District of New Hampshire

            CONCORD - Jacob Valley, 26, of Newport, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 15, 2019, law enforcement officers searched Valley's home pursuant to a federal search warrant.  During the search, they found firearms and ammunition. As a person with felony convictions, Valley is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.        

           Valley previously pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021.

            “In order to protect our citizens from violent crime, it is important to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By working with our law enforcement partners to enforce federal gun laws, we are preventing criminals from using guns to commit acts of violence and helping to keep the Granite State safe.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the New Hampshire Attorney General's Drug Task Force; the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office; the Manchester Police Department, Claremont Police Department, Charlestown, Police Department; and the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

            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.

###

CONCORD - Michael Lynch, 30, of Derry, was sentenced to 65 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 May 2, 2020, a Derry police officer responded to an apartment complex for a report of a fight in progress.  Lynch was seen driving away from the area at a high rate of speed.  The officer knew Lynch had a suspended driver’s license.  Further investigation disclosed that Lynch had assaulted an individual at the apartment complex.  Lynch later was arrested for domestic violence assault and operating under suspension.  A search of his vehicle yielded over 118 grams of fentanyl, 18 grams of methamphetamine, a telephone, and $3,143 in cash.  A search of Lynch’s telephone disclosed numerous messages consistent with drug distribution. 

            Lynch previously pleaded guilty on May 24, 2021.

            "Fentanyl and methamphetamine are very dangerous drugs that have caused grave damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who seek to profit from distributing these deadly substances.  As this case demonstrates, those who sell drugs in New Hampshire will be caught and will face significant consequences for their unlawful actions.”

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

###

            CONCORD - Scotty Gonzalez, 29, of Enfield, was sentenced to 29 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Gonzalez is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction and a prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.  On July 31, 2019, probation officers found Gonzalez in possession of a rifle and over 300 rounds of ammunition at his residence in Enfield. 

            Gonzalez previously pleaded guilty on April 29, 2021.

            “In order to protect public safety, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute armed criminals, we are helping to keep the citizens of the Granite State safe from violent crime.”

            “Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is not only illegal, but it compromises the safety of our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson “This sentencing is another example that working jointly with our partners makes our communities safer.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistant from New Hampshire Probation and Parole Officers.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

###

            CONCORD - Gianno Koeiman, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

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

            Koeiman is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2021.

            “Drug traffickers who distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and other dangerous drugs are endangering lives throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect public health and safety, we work with our law enforcement partners to identify drug dealers and hold them responsible for their actions.”

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

###

           CONCORD - Katherine Torres, 47, of Manchester, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Torres was employed as an office manager for Pine Haven Boys School in Allenstown, New Hampshire from 2012 until March 25, 2019.  As office manager, Torres was the sole employee responsible for administering payroll. On various occasions, Torres submitted false information to Pine Haven’s payroll company, causing direct deposits to be made into her personal bank accounts.  In total, Torres received approximately $240,000 through this scheme.        

            Torres previously pleaded guilty on May 25, 2021.

            “This defendant took advantage of her employer’s trust to steal a substantial amount of money,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This disturbing abuse of trust was a troubling crime that cannot be tolerated.  As this case demonstrates, white collar criminals will be caught and will face significant consequences for their unlawful conduct.”

            “It’s difficult to fathom how Katherine Torres could target, prey upon, and systematically rip off a school that cared for boys with behavioral, educational, and emotional issues, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from them, without a second thought. But she did exactly that, and with today’s sentence, she has finally been held accountable,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Criminals who prey on, and steal from, our most vulnerable citizens, should know their actions carry real consequences.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Charles L. Rombeau.

###

            CONCORD - Keith Colantonio, 39, of Milford, Massachusetts was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2019, members of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) conducted an undercover investigation targeting online sexual offenders.  A detective created an undercover online persona of a 14-year-old girl residing in Nashua.  Between May 21 and May 23, 2019, Colantonio engaged in sexually-charged conversations on social media with the undercover officer.  On May 23, 2019, Colantonio traveled from Massachusetts to Nashua for the purpose of meeting the young girl to engage in illicit sexual conduct.  When Colantonio arrived at the pre-determined location for the meeting, he was arrested.

           Colantonio previously pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021. 

           “Dangerous predators lurk on the internet seeking to manipulate and sexually exploit young children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to good criminal investigative work, this defendant was unable to fulfill his unlawful goal of having sex with a young girl.  As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who threaten the well being of children in the Granite State.”

           “We’re very satisfied with today’s sentence for this child sex predator who posed a clear threat to our communities based on his actions in this investigation” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, (HSI) Boston. “Colantonio would likely have continued to victimize others were it not for the tireless work of our partners in the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. We also appreciate the continuing commitment of the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire in seeking justice for the victims of child predators in our region.”

           “The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to partner with our Federal Law Enforcement partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the US Attorney’s Office in an effort to protect the children of New Hampshire.  NH ICAC would like to remind parents to stay vigilant and talk with your children about their online activity. For more information please visit www.missingkids.org” said Lt. Eric Kinsman, Commander, NH ICAC Task Force.

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.  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.

###

            CONCORD - Eduardo Contreras, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 fentanyl 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2021.

           “Although fentanyl can be lethal, drug traffickers seek to profit from selling this dangerous substance to the residents of New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Law enforcement officers are working together to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State.  As this case demonstrates, fentanyl traffickers who distribute this deadly drug in New Hampshire will be held accountable for their criminal behavior.”

            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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth R. Aframe.

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

###

            CONCORD - Francis Harrington, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced to 60 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 August 22, 2019, a Manchester police officer responded to a report of two males “passed out” in a parked vehicle at a restaurant.  Harrington was the passenger in the vehicle.  After being engaged by medical personnel, the officer observed Harrington moving slowly and reaching around the console and floor area of the vehicle.  Harrington was ordered out of the vehicle and to put his hands on his head.  The officer performed a protective pat search and located a large bulge in the waistband of Harrington’s pants.  When the officer asked Harrington about the object, Harrington replied “drugs.”  The officer then removed the object, which was a bag containing 198 grams of fentanyl.  He was arrested at the scene.

            Harrington previously pleaded guilty on May 18, 2021.

            “Drug dealers have been flooding our community with large amounts of fentanyl and the results have been tragic and deadly,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We continue to work closely with the Manchester Police Department to identify and prosecute the fentanyl dealers who are jeopardizing public safety in the Queen City.”

            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. 

  ###

            CONCORD - Michael Mowry, 44, of Acton, Maine was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2018, a New Hampshire State Police trooper pulled over a vehicle on I-95 in Portsmouth for multiple traffic violations.  Mowry was a passenger in the vehicle.  The trooper developed suspicions about drug activity and called for a narcotics detection dog. The dog alerted to the odor of narcotics.  After the trooper advised the driver of the detection of narcotics, Mowry admitted to the trooper that there was methamphetamine in a backpack in the rear seat.  The backpack contained 755 grams of methamphetamine.

            Mowry previously pled guilty on May 21, 2020.  After the completion of his sentence, Mowry will be under five years of supervised release. 

            “Methamphetamine is a highly dangerous drug that is causing increasing damage to health and safety in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Together with our law enforcement partners, we are working to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are distributing methamphetamine in the Granite State.  As this case demonstrates, methamphetamine traffickers will be caught and serve substantial prison sentences for their unlawful conduct.”

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

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

###

            CONCORD, N.H. – Stefan Gauthier, 35, of Tilton, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to evidence presented during a three-day federal jury trial, on November 1, 2018, Tilton police arrested Gauthier for driving after suspension of his license.  During a search of his person, police located a baggie containing a small amount of methamphetamine and $1,375 in cash.  Police executed a search warrant for Gauthier’s vehicle.  Inside the vehicle, they found a handgun and a backpack that contained more than 350 grams of crystal methamphetamine, $1,500 in cash, a digital scale, ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia. 

            On December 2, 2018, while a warrant was pending for Gauthier’s arrest, Franklin police responded to a report of a man unconscious at the wheel of a vehicle.  After determining that the man was Gauthier, the police arrested him and transported him to a hospital.  Police then obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found four clear plastic baggies containing more than 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine.  Police also found a scale, baggies, needles, and three mobile phones.    

            A jury found Gauthier guilty of two methamphetamine trafficking charges in November of 2020.  The jury also acquitted Gauthier of firearms charges related to the November 1, 2018, incident.

            “Drug traffickers who seek to profit from selling methamphetamine and other dangerous substances are endangering public health and safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant was distributing significant amounts of highly-pure methamphetamine.  Thanks to the hard work of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire, this methamphetamine dealer is out of business and behind bars.  As this defendant has now learned, drug trafficking in New Hampshire will not be tolerated and will lead to significant prison time.”

            “As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by the Tilton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, the Alexandria Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

###

            CONCORD - Marc Martin, 44, of Dover, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2021.

            “Fentanyl traffickers are seeking to profit from the sales of this deadly substance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State, we continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the dealers who are obtaining and distributing this dangerous drug.”

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

 ###

            CONCORD - Adam Beck, 26, of Boscawen, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to 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 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2021.

            “Drug traffickers who seek to profit from the sale of dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are a threat to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Law enforcement officers are working together to protect the Granite State from drug dealers and the deadly products they sell.  This successful prosecution was a result of that collaboration and it prevented significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine from being sold in our 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

###

            CONCORD - Joshua Schneider, 34, of Keene, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to distribution of fentanyl and 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 May of 2020, Keene police received information that Schneider was distributing narcotics.  During surveillance over three months, police observed numerous subjects enter Schneider’s apartment and leave a short time later.  On July 9, 2020, a cooperating individual purchased fentanyl from Schneider. 

            On July 13, 2020, law enforcement officers observed Schneider and two others enter a van and drive to Lawrence, Massachusetts, for an apparent drug transaction.  When the van returned to Schneider’s apartment in Keene, police executed search warrants and located approximately 250 grams of fentanyl in the rear of the van where Schneider was sitting.  Forensic examination of Schneider’s cell phone revealed messages consistent with drug trafficking.

            Schneider is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2021.

            “Fentanyl traffickers seek to profit from the sale of a deadly substance that has ravaged communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect public health and safety, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who distribute fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in the Granite State.”

            “The devastation wreaked on families, businesses and communities by fentanyl dealers like Schneider cannot be overestimated.  Today’s conviction was achieved only with the critical assistance of our dedicated local law enforcement partners in the Keene, New Hampshire Police Department and through the tireless work of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI continues to strengthen our commitment to combatting the impacts of the deadly plague of fentanyl use and to pursuing those who seek to profit from the destruction these drugs bring into our communities.”

             This matter was investigated by the Keene Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

###

            CONCORD - Matthew Dion, 49, of Bedford, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about April 19, 2020, the Bedford Police Department was contacted by a representative of an organization that facilitates foreign exchange students traveling to the United States and residing with American host families.  The representative reported that a 15-year-old student, who resided in Dion’s home, believed he had been recorded by Dion while he showered. The child had found what he believed to be a camera hidden inside a device that looked like a pen in the bathroom he used in the residence. The Bedford Police responded to the residence and the child was removed from the home.  

            On April 28, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at Dion’s residence and seized various items including a Micro SD card from Dion’s vehicle. On the device, officers found images of the child taken in the bathroom as the child was getting out of the shower.  At least one of these images was sexually explicit in that the focal point was the child’s genital area.  A forensic examiner determined that the SD card had been reformatted on or about April 21, 2020, shortly after the Bedford police responded to Dion’s home. This is consistent with someone attempting to delete items from the device on that date.

            Dion previously pleaded guilty on May 11, 2021.  In addition to his prison sentence, Dion was sentenced to a 5-year term of supervised release, $30,000 in restitution to his victim, and a $5,000 assessment fee.

            “This defendant’s sexual exploitation of a minor was reprehensible conduct that merited this serious prison sentence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By placing a hidden camera in a bathroom, the defendant stole the innocence of a young teen and betrayed the trust of the family that had agreed to let this foreign exchange student live in the defendant’s home.  The law enforcement community in New Hampshire works hard to protect children from exploitation and this 15-year sentence should send a message that this type of criminal conduct will not be tolerated in the Granite State.”

             “Homeland Security Investigations is pleased with today’s sentence. Attempting to sexually exploit a minor is always wrong, but doing so under the façade of participation in a foreign student exchange program only adds to the damaging impact of the crime in this case”, said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, (HSI), Boston. “As a result of his corrupt victimization of a minor student, Dion also created unwarranted damage to the reputation of the foreign student exchange program by betraying the trust they had placed in him as a participant. This case could never have been successfully investigated and prosecuted without the close coordination and teamwork of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Bedford, New Hampshire Police Department, the Milford, New Hampshire Police Department and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire, whom we greatly value for their support.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bedford Police Department, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Milford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Kasey Weiland. 

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

   ###

CONCORD - Heather Akins, 30, of Warner, was arrested today for making efforts to prevent the United States Marshals Service from apprehending a fugitive. 

           On July 19, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Akins on one count of making a false statement to a federal agent and one count of accessory after the fact.  The indictment charges that Akins made a materially false statement about the whereabouts of a fugitive and assisted the fugitive to hinder the efforts of the U.S. Marshals to apprehend the fugitive.  

           Akins appeared for a video arraignment and was released pending trial.

           This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from the Warner Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

           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.

###

            CONCORD - Robin Stephan, 43, of Manchester, was sentenced on Monday to 18 months in federal prison for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 21, 2019, the Manchester Police Department responded to a call of a theft from a motor vehicle.  After receiving a description of the suspect, police officers stopped and spoke with Stephan who denied involvement in the theft.  As the officers spoke with Stephan, she rummaged through her backpack.  The officers observed ammunition and a magazine within Stephan’s backpack.  As a convicted felon, Stephan is prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law.

            Stephan previously pleaded guilty on April 5, 2021.

            “Protecting our communities from violent crime is a high priority,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to keep the public safe, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute armed criminals, including those who unlawfully possess ammunition.  As this case demonstrates, there are substantial penalties when convicted felons possess ammunition or firearms.”

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

###

            CONCORD - Hayder Lefta, 25, of Manchester, received a 10-month sentence for access device fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, while working as a customer service representative at the Manchester Boston Regional Airport in 2018 and 2019, Lefta copied the credit card numbers of customers he served at the airport. He then used those credit card numbers, without authorization, to purchase airline flights and meals for himself and for friends, to pay for hotels for his personal leisure travel, and for other personal expenses.

            Lefta previously pleaded guilty on April 28, 2021.  Five months of his sentence will be spent in home confinement.  Lefta was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,778.47 to the victims of the offense.

            “Financial crimes can have serious impacts on their victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant’s theft and use of credit card numbers from airport customers was a brazen crime that allowed him to go on an undeserved spending spree.  As a result of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, he is now a convicted felon who will serve prison time for his offenses and will need to pay restitution to his innocent victims.”

            “With the recent increase in cyber and online crimimal activity, Homeland Security Investigations stands ready to track and pursue those who think they can victimize individuals with impunity and get away with it,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message to cyber criminals like Lofta that they will be held accountable for their crimes. We are grateful for the support of our federal and local law enforcement partners and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire, who were critical to the successful apprehension and prosecution of this case.”

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Londonderry Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Matthew T. Hunter.

###

            CONCORD –Tyler Townsend, 27, of Dover, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            The indictment alleges that from approximately July of 2017 through approximately September of 2017, Townsend took various actions to cause a minor female to engage in commercial sex acts.

            The indictment also alleges that on two occasions in August of 2017, Townsend used the same minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce a visual depiction of that conduct.

            Townsend is currently in custody on unrelated state charges. 

            The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Dover Police Department and the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Anna Dronzek.

            The New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force is a multidisciplinary effort comprised of law enforcement as well as social, medical, and legal services for victims of human trafficking. The Task Force is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) and Bureau of Justice Programs (BJA). 

            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. 

###

            CONCORD - Paul Channell, 31, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2021.

            “To protect our community from violence, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute armed criminals who threaten public safety in the Granite State.”

            “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the outstanding partnership between the Hudson Police Department and the ATF as well as the commitment we share to work together to interdict illegal firearms and the criminals that compromise the safety of our communities” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Hudson Police Department.  The case is being 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. 

###

            CONCORD - Vahan Aghajanyan, 26, of Glendale, California, and Garnik Saroyan, 27, of Sun Valley, California, were sentenced for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2018, Aghajanyan and Saroyan traveled from California to New Hampshire and Maine to use fraudulent debit cards encoded with other persons’ bank account information to make ATM withdrawals and purchase postal money orders.  On October 31, 2018, postal employees in New Hampshire and Maine reported suspicious transactions involving the two men.  The York, Maine police department located and stopped their vehicle.  Three cell phones were seized from the men and a federal search warrant was sought to search the phones.  A search of the phones revealed a map of post office locations in New Hampshire and photographs of Aghajanyan holding stacks of cash and postal money orders.

            Bank records and surveillance videos showed that, on at least 15 occasions, Aghajanyan or Saroyan used a fraudulent debit card to check the balance of a bank account at an ATM.  Subsequently, the card was used to purchase a postal money order at a post office in New Hampshire.  Records confirm that between October 25, 2018, and October 31, 2018, the two men withdrew at least $2,673 from other persons’ bank accounts and purchased at least 35 postal money orders worth more than $22,000 using fraudulent debit cards. 

            Aghajanyan and Saroyan previously pleaded guilty on March 18, 2021.  Aghajanyan was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison.  Saroyan was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release with 6 months home detention.  In addition, the court ordered full restitution in the amount of $25,533.65.

            “Fraudsters who come to New Hampshire to commit crimes will be held accountable for their criminal actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for victims of financial crimes.” 

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the York, Maine, Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

###

            CONCORD – Michael Rosa, 61, of Salem, and George Adyns, 50, of Sandown, have been charged with participating in pandemic-related wire fraud schemes, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

            According to an indictment issued by a federal grand jury, the defendants allegedly executed two schemes to defraud government programs that were intended to provide economic assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

            The indictment alleges that Rosa and Adyns laid off employees from Enviromart and KSC Industrial, two companies they controlled.  However, the indictment alleges that the defendants directed the employees to continue working for the companies while collecting Unemployment Insurance payments from New Hampshire Employment Security.  These payments included the additional $600 emergency weekly benefits provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

            The indictment also alleges that Adyns applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.  The indictment alleges that Adyns made multiple false representations on the loan applications and improperly used the personal identifying information of one the company’s employees to obtain the funds.  In addition to the wire fraud charges, Adyns also is charged with aggravated identity theft.

            Both men were arrested this morning.  They have been released pending their trial, which is currently scheduled for October 5, 2021.

            The case was investigated by the U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Labor Department’s Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from New Hampshire Employment Security and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander S. Chen.

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

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

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

###

           CONCORD - Michael Messina, 34, of Manchester, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2019, Manchester police detectives observed Messina engage in an apparent drug deal.  Immediately after the exchange, the customer placed a small object down his pants. The two men then separated and walked in opposite directions.  Suspecting another drug deal, detectives separately detained both Messina and the customer.  After relinquishing a quantity fentanyl to detectives, the customer admitted purchasing fentanyl from Messina. 

           Messina was approached and dropped money and a cellophane wrapper containing powder that later tested positive for fentanyl.  After waiving his rights, Messina admitted to selling drugs to the customer. 

           “Fentanyl traffickers endanger lives by selling an extremely deadly substance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect the public, we are working with the Manchester Police Department to identify and prosecute the traffickers who are distributing fentanyl and other dangerous opioids in 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. 

###

            CONCORD - Benjamin Stockwell, 31, formerly of Pittsfield, now residing in Florida, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for bank fraud on Tuesday, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Stockwell stole checks from various mailboxes throughout New Hampshire, altered them, and cashed them at various banks in his own name.  

             Stockwell previously pleaded guilty on February 9, 2021.

            “Fraud crimes can cause significant harm to victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By stealing checks from the mail and defrauding banks with altered checks, this defendant committed a significant federal crime.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud crimes in the Granite State.”

            “Forgery is a serious crime that affects the victim both financially and mentally. We are pleased that Mr. Stockwell is being held accountable for his crimes and we hope this sends a message to others that this behavior will not be tolerated,” Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg.

             This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Manchester Police Department’s Fraud and Financial Crimes Unit and the Bow Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana MacDonald and Matthew Hunter.

###

            CONCORD - Kyle Mehlhorn, 28, of Merrimack, pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 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 dealers present a clear threat to public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Given the deadly risks posed by fentanyl and methamphetamine, this defendant’s drug trafficking endangered the community.  Because he was armed with multiple firearms, this defendant’s criminal conduct could have jeopardized many additional lives.  As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute armed drug traffickers so we can protect residents of the Granite States from violent crime.”

            “This case shows our unrelenting determination to eradicate the drug-fueled violence plaguing New Hampshire at the hands of previously convicted felons like Kyle Mehlhorn who continually demonstrate why they are a serious threat to public safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In order to reduce violent crime, the FBI’s New Hampshire Safe Streets Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to do everything it can to stop the flow of illegal narcotics and firearms onto our streets.”

            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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with forfeiture aspects of this matter.

###

            CONCORD – Six individuals have been charged in federal court in New Hampshire with participating in a fraudulent loan scheme, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

            An indictment returned by a federal grand jury alleges that between January and July of 2019, the defendants executed a scheme to defraud several financial institutions in New Hampshire.  The defendants applied for and obtained multiple loans to purchase cars purportedly sold by Allied Imports, a Manchester car wholesaler, and Cap’s Auto Sales, a Manchester car retailer.  Solomon Yarteh was the President of Allied Imports and Robesteur St. Felix was the CEO of Cap’s Auto Sales.  The indictment alleges that the sales were fraudulent because the defendants never owned or greatly inflated the value of the cars.  In total, the defendants allegedly defrauded the financial institutions of several hundred thousand dollars.  According to the indictment, some defendants then transferred, wired, or withdrew the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws.

           Those charged in the indictment are:

            Solomon Yarteh, 47, of Sierra Leone;

            Robesteur St. Felix, 46, of Manchester, New Hampshire;

            Niurka Lebron, 44, previously of Boston, Massachusetts;

            Donna Marie Silva, 43, of Lowell, Massachusetts;

            Arthur Beckett, 35, of Covington, Georgia; and

            Amara Jalloh, 41, of Sierra Leone.

            All six have been charged with bank fraud.  Yarteh, St. Felix, and Silva also are charged with money laundering offenses.

            Defendants St. Felix, Silva, and Beckett each have been arrested and released pending trial, which has been scheduled for October 5, 2021.  The remaining three defendants have not yet been arrested.

            The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the New Hampshire Banking Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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

###

            CONCORD - Robert Lefebvre, 59, of Manchester, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of cocaine base and fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 12, 2020, Manchester police executed a residential search warrant.  After seven occupants exited the apartment, SWAT members conducting a protective sweep located a locked bedroom with no response from the occupants of the room.  Once officers breached the door, they located Lefebvre and a woman. A search of the room yielded, among other things, a baggie containing 14 grams of crack cocaine, a backpack containing documents associated with Lefebvre, scales, $8,960, over 99 grams of fentanyl and over 12 grams of cocaine.  Lefebvre also had an additional $1,568 on his person. 

            “Drug traffickers who peddle fentanyl and other dangerous drugs are a threat to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect the residents of Manchester and other communities in the Granite State, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who seek to profit from selling fentanyl.  As this defendant has learned, those who choose to sell fentanyl in Manchester will find themselves in federal prison.”

             Lefebvre previously pleaded guilty on April 29, 2021.  In addition to his sentence, Lefebvre forfeited $10,528 in cash seized at the time of his arrest.

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

 ###

            CONCORD –Ryder Winegar, 34, of Amherst, pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court to six counts of threatening members of Congress and one count of transmitting interstate threatening communications, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced.

            In February 2021, Winegar was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with six counts of threatening members of Congress and one count of transmitting interstate threatening communications.        

            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.  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.”  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.” 

            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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2021.  He has been in custody since his January arrest.

            “While political expression is protected speech, threats to commit acts of violence constitute serious federal crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By threatening to kill members of Congress and a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, this defendant sought to intimidate public officials.  As this prosecution demonstrates, such conduct is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

            “Ryder Winegar crossed a line when he threatened to hang six members of Congress, and a New Hampshire state lawmaker, if they didn’t conform to his beliefs. His actions, to which he admitted to today, are crimes, not protected speech,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will ensure individuals who engage in criminal conduct with the intent on harming our public servants are held accountable."

            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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

###

            CONCORD - Sara Zareas, 36, of Gilford, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 17, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Zareas would be traveling to Methuen, Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl.  Law enforcement officers followed the truck and observed a hand-to-hand transaction between the occupants of the truck and another vehicle in a parking lot.  A New Hampshire state trooper later conducted a traffic stop of the truck as it drove through Windham.  The driver of the truck admitted that she drove Zareas to Methuen to buy fentanyl in exchange for a small amount for herself.  Zareas consented to a search of her backpack and person which revealed scales, cellophane bags, and opioid kits.  Zareas and the driver also had over 41 grams of fentanyl in their possession.

            Zareas pleaded guilty on April 7, 2021.

            “Fentanyl continues to cause large numbers of overdoses and fatalities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect our community, we continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are bringing this dangerous substance into the Granite State.” 

                This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy.                          

###

            CONCORD - James Flanders, 42, of Laconia, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to tamper with a witness, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 29 and August 9, 2019, an acquaintance (JL) of Flanders who was incarcerated on drug and firearm charges, contacted Flanders to assist him in persuading a witness in his matter to lie to law enforcement about the possession of a firearm that he was charged with possessing at the time of his arrest.  On September 23, 2019, Flanders texted the witness expressing frustration at the witness’ lack of communication.  Flanders threatened “I’m gonna start showing up on your doorstep” and that “our friend doesn’t have all the time in the world until court, he needs his defense in order now.”

            Flanders is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2021.  

            “Protecting the integrity of the judicial process is vital for the operation of our legal system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who seek to tamper with witnesses or obstruct justice will be held responsible for their criminal conduct.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Laconia Police Department and the Belknap County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

                           ###

             CONCORD - Jason Manley, 32, of Concord, was sentenced on Tuesday to 120 months in federal prison for attempted possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing 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 March of 2019, the United States Postal Inspection Service identified Manley as a customer of an illegal drug vendor operating on the internet.  Between March of 2019 and July of 2020, postal inspectors intercepted four parcels addressed to Manley at his residence.  Pursuant to search warrants, the seized parcels were found to contain a total of over 2.3 kilograms of highly-pure methamphetamine.  On July 10, 2020, an undercover agent made a controlled delivery of an intercepted parcel to Manley’s residence.  After Manley accepted the parcel, investigators executed a search warrant of his residence and recovered additional methamphetamine, a handgun and ammunition, $54,483 in cash, and additional items consistent with drug distribution activities.     

            Manley previously pleaded guilty on April 23, 2021.   As part of his plea agreement, Manley has agreed to forfeit cash, a firearm, ammunition, jewelry, and other items seized during the investigation.

            “Methamphetamine is a highly-dangerous drug that is appearing with increased frequency in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Armed drug dealers who are distributing this dangerous substance are a significant threat to the health and safety of the citizens of the Granite State.  In order to protect our community, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify these drug dealers and hold them accountable for their unlawful conduct.”

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

                           ###

            CONCORD - Winfred Pimentel, 25, of Lowell, Massachusetts was sentenced on Monday to 144 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and distributing fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 12, 2019, Pimentel sold approximately five grams of fentanyl to an individual who suffered a drug overdose and died.  The following day, law enforcement officers investigating the drug overdose were able to use the victim’s cellphone to contact Pimentel and order additional fentanyl.   Thereafter, an undercover DEA agent purchased fentanyl from Pimentel on two occasions in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  On December 5, 2019, the DEA undercover agent arranged to purchase approximately 170 grams of fentanyl from Pimentel.  Surveillance units positioned in Lawrence located Pimentel in his vehicle prior to the deal and arrested him.  Pimentel had approximately 196 grams of fentanyl in the vehicle.  A subsequent search of Pimentel’s residence resulted in the seizure of quantities of drugs, cash, and a firearm.

            Additionally, in 2018, Pimentel conspired with several individuals who travelled from Maine to purchase large quantities of fentanyl from Pimentel in Lawrence intended for distribution to drug customers in Maine.

            Pimentel previously pleaded guilty on March 22, 2021.  

            “Drug dealers who sell fentanyl are damaging lives throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this defendant has learned, fentanyl traffickers in New Hampshire will face significant penalties for their unlawful and dangerous conduct.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to put fentanyl traffickers behind bars so they cannot cause more harm to residents of the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify traffickers, like Mr. Pimentel who distribute this poison to the citizens of New Hampshire.  This sentence not only holds Mr. Pimentel accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”

            This matter was investigated by the Maine and New Hampshire branches of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Somerset, Maine County Sheriff’s Department and Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by New Hampshire Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis and Maine Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphaelle Silver.

###

CONCORD – Assistant U.S. Attorneys will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on Tuesday, August 3rd at Rollins Park, Concord from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and at Arms Park in Manchester from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm to celebrate the 37th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley.

            National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities. 

            “Strong community partnerships are an important way to prevent violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I encourage everyone to participate in National Night Out and to become involved in their communities.  By working together, we can help to keep our cities and towns safe from crime.”

            This year, National Night Out events will be held in several communities throughout New Hampshire.  Registered events will take place in Bedford, Belmont, Brentwood, Center Tuftonboro, Claremont, Dover, Exeter, Farmington, Gilford, Goffstown, Greenland, Hollis, Hooksett, Hudson,  Lebanon, Lincoln, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, Newport, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rochester, Salem, Seabrook, Somersworth, Stratham, Thornton, Waterville Valley and Woodstock.  For more information about National Night Out, visit their website www.natw.org. 

###

            CONCORD - Richard Stanton, 34, of Hope, Maine was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, firearms, and fraud offenses, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2019, New Hampshire State Troopers stopped a vehicle with a defective taillight.  The driver, Stanton, was seen reaching under the front passenger seat as they approached.  Due to safety concerns, a trooper asked Stanton to exit and walk to the rear of the vehicle.  Stanton initially provided false information about his identity to the officers.  Officers later determined his actual identity.  He was arrested after officers determined that he had a suspended driver’s license and that he was the subject of outstanding warrants in Maine

            Stanton told the officers there was no one to pick up the vehicle roadside.  Per their policy, the officers started to inventory the vehicle in anticipation of it being towed.  Various drug paraphernalia was located during the search.  Additionally, the officers observed an unlocked gun case in the rear seat containing a rifle and several rounds of ammunition.  Officers then stopped the search to apply for a search warrant.  The following day, pursuant to the search warrant, the vehicle was searched and officers discovered Stanton’s wallet hidden in a compartment along with over 118 grams of heroin secreted in the dashboard.  As a previously-convicted felon, Stanton is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

            On July 24, 2019, Stanton, an uninsured individual, checked into a medical center in Bangor, Maine.  Stanton signed a consent to treatment form using another individual’s identity who was a lawful recipient of Maine Care benefits.  Stanton received care and generated medical bills to be processed in the other individual’s name. 

            Stanton previously pleaded guilty on January 28, 20201, to possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, and making a false statement in connection with health care benefits.

            “Drug traffickers threaten our communities by distributing deadly substances,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When criminals are armed, they present an even greater danger.  Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement officers, this armed criminal will no longer to be able to sell drugs or commit fraud offenses.”

            “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”

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

###

            CONCORD –Chrystal Callaghan, 43, of Manchester, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison 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 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.  Jovan Callaghan is awaiting sentencing.  Gazaway pleaded guilty on April 20, 2021 and awaits sentencing.

            “Drug traffickers continue to pose a serious threat to the health and safety of New Hampshire’s residents,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold drug dealers accountable for their unlawful and dangerous conduct.”

            “DEA is committed to bring to justice poly drug traffickers like Ms. Callaghan,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

            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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Jennifer Cole Davis.

###

            CONCORD - Raheem Nigge Taylor, 28, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2021.

            “In order to protect our community from violent crime, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess firearms illegally so we can keep the Granite State safe.” 

            “With today’s guilty plea, convicted felon Raheem Nigge Taylor has taken responsibility for blatantly brandishing two firearms, along with multiple rounds of ammunition on social media when he was specifically prohibited from possessing them,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is critical to keeping our communities safe, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to do exactly that.”

            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 is being 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. 

###

            CONCORD - Keith Robertson, 47, of Manchester, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of 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 12, 2019, Robertson was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Barnstead Police for a defective headlight.  During the stop, the officer determined that Robertson was the subject of an arrest warrant and placed him under arrest. 

            The driver subsequently consented to a search of the vehicle.  During the search, the officer found evidence of drug use and a scale, as well as a bag containing a drug ledger, approximately $1,600 in cash, and Robertson’s identification card.  

            After being transported to the police station, Robertson admitted that he had methamphetamine concealed on his person and removed a bag from his pants containing over 132 grams of methamphetamine.

            Robertson previously pleaded guilty on March 11, 2021.  Upon completion of his sentence, Robertson will be under supervised release for five years. 

            “Methamphetamine presents a growing danger to the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect our community, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who are responsible for distributing methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs in New Hampshire.”

            “As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of the Granite State,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Barnstead Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

###

            CONCORD - Darius Augusto Guzman Ruiz, 30, of Manchester, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2019, Manchester police officers learned from a cooperating individual that Guzman Ruiz was selling between 100 and 300 grams of fentanyl at a time to other distributors in Manchester.  Between October 10, 2019 and November 1, 2019, working with law enforcement officers, the cooperator conducted four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Guzman Ruiz.  Each transaction involved approximately 180 grams of fentanyl.

            On November 25, 2019, the Manchester Police Department executed search warrants at various residences associated with Guzman Ruiz.  Officers seized over $100,000 in cash, over 400 grams of fentanyl, and drug packaging and pressing equipment.            

           Guzman Ruiz previously pleaded guilty on March 3, 2021.  He also forfeited $112,330 and a 2015 Honda CR-V LX which were seized at the time of his arrest.

           Guzman Ruiz faces likely deportation to Dominican Republic after serving his prison sentence.

           “Fentanyl traffickers have caused tremendous harm by selling a lethal product that has harmed countless residents of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are selling fentanyl and other deadly opioids.  As this sentence demonstrates, fentanyl traffickers in New Hampshire will serve lengthy prison sentences for their unlawful and dangerous conduct.”

            “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Guzman Ruiz accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis,” 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.”

            “Darius Augusto Guzman Ruiz and his fellow distributors steadily poisoned the parts of Manchester they controlled by dealing deadly drugs,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence is indicative of the success that can be attained when agencies combine resources to put drug traffickers out of business and behind bars, as we work together to make our communities safer.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with forfeiture aspects of this case.

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

###

             CONCORD - Kizito Chukwujekwu, 37, of Brooklyn, New York pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25, 2021.

            “Those who travel to New Hampshire to commit crimes should understand that they will be caught and held accountable for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who use stolen identities to commit fraud.”

             “Postal Inspectors investigate and seek prosecution of those individuals who steal personal identifiable information to illegally obtain funds by defrauding financial institutions,” said Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our citizens and working hard to prevent more people from becoming victimized by these types of schemes.”  

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

                        ###

             CONCORD - Stacey Colburn, 45, of Weare, was sentenced on Monday to 36 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing investigation, investigators identified a specific yahoo.com email address associated with the receipt of child pornography.  The I.P. address for the user of the email address was subscribed to by Colburn at his residence in Weare.  On January 25, 2019, Colburn met with investigators at the Weare Police Department.  He admitted the email address was his and that he was the only individual who accessed the account.

            After obtaining a search warrant for Colburn’s home and cellphone, investigators seized his laptop and external hard drive, which contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.

            Colburn previously pleaded guilty on February 24, 2021.  In addition to his prison sentence, Colburn was ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution.   

            “Those who possess child pornography are perpetuating the sexual exploitation of the minors depicted in the images,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect innocent children from exploitation, we work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who produce, distribute or possess child pornography.”

            “With today’s sentence, Stacey Colburn has been held accountable for possessing thousands of images, and more than a hundred videos, that have robbed innocent children of their childhood,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Sadly, this case is one of many that illustrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify other predators like him and prevent them from victimizing more children.” 

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Weare Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

            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.

                           ###

           CONCORD - Stela Sacara, 34, a citizen of Moldova residing in Pembroke, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to making a false statement to a federal agent, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, Sacara operated several companies from her home and office, including Rochester Chemical LLC, which she ran with her sister, Natalia.  Rochester Chemical acquired consumable laboratory equipment and repackaged and shipped it abroad.  The Office of Export and Enforcement (OEE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the activities of Sacara and Rochester Chemical, and others associated with them, to determine whether the exports were being made in compliance with federal laws and regulations.          

           On September 14, 2018, Sacara was interviewed by federal agents and falsely stated the manager of Rochester Chemical was Amy Johnson.  Company emails further showed that Sacara and/or Natalia used the Amy Johnson alias periodically.  There is no record of the company ever employing “Amy Johnson.”   Johnson does not exist.  The sole principals of the company are Sacara and her sister, Natalia. 

           Sacara’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

           “Lying to federal investigators is a serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By providing false information, this defendant sought to mislead federal agents who were conducting an investigation.  This conviction should serve as an important reminder that those who lie to federal agents face serious criminal consequences for their unlawful actions.”

           “Stela Sacara deliberately lied to federal agents to conceal the extent of her involvement in the business operations of Rochester Chemical and ultimately, who was on the receiving end of their shipments. Not only did her actions cause our investigators to waste time and energy attempting to locate individuals who do not exist, but she tried to impede our investigation into whether the company was violating our export laws. This case should serve as a warning to others that it is never a good idea to lie to federal agents and there will be significant consequences if you do,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

            This matter was investigated by the Office of Export and Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

###

            CONCORD – Johnathon Irish, 34, of Littleton, was sentenced on Wednesday to 24 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing firearms, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today. 

            Irish was found guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of firearms after a four-day trial in February of 2020.  Evidence presented at trial showed that between December of 2018 and November of 2019, Irish possessed at least two firearms, a Sig Sauer 1911, .45 caliber pistol and a Catamount Fury, 12-gauge shotgun.     

            Irish previously was convicted in 2014 of aiding and abetting a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and making a false statement to a federal agent.  Due to these felony convictions, he is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

            “In order to protect our community from violent crime, it is vital to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Despite a prior gun-related felony conviction, this defendant chose to violate federal law by possessing multiple firearms.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that convicted criminals cannot endanger our citizens by possessing firearms.”

            “Despite being barred from possessing firearms, Johnathon Irish demonstrated time and again he was unwilling to give up guns or abide by a law meant to keep them out of the hands of felons. Today’s sentence stops his revolving door of risky behavior, and our streets are safer for it,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI thanks our law enforcement partners for their assistance in helping us protect the communities we all serve.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Kasey Weiland.

###

            CONCORD – A federal judge today rejected an effort by David M. Kwiatkowski, 41, to obtain compassionate release, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            Kwiatkowski, 41, a medical technician who worked at hospitals in at least eight different states, repeatedly stole fentanyl that was intended for patients who were undergoing medical procedures, injected the drug into his body, and then refilled the syringes with saline.  The patients then received injections of saline that had been tainted by his blood.  Because he was infected with Hepatitis C, Kwiatkowski’s actions not only deprived patients of medication, but also infected over 40 victims with Hepatitis C.  One of those victims, a resident of Kansas, died as a result of his conduct.

            Kwiatkowski’s crimes came to light after law enforcement authorities in New Hampshire investigated an outbreak of Hepatitis C at Exeter Hospital in 2012.  He was arrested in July of 2012.  He pleaded guilty in August of 2013 to eight counts of tampering with a consumer product and eight counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  He was sentenced to serve 39 years in prison in December of 2013.

            In January of 2021, Kwiatkowski filed a motion requesting compassionate release from prison.  He alleged that his medical conditions placed him at high risk of becoming severely ill if he were to become infected with COVID-19.

            At a hearing today, U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante denied Kwiatkowski’s motion.  In rejecting the request, the judge noted that the defendant’s crime had been “extremely cruel and callous” and that the risk posed by COVID-19 did not justify releasing the defendant after he had only served approximately nine years of his 39-year sentence.

            “I am grateful that the Court rejected this defendant’s effort to avoid serving his justly-imposed prison sentence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant damaged the lives of dozens of victims in multiple states and caused a significant public health crisis.  It would have been a grave injustice if this defendant had been released from prison while so many of his victims continue to endure the health consequences of his unlawful and cruel actions.”

            The criminal investigation was a cooperative effort of federal, state, and local law enforcement entities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Office of Criminal Investigations of the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Exeter, New Hampshire Police Department.  Assistance also was provided by the New Hampshire Drug Task Force, the Marlborough, Massachusetts Police Department, the Boxborough, Massachusetts Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Offices in the District of Massachusetts, the District of Kansas, the District of Maryland, and the Middle District of Georgia.

###

            CONCORD - David Keene, 38, of North Berwick, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, John Doe is a minor child known to Keene.  In July 2020, Doe’s legal guardian reported to the Rochester Police Department that Keene had used Doe’s Social Security Number (“SSN”) to open many accounts and incur significant debt.  Credit reports showed that the accounts were opened between December 2016, when Doe was seven years old, and August 2019, when Doe was ten years old.  Documents and records showed that Keene used Doe’s SSN to acquire, among other things, utility services and several credit cards.  Keene also used Doe’s SSN to obtain loans to purchase a snowmobile, motorcycle, and multiple cars.  For example, one of the loans was for $56,648.50 to purchase a BMW SUV.  Overall, Keene fraudulently obtained at least $227,828 in money and property that he was not entitled to receive.

            Keene is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2021.

            “Those who misuse Social Security numbers to commit fraud are committing a serious federal crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Social Security system and to identify and prosecute those who use other people’s identities to commit fraud.  By coordinating with our law enforcement partners, we are holding criminals accountable for their conduct and obtaining justice for crime victims.”

            “This guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to hold accountable those who intentionally misuse the Social Security numbers of others for their own personal gain,” said Jermaine Jack, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston Field Division. “I want to thank the Rochester and the Strafford Police Departments, and the Stafford County Attorney’s Office, as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen for their efforts in investigating and prosecuting this case.

            This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Rochester Police Department, and Strafford Police Department, with assistance from the Strafford County Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.                      

###

WASHINGTON – A New Hampshire man was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor, operation of a prostitution enterprise, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The court also ordered $20,800 in restitution to the victims. 

After a three-day trial in March of 2019, a federal jury found Steven Tucker, 36, of Manchester, guilty of one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of operating an interstate prostitution enterprise and one count of maintaining a property for drug trafficking. 

Evidence presented at trial established that, between October 2013 and June 2014, the defendant operated drug and prostitution businesses in the Manchester area. He sold heroin to numerous individuals, including young women and a minor. Witnesses described how the defendant used their addictions to cause them to prostitute for his profit. The defendant would often front heroin to the women and then arrange prostitution “dates” for them. The women were required to give the defendant half of the proceeds and then purchase heroin from him with the remainder. 

On other occasions, the defendant withheld heroin from the women, causing them to suffer painful withdrawal symptoms and then instructed them to prostitute to earn money to purchase heroin from him. The defendant’s scheme guaranteed that he had a steady source of drug customers and money. Some of the women were required to help the defendant sell his heroin and received heroin in exchange. The defendant used violence and threats to maintain control of the women. The investigation began in 2014, when the mother of one of the women called the Manchester Police Department after the defendant beat her daughter.

“The Civil Rights Division is committed to pursuing justice on behalf of vulnerable members of our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant preyed on young women and teenage girls living in the shadows and on the margins. He cruelly exploited their drug addictions for his own profit.  This sentence sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate human trafficking and will work tirelessly to restore the rights and dignity of its victims.”

“By exploiting and trafficking multiple victims, including a minor, this defendant committed egregious and reprehensible crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John Farley of the District of New Hampshire. “The substantial sentence imposed today finally holds Mr. Tucker responsible for his actions and sends a clear message to the community that this conduct will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and members of the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force to combat the human trafficking in the Granite State.”

“Today’s sentence brings to a conclusion one of the most disturbing cases of exploitative treatment of human trafficking victims that we have seen,” said William S. Walker, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston.  “Mr. Tucker’s trial of harm and pain will unfortunately live within his victims for years to come, but, hopefully, they will take solace in knowing that the sentence imposed upon Mr. Tucker today effectively prevents him from causing more physical and psychological trauma to future victims. HSI was pleased to partner in this case with the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, the Manchester Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office. Without the tireless work of these partners, Mr. Tucker’s victims would never have had even the opportunity to achieve any measure of justice while continuing the healing process.”

This prosecution is the result of the joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire and the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU). The Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office provided victim assistance in the case.

The New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force is a multidisciplinary effort comprised of law enforcement as well as social, medical, and legal services for victims of human trafficking. The Task Force is funded by a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) and Bureau of Justice Programs (BJA). 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Aframe, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen for the District of New Hampshire and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao for the Civil Rights Division’s HTPU, with assistance from HTPU Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky.

# # #

            CONCORD - Juan Diaz, 40, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm, 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.  He began his term of federal supervised release in May of 2020.         

            Diaz is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2021.

            “Preventing violent crime is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “One important way we can protect our community from violence is by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals.  As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who possess guns unlawfully.”

            “ATF works diligently to prevent and reduce gun violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady. “These collective efforts from the Ashland Police, ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are aimed at investigating crimes that significantly impact and harm members of our community. ATF will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure those who illegally possess firearms are held accountable.”

            This matter was investigated by the Ashland Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being 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. 

 ###

           CONCORD - Seth G. Shackford, 41, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about September 10, 2020, Nashua police detectives arrested Shackford on an outstanding federal warrant during a motor vehicle stop.  A standard inventory search was conducted prior to towing the vehicle.  Officers located a bag on the passenger seat containing unused hypodermic needles.  A backpack located in the rear passenger seat revealed a safe.  After obtaining a search warrant, officers opened the safe and found over 80 grams of methamphetamine, over 10 grams of fentanyl and a ledger with references to drugs, cash, and customers. 

           Shackford is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2021.

           “Drug traffickers continue to pose a significant danger to the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect the public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who choose to sell these deadly substances.”

            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. 

###

            CONCORD –Michael Clemence, 35, of Rochester was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with one count of possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            Clemence was arrested on June 7, 2021 and is currently detained.   

            According to the original complaint filed in court, federal agents located one or more images of child pornography on electronic devices seized from Clemence’s residence during the execution of a federal search warrant on June 4, 2021.  The investigation into Clemence stemmed from a larger investigation into child exploitation material on the “dark web.”  

            The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information regarding this matter is encouraged to contact Homeland Security Investigations at 603-629-2716.

            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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Rochester Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Anna Krasinski.

###

            CONCORD - Alvaro Soto-Martinez, 35, of Haverhill, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2019, a New Hampshire State Trooper conducted a motor vehicle stop in Greenland.  The occupants of the vehicle both were subjects of outstanding arrest warrants and were taken into custody. 

            The State Police obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and seized approximately 106 grams of fentanyl.

            Investigators learned that the fentanyl had been obtained earlier that day from Soto-Martinez at a parking lot in Seabrook.  Law enforcement officers had one of the vehicle’s occupants arrange for a second delivery of 100 grams of fentanyl from Soto-Martinez at the same location.  After Soto-Martinez arrived to make the second delivery, he was arrested while in possession of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl.  

            Soto-Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, 2021.   

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that continues to cause damage to individuals and communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The law enforcement community is united in its efforts to identify and prosecute the fentanyl traffickers who are bringing this dangerous substance into the Granite State.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

###

            CONCORD - Thomas Blanchette, 45, of Farmington, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

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

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

            Blanchette is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15, 2021.  Amy Blanchette pleaded guilty on October 19, 2020 and is awaiting sentencing.  Christopher Stearns also pleaded guilty and has been sentenced.

            “Fentanyl traffickers continue to cause significant damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When drug dealers are armed, they pose an enhanced risk to public safety.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who are threatening the quality of life in the Granite State.”

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

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

###

            CONCORD - Dwayne Grim, 52, formerly of Newfields, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to destruction of government property, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2016, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers working in the Pemigewasset Ranger district of the White Mountain National Forest began noticing that USDA Forest Service signs, property, and interpretive materials on kiosks were being stolen and/or vandalized.  The incidents occurred primarily in the towns of Woodstock, Benton, Easton, Landaff, Bath, and Warren, New Hampshire.

            On January 14, 2018, a law enforcement officer notified the Forest Service that he had recovered signs that appeared to belong to the Forest Service at Grim’s home in Newfields.  Grim later admitted to cutting down and/or removing signs belonging to the Forest Service in the area of the White Mountain National Forest.  Many of the stolen signs were later recovered, some with Grim’s assistance.

            In total, Grim damaged at least 26 signs and caused approximately $3,868 in damages to Forest Service property.  As part of his plea, Grim agreed to make full restitution to the Forest Service.

            Grim, who now resides in Oregon, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2021.

            “The White Mountain National Forest attracts visitors from all over the world,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By destroying Forest Service signs and property, Grim not only committed a federal crime, but also inconvenienced many people seeking to enjoy the National Forest.  To protect the White Mountain National Forest, we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against those who commit crimes there.”

             This matter was investigated by the USDA Forest Service and the Newfields Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

###