthered the scourge of drugs in our neighborhoods out of business,” 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

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            CONCORD - Jason Martin, 36, and Heidi Compos, 54, of Keene, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in September of 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Compos was engaged in the distribution of drugs in the Keene area.  With the assistance of a cooperating individual, officers arranged for three separate controlled purchases of drugs in October and November of 2019.  Martin was at the residence he shared with Compos and provided fentanyl and crack cocaine to the cooperator during the first transaction.  Compos conducted the second transaction involving fentanyl and crack cocaine.  She also sold fentanyl during the third transaction.

            A search warrant was executed at the defendants’ Keene residence on November 21, 2019.  Both Compos and Martin were at the residence at the time of the search.  Located in their shared bedroom was a bag containing approximately $15,064 in cash and bags of fentanyl and cocaine.

            Compos pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2022. Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2022.

            “Drug traffickers endanger the community by selling illegal substances that have the potential to kill,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect the public, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are profiting from  the sales of dangerous and addictive substances in the Granite State.”

            “Compos and Martin sought to distribute fentanyl and cocaine—deadly drugs that have ruined lives and families in New Hampshire. HSI is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate those seeking to sell these illicit substances in our communities,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. 

             This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Keene Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

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$89,997 Awarded for projects in the District of New Hampshire

 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The New Hampshire Department of Justice was awarded $89.997 to administer PSN grant funds in the District of New Hampshire.  

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a key part of our overall effort to keep the citizens of New Hampshire safe from violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “These funds will help our local law enforcement partners to keep our communities secure.  This is just one example of our ongoing work to protect public safety in the Granite State.”

Grant funds will be used to fund law enforcement efforts in several communities in New Hampshire. With approval from BJA, the Fiscal Agent will begin the process of making subawards for PSN grant projects.

“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”

In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.

For a list of all grantees, please visit:

https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf  

 

 

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

 

            CONCORD - Brian Perez, 31, of Salem, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Acting 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 by UPS from the greater Los Angeles, California area to an unspecified 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 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.  During a safety sweep of the van, investigators observed the subject package in plain view.  Perez had a receipt on his person showing a receipt for a parcel that was destined for Miami Beach.  The parcel was located and searched pursuant to a warrant.  Among other items, it contained a clear plastic bag containing orange pills that contained approximately 363 grams of methamphetamine.

            Perez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2022.

            “Drug traffickers are shipping large quantities of methamphetamine to the Granite State for distribution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “These traffickers are seeking to profit from the sale of methamphetamine without regard to the drug’s harmful impact on our community.  As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are bringing this dangerous substance into New Hampshire and selling it in our local communities.” 

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

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            CONCORD - Quentin Simon, a/k/a "Q", 37, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2020, a cooperating individual told Manchester police detectives that Simon was selling crack, fentanyl and pills out of his apartment.  After completing a series of controlled buys between the cooperator and Simon between May 5 and August 12, 2020, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Simon and search warrant for his apartment. 

            On August 18, 2020, detectives arrested Simon and executed the search warrant.  Throughout the apartment, detectives located items indicative of drug distribution and controlled substances.  Cash totaling $79,848 was also located.  Lab analysis confirmed the drugs totaled over 1,168 grams of cocaine and over 115 grams of crack cocaine.  A .380 caliber handgun and ammunition were in proximity to a large container of cocaine. 

            Simon is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2022.   The cash, gun, and a large collection of sneakers were all seized and forfeited as a result of this prosecution.

            “Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to public safety in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As part of our continued partnership with the Manchester Police Department, we are working to identify and prosecute the armed drug dealers who endanger the citizens of Manchester.  By prosecuting these dangerous individuals, we will reduce the risk of violent crime in the Granite State.”

             This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.  Forfeiture aspects of this case were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.

             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 - Michael A Clemence, 36, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography, Acting 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.  Clemence made no admissions but volunteered that his wife had previously found disturbing material on their home computer and that they subsequently wiped the computer’s hard drive and gave the computer away.  Clemence’s wife later confirmed that in May of 2019, she discovered thousands of images of what appeared to be child exploitation material on Clemence’s laptop computer. 

            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.    

            Clemence is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2022.

            “Protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation is among the most significant duties of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who possess or distribute sexually explicit images of children are further exploiting the innocent youths who were abused during the creation of these images.  To protect young children from exploitation, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes related to child pornography.”

            “Child exploitation material is an enduring record of the terrible abuse of children. Those who seek out and collect that material create a market for its production and the continued exploitation of children,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. “Homeland Security Investigations will continue our work alongside our partners at the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children task force to ensure those like this individual face the consequences for their participation in these horrible crimes.”

             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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

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

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            CONCORD - Antwone Francis, 31, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 15, 2020, a cooperating source told a Nashua police detective that Francis was selling fentanyl in Nashua and provided pricing and a telephone number.  On October 7, 2020, an undercover law enforcement officer called Francis and arranged to purchase fentanyl from Francis at a fast food restaurant in Merrimack.  

            Francis is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2021.  

            “Fentanyl is a deadly substance that continues to cause grave damage in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By identifying and prosecuting the drug dealers who are selling fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, we are seeking to improve public safety in the Granite State.”

            This matter was investigated by the Nashua 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 - Marc Martin, 44, of Dover, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for  two counts of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in June of 2019, Dover police were notified that Martin was suspected of distributing drugs from his Dover apartment.  On June 19, 2019, detectives conducted surveillance of Martin’s apartment and observed a male enter and leave the apartment within a few minutes.  Officers confronted the male and he admitted he had just purchased fentanyl from Martin in the apartment.  After obtaining a search warrant, officers entered the apartment and located over 32 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging, and a cell phone that contained evidence of drug activity. 

            On January 14, 2020, the same detectives followed Martin as he drove to Massachusetts and pulled into a parking lot in Amesbury.  After a brief period, Martin drove northbound back to New Hampshire, where he was stopped for speeding.  During the stop, Martin admitted he had drugs with him and relinquished a bag containing over 39 grams of fentanyl.

            Martin previously pleaded guilty on August 25, 2021.

            “Fentanyl traffickers continue to cause serious harm to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect the public from the grave harm caused by fentanyl, we will continue to work closely with the Dover Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are selling fentanyl and other deadly substances in the Granite State.”

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

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            CONCORD - Adam Beck, 26, of Boscawen, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for four drug trafficking charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2020, investigators with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force received information from a cooperating individual that Beck was distributing drugs around Boscawen and Warner.  The cooperator assisted law enforcement officers in making controlled buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Beck.  Officers also conducted surveillance of Beck and observed him engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions.

            On December 10, 2020, investigators arrested Beck on drug distribution charges.  On his person, they found approximately $1,200 and a small bag containing fentanyl.  That same day, investigators obtained a search warrant for a Webster residence associated with Beck.  During the search, investigators located nearly $15,000, approximately a pound and a half of methamphetamine, approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, and other incriminating items in a room that belonged to Beck.             

            Beck previously pleaded guilty on August 20, 2021.

            “Methamphetamine and fentanyl are dangerous drugs that are damaging far too many lives in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that drug dealers who seek to profit from selling these deadly substances are held responsible for their unlawful conduct.  This substantial sentence will ensure that Mr. Beck cannot endanger further lives by selling drugs in the Granite State.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Drug Task Force, Concord Police Department, Merrimack County Sheriff's Department, Webster Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

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            CONCORD - Eduardo Contreras, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Thursday to 60 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2015 and November 30, 2017, Contreras conspired with a New Hampshire-based drug distributor to distribute fentanyl.  Contreras provided the fentanyl to the New Hampshire trafficker for distribution to customers in New Hampshire and Maine.  On several occasions, Contreras used couriers to transport fentanyl and the proceeds of drug transactions.  

            Contreras previously pleaded guilty on August 26, 2021.

            “Fentanyl traffickers who seek to profit from the sale of this deadly substance are causing significant damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this prosecution demonstrates, we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are bringing fentanyl into the Granite State.  As Mr. Contreras has now learned, fentanyl traffickers who do business in New Hampshire will face substantial federal prison sentences.”

            “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Contreras accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in America, trafficking narcotics across state lines,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength of our interstate, collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

            “Contreras was the conduit through which fentanyl flowed into New Hampshire and Maine. HSI is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and seek prosecution for those who seek to bring these deadly drugs into our communities,” 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 Manchester Police Department, the Tilton Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth R. Aframe.

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            CONCORD - Kyle Mehlhorn, 28, of Merrimack, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for multiple drug trafficking and firearm charges, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2020, Manchester police officers observed a vehicle with wrongfully attached license plates and made a traffic stop.  Mehlhorn was the driver and he had a female passenger.  A records check of Mehlhorn revealed his license and registration were suspended and he was placed under arrest.  The passenger was cooperative and identified her belongings in the vehicle.  On November 2, 2020, after obtaining a search warrant, Manchester police officers searched the vehicle and found over 209 grams of methamphetamine, over 28 grams of fentanyl, various items used in drug packaging, $13,800 in cash, and two loaded firearms.  At the time of his arrest, Mehlhorn was a previously convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

            In January of 2021, Mehlhorn was arrested in Boston on a complaint from the District of New Hampshire.  Mehlhorn was armed with a 9 mm handgun and was carrying a backpack containing over 196 grams of methamphetamine and over 187 grams of fentanyl.  A subsequent search warrant for the vehicle revealed an additional .22 caliber handgun. 

            Mehlhorn previously pleaded guilty on August 6, 2021.  He will forfeit the firearms and cash seized in January of 2021.  The money and firearms seized in October of 2020 have already been forfeited.

            “Armed drug traffickers like Kyle Mehlhorn pose a serious threat to the community by carrying deadly weapons and selling dangerous substances,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As a convicted felon, Mehlhorn should not have had a gun.  Instead, he possessed multiple guns while peddling significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.  This lengthy sentence shows that the law enforcement community is working hard to protect the Granite State from violent crime and to hold armed criminals accountable for their actions.”

            “Armed with multiple firearms and deadly drugs, Kyle Mehlhorn is responsible for bringing danger and violence to our neighborhoods, and for this, he will spend significant time behind bars, said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI’s New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to rid our communities of armed drug dealing criminals.”

            “This investigation and subsequent arrest of the defendant is another example of the outstanding work being done by the officers and detectives of the Manchester Police Department,” said Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “We continue to value our state and local law enforcement partnerships which greatly assist in holding people such as this defendant accountable for their behavior.”

             This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, the Concord Police Department, the Gorham Police Department, and the Boston (MA) Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with forfeiture aspects of this matter.

 

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            CONCORD - Jesse Hernandez, 58, of Los Angeles, California pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2019, a Portsmouth- based marketing company (TH) was retained by a client for a marketing campaign to help introduce a new ice cream product in the San Francisco, California area.  The events would include a specialty-branded truck that was wrapped in the product’s marketing art and contained multiple specifications for ease of service and proper storage of the ice cream. TH vetted three companies for the job of creating the truck. Hernandez represented a company called Mobie Experiential Trucks (Mobie).  Hernandez appeared to be capable and less expensive than the next vendor.  He provided a slide presentation to TH personnel and talked through it over the telephone. The images in the presentation were later determined to display products done by other companies and pictures taken from the internet by Hernandez to misrepresent his experience and work. 

            TH selected Hernandez and Mobie as the company to perform the work in mid-June of 2019 with a delivery date of July 9, 2019.  Hernandez demanded full payment prior to delivery of the truck.  TH sent a check in the amount of $36,941 on July 3, 2019.   On July 8, 2019, TH personnel traveled to California to retrieve the truck.  The defendant never delivered any truck and was unresponsive to inquiries from TH. 

            After federal investigators became involved in the case in the fall of 2019, they interviewed Hernandez.  Hernandez stated that he received the check from TH, deposited the funds, and used them for purposes unrelated to the TH truck.  He acknowledged that he was not going to deliver the truck. 

            Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8, 2022.   As part of his plea agreement, Hernandez agreed to pay restitution to TH in the amount of $46,615.29.

            “Fraudsters can use a host of different methods to steal from their victims and we all must remain vigilant to protect ourselves from scammers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant’s fraud scheme used lies and misrepresentations to defraud a New Hampshire company out of thousands of dollars.  Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, this schemer has been held responsible for his criminal conduct.”

            “Jesse Hernandez defrauded a Portsmouth, NH marketing company out of tens of thousands of dollars by failing to deliver on his promises, while also misrepresenting his experience and work.  Today, his lies finally caught up with him and he accepted responsibility for this fraudulent scheme,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Despite these challenging times we are all navigating, scammers are still doing everything they can to defraud people of their hard-earned money and we want everyone to know that the FBI is doing everything we can to make sure they don’t succeed.”

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

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            CONCORD –Ryder Winegar, 34, of Amherst, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for six counts of threatening members of Congress and one count of transmitting interstate threatening communications, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of December 16, 2020, Winegar left voicemails at the offices of six members of the United States Congress in the District of Columbia.  The calls were directed at three Senators and three members of the House of Representatives.  In some of the messages, Winegar identified himself by name or identified his telephone number.  The voicemails threatened to hang the members of Congress if they did not “get behind Donald Trump.” 

            The messages included very specific threats of violence.  For example, in one message, Winegar allegedly said, “I got some advice for you.  Here’s the advice, Donald Trump is your president.  If you don’t get behind him, we’re going to hang you until you die.”  In another message, Winegar said, “And it really, really, it boils down to two camps.  You either support our president, support liberty, and f*** this global homo, uh, vaccination Jewish agenda, or you’re not.  In which case we’re going to f***ing kill you.  Do you understand?”

            Members of the U.S. Capitol Police attempted to interview Winegar on December 20, 2020.  Winegar refused to speak with the officers.  On the following day, before investigators could return with search and arrest warrants, Winegar flew to Brazil, leaving his family behind.  Winegar was taken into custody when he returned to the United States on January 11, 2021.

            Following his arrest on about January 11, 2021, investigators learned of a separate, e-mailed threat to a member of the New Hampshire State House of Representatives on December 14, 2020, in which Winegar threatened to pull the representative from his bed and hang him.

            Winegar previously pleaded guilty on August 6, 2021.  He has been in custody since his January arrest.  In addition to his sentence, Winegar was ordered to pay a $15,000 fine. 

            “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that threats of violence have no place in our political discourse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While all citizens are free to express their political opinions, it is unlawful to threaten to commit acts of violence against members of Congress or members of the state legislature.  This defendant’s graphic threats were a troubling attempt to intimidate lawmakers and a direct assault on the functioning of our constitutional system.  This sentence should send a message to the community that those who threaten to commit acts of violence against duly-elected legislators will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct.”

            “Threatening to attack and kill six members of Congress and a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives to prevent them from carrying out their constitutional duties is a federal crime, not protected speech. Let’s hope that today’s sentence finally teaches Ryder Winegar that important lesson,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “As the events of this past year have shown, the FBI will do everything it can to ensure those who seek to harm our public servants are brought to justice for their criminal conduct.”

            The case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Amherst Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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            CONCORD - Paul Channell, 31, of Nashua, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 13, 2020, Channell was arrested for driving under the influence by the Hudson Police Department.  As a result of the arrest, a tow truck was called and the police began an inventory of the vehicle pursuant to their inventory policy.  The police located a Glock 26 handgun with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber. Channell was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition because he was convicted of a felony in 2018. He was also on supervised release at the time of his arrest.

            Channell previously pleaded guilty on August 13, 2021.

            “To protect our community from violent crime, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “A convicted felon in possession of a loaded handgun presents a clear danger to public safety.  We will continue to seek substantial prison sentences for armed criminals so that they cannot endanger the hardworking and law-abiding citizens of the Granite State.”

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

            This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. 

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            CONCORD – Melissa Gazaway, 34, of Manchester, was sentenced to 40 months for conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and crack cocaine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the spring of 2020, investigators received information from confidential sources that Gazaway and her co-defendants, Jovan and Chrystal Callaghan, were selling crack cocaine and fentanyl from their residence in Manchester. Law enforcement officers learned that Gazaway and Chrystal Callaghan would travel to New York to purchase crack cocaine. On three separate occasions, officers conducted lawful traffic stops of their vehicle returning from New York and seized over 300 grams of crack cocaine. In late 2020, confidential sources conducted six controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from the three co-defendants.

            On December 24, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence and seized over one kilogram of fentanyl and a firearm, along with large amounts of cash and drug use and packaging materials.             

            Chrystal Callaghan was sentenced on July 28, 2021, to 54 months.  Jovan Callaghan was sentenced on September 21, 2021, to 60 months. 

            Gazaway previously pleaded guilty on April 20, 2021.    

            “This case is another example of our ongoing efforts to prosecute drug dealers in Manchester,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who seek to profit by selling dangerous drugs like fentanyl and crack cocaine are endangering lives in our community.  To protect public safety, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who threaten the quality of life in Manchester and other communities in the Granite State.”

            “This case serves as another example of how frequently the Manchester Police Department is locating illegal drugs in the company of firearms. This is a dangerous combination and will not be tolerated within the City of Manchester,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “The Manchester Police Department will continue to seek federal charges for this type of behavior. We are thankful for the excellent relationship this agency has with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and their continued commitment to these cases.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, and the Nashua Police Department. The case was  prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD - Jonathan McKnight, 39, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to interference with commerce by threats and violence by committing five robberies, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2020, McKnight robbed a convenience store in Manchester.  He passed a note to the clerk indicating he had a gun and that he wanted all the money.  On March 28, 2020, McKnight robbed another convenience store in Manchester.  He passed a note to the clerk ordering the clerk to give him the money.  He further gestured toward his back waistband while lifting up his sweatshirt.  An officer who reviewed the store video footage recognized McKnight as the person in the video.  On March 30, 2020, Manchester police officers conducted a post-arrest interview with McKnight.  He admitted to committing both robberies and passing the same note at each robbery.  While acknowledging the had claimed to have a gun during the robberies, but he stated he did not possess a gun during the robberies. 

            On July 7, 2020, Manchester police officers responded to another robbery.  The cashier gave the officers a description and told them that the robber had placed a note on the counter.  The cashier gave him approximately $100-$150 from the drawer, mostly $1.00 bills.  After reviewing the video footage, officers located McKnight wearing the same clothing worn by the robber.  He had approximately $60, including approximately 25 $1.00 bills. 

            On March 7, 2021, and March 10, 2021, McKnight committed additional robberies at two separate locations in Goffstown.  Investigators received a tip that McKnight committed both robberies and McKnight later admitted that he committed both robberies. 

            McKnight is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2021.

            “Robberies are violent crimes that can cause harm to victims and spread fear in communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect the public from violent crime, we are working closely with all our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals like Mr. McKnight who threaten the community.  Thanks to these joint efforts, McKnight’s robbery spree has been stopped and he has been held accountable for his unlawful actions.”

            “Today Jonathan McKnight confessed to a string of convenience store robberies in which he threatened a firearm and terrorized innocent bystanders just to get his hands on some quick cash. Had he not been identified and arrested by investigators, there’s a good chance he’d still be at it,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI and our partners at the Manchester Police Department are committed to taking violent criminals off the street to keep them from victimizing anyone else.”

            These matters were investigated by the Manchester Police Department and Goffstown Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.

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            CONCORD - Jason Hart, 48, of Manchester, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 9, 2019, a New Hampshire State Police trooper conducted a traffic stop of a truck operated by Hart.  Hart was ultimately arrested because he provided a false name and address and refused to provide his true identity. Troopers located over $3,500 in Hart’s pocket and during an inventory search of the vehicle found suspected drug paraphernalia.  After obtaining a search warrant, troopers found evidence of drug distribution, over 94 grams of fentanyl, and over 146 grams of methamphetamine. 

            On May 9, 2020, an officer observed an unoccupied vehicle parked at a gas station in Bow.  A check of the vehicle’s registration revealed the owner of the truck had an out-of-state warrant for his arrest.  Hart was a passenger in the vehicle.  Because Hart did not have a valid driver’s license, he was told he was free to go, but the vehicle would be towed.  During the inventory search of the vehicle, officers located a backpack that contained over 396 grams of fentanyl and a card that had Hart’s name on it.  The officers then arrested Hart.  After obtaining a search warrant for Hart’s phone, officers found text messages indicative of drug distribution.    

            Hart previously pleaded guilty on July 13, 2021.  The cash seized from Hart on October 9, 2019, was forfeited to the United States.

            “Fentanyl and methamphetamine are extremely dangerous drugs that are damaging lives throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who seek to profit from selling these deadly substances.  As this case demonstrates, drug dealers who do business in the Granite State will find themselves serving significant time in federal prison.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hampshire State Police, and Bow Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture-related aspects of this case.

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            CONCORD - Gabriel Rivera, 41, of Manchester, was sentenced on Monday to 90 months in federal prison for drug conspiracy and firearm charges, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in early 2020, a cooperating individual (CI) working with the Manchester Police Department bought fentanyl from Rivera and Ramon Guerrero at their shared apartment.  While in the apartment, the CI observed quantities of suspected crack and methamphetamine as well as fentanyl.

            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 and several baggies containing cocaine, as well as fentanyl in pill form.  Investigators executed a search of the apartment and found Rivera sitting on a couch with an open fanny pack next to him, an open safe at his feet, and a handgun tucked behind the cushion.  On his person, detectives located $1,151.  The safe and pack contained crack, over 76 grams of cocaine, and over 162 grams of fentanyl.  As a convicted felon, Rivera was prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

            Rivera and Guerrero previously pleaded guilty on August 3, 2021.  Guerrero is scheduled to be sentenced on November 23, 2021.

            “Drug traffickers continue to endanger our community by selling deadly substances,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When drug dealers are armed, they also present a serious risk of violence.  As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with the Manchester Police to identify and prosecute the armed drug traffickers who pose a threat to the citizens of Manchester.”

            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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            CONCORD - Kizito Chukwujekwu, 38, of Morrow, Georgia, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between June of 2016 and August of 2017, Chukwujekwu and others opened at least ten bank accounts at banks in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Georgia using other persons’ identification information.  Chukwujekwu or his co-conspirators then deposited fraudulent checks into those accounts.  After the money was credited to the account but before the bank determined the check was false, one of Chukwujekwu’s co-conspirators withdrew money from the bank accounts.  During the scheme, the conspirators deposited fraudulent checks worth more than $119,000 and withdrew more than $69,000.

            Chukwujekwu previously pleaded guilty on July 13, 2021.  In addition to his sentence, Chukwujekwu was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $69,168.25.

            On January 3, 2020, Chinedu Ihejiere was sentenced to 25 months in prison for participating in the same scheme.

            “Financial fraud schemes cause real damage to their victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who are responsible for committing bank fraud and other fraud offenses.  As this case demonstrates, those who come to New Hampshire to commit fraud schemes will be prosecuted aggressively and will find themselves in federal prison.”

            “Fueled by nothing more than pure and simple greed, Kizito Chukwujekwu and his co-conspirators stole tens of thousands of dollars from people they figured would never miss it. However, he was clearly wrong,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case demonstrates how the FBI, and our partners won’t stand for criminals who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of innocent Americans.”

             This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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            CONCORD - Jake Laurence Mason, 28, of Franklin, was sentenced on Monday to 96 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and July 2020, Franklin police were investigating Mason’s suspected drug distribution activities. Based on evidence gathered throughout the investigation, officers executed a search warrant on August 7, 2020.  Mason was arrested at the scene when officers located suspected drugs in plain view on a table in front of Mason.  A further search of the property revealed a loaded handgun stuffed in the couch cushions next to Mason.  A backpack was located containing items associated with drug distribution as well as a cell phone, ledger $1,200 in cash and drugs packaged in various containers.  Inside a locked closet, officers located a shotgun, handgun and AK-47 rifle as well as ammunition.  Safes in the closet contained more items associated with drug distribution, $1,600 in cash and suspected drugs in various containers.  Over 49 grams of methamphetamine and over 65 grams of fentanyl were located during the search.

           “Armed drug traffickers like Mr. Mason present a significant risk to the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While distributing drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl endangers the community, that danger is even greater when drug dealers possess multiple firearms.  In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to seek substantial prison sentences for the armed drug dealers who threaten public safety in our local communities.”

           “DEA and our state and local counterparts will do everything in our power to bring to justice those who distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Mason accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning that DEA and its local and state partners will work diligently to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by Franklin Police Department with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department, Andover Police Department, Tilton Police Department and Northfield Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

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WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of New Hampshire, three towns were awarded funding totaling $500,000. 

“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”

“To keep New Hampshire safe, it is important to have qualified and committed police officers working in our local communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley.  “These grant funds will provide valuable funds so three towns can hire additional police officers.  These additional officers will enhance community policing efforts and help us in our ongoing work to reduce crime and protect public safety in the Granite State.”

The following towns in New Hampshire received awards:

• Town of Epping - $125,000
• Town of Groveton - $125,000
• Town of Salem - $250,000

 

CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.  

Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.

To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.  

The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.

 

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            CONCORD - Raheem Nigge Taylor, 28, of Manchester, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for possession of firearms by a prohibited person, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 2, 2021, investigators obtained a search warrant for Taylor’s residence after social media posts revealed he may have been in possession of firearms.  The search revealed two firearms that matched the weapons Taylor displayed in photos on his social media account.  Officers also recovered multiple rounds of ammunition.  Taylor, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, admitted that the weapons belonged to him. 

            Taylor previously pleaded guilty on July 27, 2021.

            “To keep Manchester safe from violent crime, it is imperative that we keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Despite being a convicted felon, Mr. Taylor had no respect for the law and continued to possess multiple firearms.  Such unlawful conduct will not be tolerated.  The law enforcement community in the Granite State will continue to work tirelessly to protect our community by identifying and prosecuting armed criminals.”

            “Getting guns away from people who shouldn’t have them is a crucial part of our concerted effort to check violent crime in this city. If you’re a convicted felon, like Raheem Nigge Taylor, who blatantly brandished two firearms, along with multiple rounds of ammo on social media, you should know you’re not going to get away with it,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We will continue to do all we can to make New Hampshire safer for the good folks who live, work, or visit here.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

            This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. 

 

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            CONCORD - Trevor Allen, 29, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 28, 2018, Allen walked into a bank in Charlestown, New Hampshire and handed a teller a note demanding him to empty the money in his drawer.  Allen claimed he was armed.  Allen was given a total of $2,485 in cash by the teller.  Investigators later found Allen’s fingerprint on the note.   

            Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2022.   

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that can present a real risk of danger to anyone inside or near the bank,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As part of our effort to combat violent crime in New Hampshire, we work closely with the FBI and our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies and other violent offenses in the Granite State.”

            “When anyone enters a bank intent on robbing it, even if a weapon isn’t shown, there is always a chance someone could get hurt, or worse. Trevor Allen instilled fear in innocent employees and bystanders while committing armed robbery, and today, he has finally accepted responsibility for his actions,” 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 aggressively investigate anyone who targets our financial institutions for their own personal benefit.”

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

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            CONCORD - Kazi Pervez, 42, of Methuen, Massachusetts was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Pervez was a branch manager for a bank in Salem, New Hampshire.  From at least April of 2016 until September of 2017, Pervez used his position as branch manager to steal or attempt to steal more than $560,000 from the bank.  For example, Pervez opened or instructed bank employees to open accounts in the name of deceased bank customers.  Pervez then withdrew funds from the accounts that exceeded the balance of the accounts and used his authority as branch manager to authorize the overdrafts from the account.  Pervez also identified inactive bank accounts of deceased bank customers and transferred money out of those accounts to other accounts that he controlled. 

            Pervez sometimes transferred the stolen or overdrawn funds directly to accounts at other banks that he controlled or to pay his bills.  Other times, Pervez transferred the funds he stole or overdrew between several accounts in the bank that he controlled before transferring the money to accounts at other banks or to pay his bills.  In total, Pervez stole or fraudulently overdrew about $564,590.02 from other peoples’ bank accounts.  Of that amount, Pervez successfully transferred more than $450,000 to other accounts outside the bank for his personal use.    

            Pervez previously pleaded guilty on March 29, 2021.  In addition to his sentence, Pervez was ordered to forfeit $454,730.26, which will be used for restitution.

            “This defendant took advantage of his position at a bank to steal money from the bank accounts of deceased individuals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This significant breach of trust is also a serious federal crime.  As this case demonstrates, we work closely with the Secret Service to identify and prosecute white collar criminals and to seek justice for the victims of financial crimes.”

            “The US Secret Service is committed to investigating complex fraud schemes especially those that involve the exploitation of elderly and deceased victims.”  stated Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New Hampshire Office. 

            This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and John Kennedy and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture aspects of the case.

 

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           CONCORD - Miguel Skrl Guillermo-Graseki, 23, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and September of 2020, Guillermo-Graseki conspired with a Lawrence-based fentanyl distributor (MA Source) to distribute fentanyl in New Hampshire and Massachusetts to a confidential source (CS) and undercover Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer (DEA TFO).  Guillermo-Graseki was used as a “go-between” for the MA Source to negotiate prices and quantities of drugs and arrange meeting spots in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  During this time frame, the CS and DEA TFO made purchases totaling over 98 grams of fentanyl powder and 8,844 fentanyl pills. 

            “Fentanyl trafficking continues to present a significant threat to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By trafficking in pills that contained fentanyl, this defendant put customers’ lives at risk because even one fentanyl pill can kill.  To protect the residents of the Granite State, we will continue to work with the DEA to identify and prosecute those who distribute fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force and the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD - Stefan Catalin Bereanda, 45, a Romanian citizen unlawfully present in the United States, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to bank fraud and identity theft, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in November of 2019, Bereanda and his co-defendant, Adrian Redenciuc, devised a scheme to defraud a New Hampshire bank by obtaining account information belonging to the bank’s customers, re-encoding the information onto new cards, and using those cards to withdraw funds from customer accounts.  Surveillance footage revealed that on or about November 9, 2019, Redenciuc installed skimming devices on several ATMs in Claremont.  He also installed small hidden cameras designed to record the PIN number entered by the customer during an ATM transaction.   On November 10, 2019, surveillance footage captured Redenciuc removing the devices.  Over the next few days, the two men visited several ATM locations around Claremont and made unauthorized withdrawals totaling over $30,000 using the information obtained through the skimming devices.         

            Bereanda is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2022.  Redenciuc has not yet been taken into custody.

            “Identity theft and bank fraud offenses are significant crimes that cause serious financial and emotional harm to victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant’s scheme used skimming devices and hidden cameras to steal information from innocent bank customers.  Thanks to the work of the Secret Service, this disturbing criminal scheme was stopped and this defendant has been held accountable for his unlawful conduct.”

             This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and Claremont Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

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            CONCORD - Ariel Toribio, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to aiding and abetting the making of a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on five separate occasions in November and December 2019, Toribio’s co-defendant, Samantha Sicard, purchased 11 firearms for Toribio and others.  Toribio solicited Sicard to buy the firearms, instructed her about which firearms to purchase and paid for the firearms.  Toribio traveled with Sicard to a federally licensed firearms dealer where she would fill out the necessary paperwork and falsely state she was the actual purchaser of the firearms when she was in fact purchasing them for Toribio and others.       

            Toribio is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2022.   Charges against Sicard remain pending.

            “By arranging for another person to buy guns for himself and others, this defendant committed a significant federal crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, we work closely with the ATF and other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully obtain firearms.” 

            “Firearms trafficking remains ATF's top priority and this investigation is another example of how through the use of a straw purchaser, firearms are trafficked and end up in the hands of criminals. This case should send a clear message to straw purchasers of firearms,  if you are thinking about buying a gun for someone other than yourself, you better think again.”  Said James M. Ferguson, ATF Special Agent in Charge, Boston Field Division.  “Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue and arrest anyone who had a role in putting guns onto the streets and into the hands of individuals who cannot legally purchase them”

            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 - Georges Mazraani, 57, of Windham, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to willful failing to file a foreign bank account report, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, federal law requires that a U.S. person having a financial interest in, or signature or other authority over, a bank or other financial account in a foreign country, must file a Foreign Bank Account Report (“FBAR”) with the Treasury Department identifying each foreign account if the aggregate balance of all foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point in the calendar year.  FBAR information is used by the federal government in criminal, tax, or regulatory investigations or proceedings.  A willful failure to file a required FBAR is a felony.

            Defendant Mazraani owned and operated Dot Square, a New Hampshire corporation that exported computers and related goods primarily to Lebanon.  He also had a financial interest in bank accounts held in Lebanon, from which he sometimes wired money to Dot Square’s bank account held in Salem, New Hampshire.  For calendar year 2012, Mazraani filed an FBAR identifying three accounts in Lebanon.  During the years 2013 through 2017, however, Mazraani did not file FBARs, even though he had an interest in at least one Lebanese bank account holding more than $10,000 during each of those years.  For example, in calendar year 2017, $554,245 was wired, in 13 separate wire transmissions, from Mazraani’s account at a bank in Beirut to Dot Square’s business checking account in New Hampshire.  Although Mazraani’s tax preparer advised the defendant’s bookkeeper about the FBAR filing requirement and Mazraani acknowledged on his 2016 and 2017 tax returns that he was required to file an FBAR, he nevertheless failed to file the report. 

           Mazraani is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2022.

           “Failing to file a Foreign Bank Account Report is a federal crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By failing to file these reports from 2013 to 2017, the defendant concealed information about foreign bank accounts that he was required to disclose.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit tax crimes and other financial offenses.”

           “The law requires companies who use our country’s financial system to provide financial institutions with truthful information about their business operations, but Georges Mazraani admitted today that he knowingly and willfully failed to do that, over the course of five years. In fact, he went out of his way to conceal his bank accounts in Lebanon, despite a reminder from his bookkeeper,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will not hesitate to aggressively investigate companies who are doing business in the United States but failing to adhere to our laws.”

            “The accurate reporting of foreign bank accounts ensures fairness and integrity in the U.S. tax system. By his own admission today, Mr. Mazraani deliberately avoided his reporting requirements in an attempt to hide assets. As a result of his actions, he is now subject to a federal felony conviction,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office. 

            This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Commerce, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

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            CONCORD - Michelle Marone, 52, of Middleton, pleaded guilty in federal court to access device fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Marone’s boyfriend went missing in April 2019.  Her boyfriend was receiving Social Security Disability Insurance payments that were deposited onto a debit card.  The Social Security Administration was unaware of the boyfriend’s disappearance and continued to deposit funds onto the card each month.  In June of 2020, Marone entered her boyfriend’s personal identifying information into an automated dialing system and obtained a replacement debit card, which she used over the next year to access the stored funds.  She withdrew most of the funds from ATMs in Farmington and Rochester.  Overall, Marone obtained $23,591.50 in benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

            Marone is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2022.

            “This defendant fraudulently obtained thousands of dollars in Social Security Disability benefits that she was not entitled to receive,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By accessing benefits that she was not entitled to, she committed a serious federal crime.  We work closely with the Social Security Administration’s Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who steal Social Security benefits that are intended for individuals with disabilities.”

            “After her boyfriend went missing, Ms. Marone intentionally took steps to redirect his Social Security benefits for her own personal gain,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “We will continue to pursue and hold those accountable who defraud SSA. I want to 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 Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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            CONCORD - Adrian Hardin, 27, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of firearms 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 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2022.

            “To protect our community from violent crime, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Despite being a convicted felon, this defendant nevertheless continued to arm himself with firearms.  Such unlawful conduct cannot be tolerated.  In our efforts to keep the Granite State safe, we will not hesitate to pursue federal prosecutions of criminals who endanger our community by possessing guns.”       

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manchester Police Department, and the Merrimack Police Department.  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 - Shawn Helstein, 45, of Iowa, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 8, 2018, Helstein was observed by law enforcement agents in the presence of a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, Jacob MacQuarrie, at a hotel in Bow, New Hampshire.  MacQuarrie was arrested on an outstanding warrant.  Helstein was found in possession of $2,080 in cash, which was seized.  In later statements to investigators, Helstein admitted that he knew that MacQuarrie was trafficking methamphetamine.  He said the money belonged to MacQuarrie and that they were planning to deposit the money into a cryptocurrency ATM.  Helstein said MacQuarrie had given him the money earlier in the day and had him download a bitcoin app.  MacQuarrie gave Helstein his password and said he would show him how to convert the money into crypto currency at a location in Concord.  Helstein stated that he believed MacQuarrie was ordering drugs and moving money on the dark web.

            Helstein is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2022.  MacQuarrie is serving a ten-year sentence for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm during a drug crime.

            “Money laundering crimes help drug dealers and other criminals disguise the illegal source of their funds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Because money laundering activities provide important financial support to drug traffickers, we will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against those who aid criminals by laundering their drug proceeds.”

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

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            CONCORD - Jonathan Sargent, 38, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Acting 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on February 2, 2022.  As part of his plea, Sargent agreed to forfeit four firearms that were in his possession at the time of his arrest. 

            “Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “To protect the citizens of Manchester and other communities, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the armed criminals who are profiting from sales of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous substances.  Through this and other successful prosecutions of armed drug dealers, we are working to make the Granite State a safer place.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen.

            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, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that a federal jury found Corey Donovan, 38, of Wilmot, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  The verdict was returned on Friday, October 15, 2021.

            According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the four-day jury trial, Donovan was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.  In March of 2021, law enforcement officers received a tip that Donovan possessed firearms.  After investigating the matter, law enforcement officers obtained search warrants for Donovan’s property and vehicles associated with him.  Located in Donovan’s Jeep, strapped to the roll bar, was a loaded 20-gauge shotgun.  There were several rounds of ammunition on and in the weapon.  Additional ammunition was in the Jeep’s center console.   A companion 20-gauge shotgun barrel, several shotgun parts, multiple rounds of ammunition, and various gun accessories also were located on Donovan’s property. 

            Donovan, who is detained, faces up to 10 years in prison.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 31, 2022. 

            “To protect our community from violent crime, it is essential to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this prosecution demonstrates, we will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against convicted felons who unlawfully possess firearms.  By prosecuting dangerous criminals like Mr. Donovan, we are working to keep families and communities in the Granite State safe from violence.”

            “ATF is committed to pursuing the illegal possession of firearms by prohibited persons. In this circumstance, Mr. Donovan had a previous violent felony conviction. These investigations are of high priority for the ATF because they directly impact public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Information and Analysis Center, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Andover Police Department, and United States Probation and Pretrial Services.  Special assistance was also provided by the Somersworth Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Charles Rombeau. 

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            CONCORD - Howard Poole, 43, of Pittsburg, was sentenced on Thursday to 42 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 16, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Poole was distributing drugs and was the subject of multiple arrest warrants.  Based on the information, investigators set up surveillance and observed Poole leaving a Manchester motel in a car driven by his wife.  The vehicle pulled into a gas station and a state trooper conducted a motor vehicle stop.  After the trooper informed Poole of the active warrants, Poole admitted he possessed methamphetamine, opiates, and cash.  The trooper observed a large amount of currency and a baggie containing methamphetamine in the vehicle.  A consensual search of the vehicle and a search of Poole’s person revealed $6,786 in cash, over 278 grams of fentanyl, and over 25 grams of methamphetamine.

            Poole previously pleaded guilty on June 4, 2021.

            “Drug traffickers like Mr. Poole endanger our communities by peddling deadly and addictive substances,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect our community, we continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who are profiting from the sale of illegal drugs and hold them accountable for their unlawful conduct.”

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

# # #

 

             CONCORD - Charles Paul Jansen, 35, of Pittsfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of child pornography, Acting 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 users who were 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2022.

           “Protecting innocent children is one of the foremost duties of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As part of our effort to fulfill this duty, the law enforcement community is committed to identifying and prosecuting those who engage in child pornography crimes.  Those who distribute these horrific images are further victimizing innocent victims of child sexual abuse.  As this case demonstrates, such unlawful conduct will not be tolerated in New Hampshire.” 

            “Simply put, Charles Jansen is a predator who admitted today to sexually exploiting children by distributing and exchanging their images online for his own gratification,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “What he did is despicable, and the FBI and our partners won’t ever stop fighting to protect children and making sure their abusers are held accountable.” 

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

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

 

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          CONCORD - Jane B. Smith, 65, of Hudson, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to attempted wire fraud and making false statements, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith began receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments in 1993.  She was required to report any changes in her employment and income to the Social Security Administration (SSA).  However, between 2007 and 2018, Smith worked for multiple employers, including the IRS, and failed to report her employment to the SSA.  The SSA learned of Smith’s employment and suspended her benefits several times during that time period.  On each occasion, Smith took steps to cause the SSA to provide her with SSDI benefit payments that she was not entitled to receive. 

          In February of 2018, Smith filed a false police report with the Nashua Police Department claiming that she was the victim of identity theft and that someone else had used her name to work for her employers.  She also made similar false statements to the IRS and SSA in efforts to secure benefits that she was not entitled to receive.  In February of 2021, Smith admitted to federal agents that she had lied about her work and falsely claimed to be the victim of identity theft because she did not want to lose her benefits.  As a result of her criminal conduct, Smith obtained over $90,000 in benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

          Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2022.

           “While Social Security Disability Benefits provide important financial support for qualified individuals, some criminals seek to take advantage of this system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “By lying about her employment and falsely claiming to be a victim of identity theft, this defendant sought to exploit this program to obtain money that she knew she was not entitled to receive.  As this case shows, we work closely with the Office of the Inspector General to identify fraud and protect the integrity of Social Security’s benefit programs.”

This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.  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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            CONCORD - Juan Diaz, 40, of Manchester, was sentenced to a total of 87 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating supervised release, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in July of 2020, while conducting another investigation, Ashland police learned that Diaz had been in recent possession of several firearms. Officers learned that while spending time with an Ashland family, Diaz had handled and shot two firearms on the family’s property on June 27, 2020.  Law enforcement officers also obtained photographs of Diaz shooting the firearms.

            Diaz has numerous prior felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms.  Most recently, he had served a 10-year sentence in federal prison for possession of child pornography.  He began his term of federal supervised release in May of 2020.         

            Diaz, who previously pleaded guilty on June 23, 2021, was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison for the firearms conviction and an additional 24 months for violating his supervised release.

            “A vital part of our effort to reduce violent crime is keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this case demonstrates, we will not hesitate to pursue federal charges against convicted criminals who possess firearms.  As Mr. Diaz has learned, convicted felons face substantial prison sentences if they unlawfully use or possess guns.”

            “Today’s sentence should send a clear message to those who are prohibited from possessing firearms.” said James M. Ferguson ATF Special Agent in Charge. “As a convicted felon Mr. Diaz should have never been in possession of a firearm. We hope today’s sentence sends a clear message that the ATF and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to bring these offenders to justice.”

            This matter was investigated by the Ashland Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

            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, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that a federal jury found Laveneur Jackson, 41, of Lowell, Massachusetts, guilty of two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  The verdict was returned on Tuesday, 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. 

             Jackson, who is detained, faces up to ten years in prison on each count of conviction.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2022. 

            “To protect the public from violent crime, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By unlawfully obtaining guns and then selling them in Massachusetts, this defendant was engaging in conduct that jeopardized public safety.  Thanks to the hard work of the investigators and prosecutors who worked on this matter, a federal jury had held Mr. Jackson accountable for his dangerous and unlawful conduct.”

             “Part of law enforcement’s efforts to reduce violent crime is removing weapons from the hands convicted felons like Laveneur Jackson" said ATF Boston Special Agent in James M. Ferguson. "This guilty verdict should serve notice of the ATF’s commitment to the citizens of New Hampshire and to our continued work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to make our community safer for everyone.”

            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 - Timothy P. Diggins, 60, of Goffstown, was sentenced on Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison for transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Microsoft OneDrive is an online cloud-based storage service used to store and share digital files, images and/or video.  On or about January 1, 2019, Microsoft’s automated system detected potential child exploitation material on an account associated with an IP address located at Diggins’ Goffstown home.  The matter was referred to law enforcement for investigation. 

            On September 18, 2019, investigators conducted a consensual interview with Diggins at his home.  Diggins confirmed he lived alone and admitted to using the internet to view child sexual abuse material.  Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for Diggins’ residence and seized cellular phones, computer equipment and various electronic media for forensic examination.  The examination revealed that Diggins downloaded child sexual abuse material from the internet and saved his collection of over 1,000 of the images on his computer equipment and electronic media.

            “Protecting children from abuse is one of the highest priorities of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Criminals who possess or transport child pornography are furthering the abuse of the innocent victims who appear in these images.  As part of our effort to protect children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit offenses involving images of child sexual abuse.”

            "The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to work with our local and Federal partners in law enforcement in an effort to protect the children of New Hampshire.” said Eric Kinsman, Commander, NH ICAC.  “We encourage parents to talk to their children about internet safety and to visit https://www.missingkids.org/ for resources and helpful information."

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Goffstown Police Department.  The case was 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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Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax Returns with Stolen Identities
Defendant Purchased Stolen Identities from the Internet

 

A Texas man was sentenced to 70 months in prison today for conspiring to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a scheme to file false tax returns using stolen identities.

Emmanuel Akoto, also known as “Kofi,” of Grand Prairie, Texas was convicted following a jury trial in October 2019.  According to court documents and evidence at trial, from 2011 through 2014, Akoto purchased from third parties more than 560 stolen identities and used some of those identities to file false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These returns listed fake income and tax withholdings and sought fraudulent refunds, which Akoto and his co-conspirators loaded onto pre-paid debit cards. At one point, Akoto tried to purchase via email identities from a United States Secret Service undercover agent. The wide-ranging conspiracy involved others in Texas, California, Georgia, and Ghana.

Jeffrey Quaye, who was a co-defendant in the case, was sentenced in March to 24 months in prison.  Quaye pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft prior to the trial against Akoto.

In addition to being sentenced to prison, U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe ordered Akoto and Quaye to pay restitution and to serve terms of supervised release following their prison sentences.  Akoto was ordered to pay $551,601 in restitution and Quaye was ordered to pay $99,796.  Each defendant was sentenced to two years of supervised release.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire John J. Farley made the announcement.

IRS–Criminal Investigations and the Secret Service investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Sean Green of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, AUSA John Kennedy, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire prosecuted the case.

A Texas man was sentenced to 70 months in prison today for conspiring to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a scheme to file false tax returns using stolen identities.

Emmanuel Akoto, also known as “Kofi,” of Grand Prairie, was convicted following a jury trial in October 2019. According to court documents and evidence at trial, from 2011 through 2014, Akoto purchased from third parties more than 560 stolen identities and used some of those identities to file false tax returns with the IRS. These returns listed fake income and tax withholdings and sought fraudulent refunds, which Akoto and his co-conspirators loaded onto pre-paid debit cards. At one point, Akoto tried to purchase, via email, identities from a U.S. Secret Service undercover agent. The wide-ranging conspiracy involved others in Texas, California, Georgia and Ghana.

Jeffrey Quaye, who was a co-defendant in the case, was sentenced in March to 24 months in prison. Quaye pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft prior to the trial against Akoto.

In addition to being sentenced to prison, U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe ordered Akoto and Quaye to pay restitution and to serve terms of supervised release following their prison sentences. Akoto was ordered to pay $551,601 in restitution and Quaye was ordered to pay $99,796. Each defendant was sentenced to two years of supervised release.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley for the District of New Hampshire made the announcement.

IRS–Criminal Investigations and the Secret Service investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Sean Green of the Tax Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire prosecuted the case.

            CONCORD - Timothy Nugent, 34, of Colebrook, was sentenced on Monday to 40 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 17, 2019, a Manchester police officer encountered Nugent standing at the open door of a car parked blocking a driveway. Nugent said it was not his vehicle but he had permission to be in it from a friend in Colebrook.  As Nugent produced the registration, the officer observed several baggies on the front passenger seat.  Nugent handed the officer one of the baggies and consented to a search of his wallet.  After the officer located a Suboxone tab in Nugent’s wallet and Nugent stated he did not have a prescription for Suboxone, the officer arrested Nugent.  After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, officers discovered a box containing over 34 grams of fentanyl, a scale, and bank cards, including one in Nugent’s name. 

            “Fentanyl continues to cause far too many deaths in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect our community from the threat posed by this deadly substance, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who are distributing fentanyl and other opioids in the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Colebrook Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Aaron Gingrande.

 

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            CONCORD - Kelley Bevin, 53, of Hampton Falls, pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of government funds, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Bevin’s mother passed away in May 2016.  At the time of her death, Bevin’s mother was receiving monthly Social Security benefits in a bank account.  However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) was not informed of her death until April 2020, resulting in an overpayment of $80,826.  Several weeks before her mother’s death, Bevin acquired the bank card for her mother’s account.  Over the course of four years, Bevin used the card to access her deceased mother’s bank account and spent the funds.

            On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economics Security (CARES) Act was signed into law.  The CARES Act provided for, among other things, $1,200 stimulus payments to Americans under certain income thresholds.  However, deceased persons were not entitled to those payments.  The U.S. Treasury deposited a $1,200 stimulus payment into the bank account of Bevin’s mother.  Bevin was not entitled to that payment, but it was among the funds she unlawfully converted to her own use. 

            In total, Bevin stole $82,026 in SSA benefits and COVID-19 stimulus payments that she was not entitled to receive. 

            Bevin is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2022.

            “Social Security and CARES Act benefits provide important financial support for qualified recipients,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect the integrity of these federal programs, we will not hesitate to pursue criminal charges against those who steal federal benefits.  I am grateful the Office of Inspector General for its investigative efforts in this case.”

            “Bevin misused Social Security benefits intended for her deceased mother for several years and additionally, she stole money intended to help a population struggling with the economic effects of the coronavirus.  This should stand as a warning to anyone who is receiving and misusing Social Security benefits intended for someone else,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.  “Anyone who fails to report a death to Social Security should take heed of this guilty plea and know that we will come knocking on the door.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen for pursuing this case and holding her accountable.”

            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 and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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            CONCORD –Jovan Callaghan, 25, of Manchester, was sentenced on Monday to 60 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the spring of 2020, investigators received information from confidential sources that Chrystal Callaghan and her co-defendant son, Jovan Callaghan, were selling crack cocaine and fentanyl from their residence in Manchester. Law enforcement officers learned that Chrystal Callaghan and another co-conspirator, Melissa Gazaway, would travel to New York to purchase crack cocaine. On three separate occasions, officers conducted lawful traffic stops of their vehicle returning from New York and seized over 300 grams of crack cocaine. In late 2020, confidential sources conducted six controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from the three co-defendants.

            On December 24, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at the Manchester residence and seized over one kilogram of fentanyl and a firearm, along with large amounts of cash and drug use and packaging materials. 

            Chrystal and Jovan Callaghan previously pleaded guilty on March 30, 2021.  Chrystal Callaghan was sentenced to 54 months on July 28, 2021. Gazaway pleaded guilty on April 20, 2021 and awaits sentencing.

            “Drug traffickers are endangering the safety of our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are seeking to profit from the sales of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and other dangerous drugs.  By getting drug dealers off the street of Manchester, we seek to improve the safety and security of the city’s residents.”

            “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Callaghan accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in America,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, and the Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Jennifer Cole Davis.

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           CONCORD - Erik Bjork, 38, of Pembroke, was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2019, officers with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were conducting online investigations into individuals utilizing peer-to-peer networks (P2P) to share known images of child sexual abuse material on the internet.  On May 10, 2019, a detective with the Portsmouth Police Department was able to download five files from a target IP address. Additional monitoring of the target IP address showed more files, all indicative of child sexual abuse material available for download. 

           The IP address was traced to Bjork’s address in Pembroke.  A search warrant was executed and a laptop was seized that contained over 1,600 files of child sexual abuse material, many involving infants and toddlers.  Bjork admitted to using P2P networks to obtain and share child sexual abuse material.

           Bjork previously pleaded guilty on May 27, 2021.  In addition to his prison sentence, Bjork was ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution and over $5,000 in special assessments. 

           “Child sexual abuse crimes exploit vulnerable young children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By distributing and possessing troubling images of infants and toddlers, this defendant further victimized the children in these images.  Such conduct is unacceptable.  As this case demonstrates, we will not hesitate to seek substantial prison sentences for those who commit child sexual abuse crimes.”

           “The possession and distribution of child exploitation images perpetuates horrific crimes against children,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. “We are grateful to our task force partners for the assistance and expertise that make cases like this possible and allow us to remove perpetrators from our communities.”

           “The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to be vigilant with both reactive and proactive investigations in an effort to ensure the safety of the children of New Hampshire,” said Eric Kinsman, Commander of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.   “NH ICAC is proud to partner with our local and federal law enforcement partners and is thankful for the tireless efforts of the Department of Justice and the US Attorney’s Office.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, and Pembroke 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 - Efrain Perez, 48, of Manchester, was sentenced on Tuesday to 77 months in federal prison for attempted possession of MDMA with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the spring of 2019, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) seized a package shipped from the Netherlands that contained over 500 grams of MDMA.  MDMA is an illegal drug that is also known as “Ecstasy” or “Molly.”  The package was addressed to an employee at a store in New Hampshire.

            On April 3, 2019, a member of the USPIS, disguised as a mail carrier, delivered the package to the employee and learned that Perez had asked him to receive the package. 

            At the request of law enforcement officers, the employee advised Perez that the package was available at a post office.  Perez went to the post office and signed for the package.  After leaving the post office, Perez was approached by law enforcement officers while in possession of the package.  A later search of Perez's cellular phone showed that he had made multiple inquiries to check on the delivery status of the package. 

            “Drug trafficking endangers public health and safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Shipping dangerous drugs through the mail can create an additional public health hazard.  We are working hard to stop the flow of drugs into New Hampshire.  As this case demonstrates, those who use the mail for drug trafficking will face substantial consequences for their unlawful conduct.”

            “HSI is committed to preventing trafficked drugs from reaching the streets. With the assistance of our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we’re working together to keep dangerous substances out of the mail system and out of the hands of traffickers,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office.

             This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Aframe.

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            CONCORD - Larry Woods, 41, of Manchester, was sentenced on Tuesday to 22 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2019, a confidential source (CS) working with Manchester police detectives engaged in a series of calls with Woods to arrange the purchase of fentanyl.  The CS then obtained the fentanyl at a Manchester residence.

            “Fentanyl trafficking has caused great damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this deadly drug in the Granite State.”

            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 –Michael Francis, 34, of Manchester, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm, 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’ residence on Thornton Street in Manchester 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 is being detained pending trial.  The criminal investigation into his conduct is ongoing.

            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 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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           CONCORD - Robert Adkins, 34, of Alexandria, was sentenced on Tuesday to 66 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2019, the Andover Police Department was investigating the theft of logging equipment.  While at the suspect’s home, the suspect arrived home in his truck with Adkins as his passenger.  While executing a search warrant for the suspect’s truck, they located a backpack belonging to Adkins.  Inside the backpack they located identification for Adkins, a digital scale and a locked case.

           After obtaining another search warrant for the backpack and locked case, investigators found a handgun, a loaded magazine, 36 grams of methamphetamine, and drug packaging materials.  The handgun had been reported stolen from Ashland, New Hampshire.

           Adkins previously pleaded guilty on May 3, 2021.

           “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that has been appearing with disturbing frequency in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Armed drug dealers who sell methamphetamine present an even greater threat to public safety.  This substantial sentence sends a message that armed drug traffickers will face significant penalties for their unlawful conduct.”

            This matter was investigated by the Andover Police Department, Danbury Police Department, and Alexandria Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.

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