District of New Hampshire

            CONCORD - Tyler Cady, 31, of Concord, was sentenced to 198 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2020, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement agents arranged to conduct a methamphetamine transaction that would involve Cady and another individual.  Agents observed Cady arrive for the transaction in Dover, where he began to conduct the drug deal.  When agents sought to arrest Cady, he had over 111 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine on his lap.  A search of Cady’s person revealed approximately seven grams of fentanyl.  Over $8,000 in cash was found in Cady’s vehicle and on his person.  A search of Cady’s vehicle revealed a knapsack containing approximately 252 grams of highly pure methamphetamine.  The vehicle also contained a loaded sawed-off shotgun, a pistol, a scale, and a money counter.          

            Cady previously pleaded guilty on February 26, 2021.  Under his plea agreement, he will forfeit the cash, firearms, and ammunition to the United States.

            “Armed drug traffickers are a menace to the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We are working with our law enforcement partners to keep our state safe from violence and to stop the flow of deadly drugs.  As this sentence shows, armed drug traffickers will face significant federal prison time if they choose to operate in the Granite State.”

             “Drugs and guns are a deadly combination,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA is committed to bring to justice methamphetamine traffickers like Mr. Cady.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

             This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Colebrook Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture aspects of this matter.

 

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           CONCORD - Joseph Gaudreau, 25, of Somersworth, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for possessing and distributing child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 26, 2017, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) received three tips previously submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by the online communications application Skype.  The tips reported that on three separate occasions on March 21, 2017, the same user account uploaded files to Skype that were identified as child sexual abuse images. NHSP investigators later determined that the Skype account was associated with Gaudreau.

           NHSP investigators spoke with Gaudreau at his residence in Somersworth on August 30, 2017. In a voluntary interview, Gaudreau admitted to possessing child pornography and sharing it with others on the internet using multiple applications, including Skype. He told law enforcement that he generally stored images in his Dropbox account, which he could access from any internet-capable device.

           Law enforcement officers next obtained a search warrant for the contents of any Dropbox account associated with the username or e-mail that Gaudreau voluntarily provided them during the interview.  The materials received from Dropbox included numerous video files and still images of child pornography.   

           Gaudreau previously pleaded guilty on January 7, 2021. In addition to the prison sentence, Gaudreau will be under supervised release for seven years once he is released. 

           “In order to protect children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate crimes involving child pornography and child exploitation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As this prison sentence demonstrates, crimes against children are serious offenses with very significant penalties.  This sentence should serve as a warning that those who possess or distribute child sexual abuse images will be held accountable for their unlawful and disturbing conduct.”

           “Today’s sentencing of Gaudreau is a significant step toward preventing him from further possessing and distributing repulsive online child abuse images such as those uncovered in this investigation,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “HSI hopes that the sentence imposed today will bring some measure of justice to the innocent victims who were exploited by the repeated distribution of these illicit images by Gaudreau and his cohorts.  Today’s sentencing would not have been achieved without the crucial teamwork and strong support of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police, the Somersworth Police Department and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Somersworth Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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

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           CONCORD - Doriel Guerrero, 22, of Methuen, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for 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, in early June 2019, Guerrero contacted an undercover law enforcement officer via Facebook.  He explained to the agent he was looking for potential business partners to help distribute fentanyl and provided the agent with a phone number.  On several occasions between August and November of 2019, law enforcement agents used undercover officers and cooperating individuals to purchase fentanyl from Guerrero and his co-defendant, Joel Espinosa. 

            Guerrero previously pleaded guilty on February 23, 2021. Espinosa previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

            “Fentanyl traffickers continue to cause tremendous damage to our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this deadly drug in the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is causing grave damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “The men and women of DEA along with our law enforcement partners are hard at work protecting the public by taking this poison off the streets of New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Matthew T. Hunter.

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       CONCORD – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire is providing the public with additional information about an incident that took place on May 26, 2021, in Manchester.

            On May 26, 2021, Deputy United States Marshals sought to arrest Benjamin Bennett, 41, of Concord at a location in Manchester. 

            Bennett was the subject of a federal arrest warrant that was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hampshire State Police, and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force.  He had been charged in a sealed complaint with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

            The complaint, which has now been unsealed, alleged that on March 4, 2021, Bennett was driving a vehicle that was stopped by the New Hampshire State Police in the Littleton area.  Bennett was arrested for operating without a license and being a habitual offender.  A later search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of distributable quantities of suspected methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl. 

            When approached by Deputy Marshals on May 26, 2021, Bennett is believed to have fired a weapon at the Deputy Marshals.  Representatives of the Manchester Police Department and other law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.  Law enforcement officers later found Bennett dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

            “This matter demonstrates the dangers that our brave federal, state, and local law enforcement colleagues face each day,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley.  “I am grateful to the Manchester Police, the United States Marshals Service, and all of the other law enforcement agencies who responded and assisted in this matter.  Thanks to their professionalism and caution, no civilians or members of law enforcement officers were harmed during this incident.”

            In addition to the United States Marshals Service and the Manchester Police Department, the following agencies also assisted in responding to this incident: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Nashua Police Department, Manchester Fire Department and American Medical Response.

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            CONCORD - Karl Messner, 65, of Weare, was sentenced on Friday to 46 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, starting in June 2016, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a number of CyberTipline Reports regarding suspected child pornography activity.  The internet protocol, or IP, addresses associated with those reports all resolved to Messner’s residence in Weare.  In October of 2016, investigators obtained a federal search warrant for that residence.  During an interview at his house, Messner admitted to viewing child pornography, and that images could be found on his laptop and thumb drives.  Investigators seized a laptop and thumb drive on which they later found images of child pornography following a forensic analysis. 

            Messner previously pleaded guilty on April 1, 2019.  After the completion of his sentence, Messner will be under supervised release for five years. 

            “In order to protect children from exploitation, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute crimes involving child pornography,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This sentence should send a message to those who collect these horrific images that child pornography crimes are serious offenses that can lead to significant federal prison time.” 

            “Thanks to the Court’s sentencing, Karl Messner will be held to account for his crimes,” said Acting Special Agent In Charge William S. Walker, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “HSI and our partners at the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire, the Weare Police Department, and countless other law enforcement agencies will continue to pursue offenders like Messner in the interest of protecting children.”

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Weare Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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

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            CONCORD - Adam W. Gagnon, 43, of Manchester, was sentenced to 120 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 January 30, 2020, Manchester police detectives received information that Gagnon would be travelling to Lawrence, Massachusetts in an Uber to pick up a significant quantity of fentanyl for distribution. There were several outstanding warrants for Gagnon’s arrest. Detectives observed Gagnon travel to Lawrence in an Uber, enter a building for approximately 10 minutes and get into another Uber to head northbound. Detectives stopped the vehicle, arrested Gagnon on the warrants, and observed a cellophane wrapped package at Gagnon’s feet. The Uber driver consented to a search of the vehicle and the package was seized. A lab later confirmed the package contained over 480 grams of fentanyl.

           Gagnon previously pleaded guilty on February 17, 2021.

           “Fentanyl has caused horrific damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Those who seek to profit from the sale of this deadly substance are poisoning our citizens and will be held accountable for their conduct. This defendant was trafficking a very substantial quantity of fentanyl. Thanks to the hard work of the Manchester Police Department, he is now out of business and behind bars.”

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

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

 

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           CONCORD - Erik Bjork, 38, of Pembroke, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution and possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

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

           Bjork is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2021.

           “Protecting vulnerable children is among the most important duties of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We are committed to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the child pornography and the sexual exploitation of minors.  I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose efforts resulted in this successful prosecution.”

          “With today’s guilty plea Bjork, who possessed and distributed more than a thousand deeply disturbing child pornography images, will be held accountable for his depraved, criminal actions,” said Acting Special Agent In Charge William S. Walker, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “The online sharing and distribution of child pornography by individuals like Bjork re-victimizes and adds to the original abuse suffered by the victims. We hope today’s guilty plea will bring some measure of justice for the innocent victims and their families in this case.  HSI is thankful for the dedicated work of our partners in the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the New Hampshire State Police, the Pembroke Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire, that today’s plea to help in the recovery and healing process.”

          “The NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to partner with law enforcement officials from Homeland Security, NHSP, the Pembroke Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office in an effort to keep our children safe.”

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

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

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            CONCORD - Diana Dyson, 59, of New York City, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Dyson was recruited by an individual in New York to drive to New Hampshire to execute a scheme to defraud TD Bank.  On or about February 28, 2020, Dyson drove accomplice Ashley Washington to different TD Bank branches in New Hampshire.  Washington entered the locations and withdrew or attempted to withdraw money from other persons’ bank accounts using their account numbers and false drivers’ licenses with the account holder’s personal information and Washington’s photograph.  After an unsuccessful transaction at a TD Bank in Pembroke, Dyson and Washington were arrested.  When she was pulled over, Dyson texted another participant in the scheme stating that “they” pulled her over and advising them to “stop all the work.” 

            Dyson and Washington withdrew over $11,800 and attempted to withdraw at least $1,600 from other persons’ TD Bank accounts.  After her arrest, Dyson tried to deposit more than $9,400 of these fraud proceeds into her jail account.  Law enforcement officers seized these funds and seized the remaining stolen funds from Washington.

            Dyson pleaded guilty on January 13, 2021.  Washington also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a time-served sentence on January 15, 2021.  The seized fraud proceeds have been forfeited and both individuals were ordered to pay full restitution.

            “Traveling to New Hampshire to commit fraud is a very bad idea,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Withdrawing money from other people’s bank accounts is a serious crime with significant consequence.  We will not hesitate to bring federal charges against individuals who come to the Granite State to engage in criminal activity.” 

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Concord and Pembroke Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture aspects of this matter.

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            CONCORD - Russell Graham, 41, of Lowell, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about May 1, 2020, a Nashua police officer acting in an undercover capacity (UC) began investigating a website that allows users to upload and share videos.  The UC identified a user whose profile indicated he enjoyed “teen porn” and the UC began communicating with the user, later identified as Graham.  Between May 4, 2020, and May 11, 2020, Graham sent the UC numerous images and videos that depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Eventually, the UC offered to help Graham get a job at a construction company and asked for his resume. Graham sent the resume to the UC which identified him. On May 22, 2020, the UC and Graham planned to meet in Nashua.  Graham was arrested when he arrived. At the time of his arrest, Graham was carrying a cell phone which contained additional images of child pornography.     

            Graham is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2021.

            “Distributing child pornography is a serious federal offense,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect young people from exploitation and seek justice for victims, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who distribute child pornography.”

            “The distribution of images of child exploitation is a serious and disturbing crime that feeds a vicious cycle of re-victimization each time the illicit images are shared and traded on-line,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “Today’s guilty plea is yet another step toward preventing child predators from continually exploiting minor victims and the results of this case could only have been achieved through the tireless efforts and continued commitment of our great partners in the Nashua Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being 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.

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            CONCORD - David Johnson, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in December of 2013, Johnson applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA).  Because SSI is need-based, the SSA considers various factors such as marital status when determining eligibility and calculating the benefit amount.  When he applied for SSI benefits, Johnson agreed to report certain changes, including a change in marital status.

            Johnson married his spouse in April of 2014 and was required to notify the SSA of his marriage by May 10, 2014.  However, Johnson did not disclose his marriage to the SSA.  During subsequent SSI redeterminations in 2015 and 2016, Johnson falsely represented to the SSA that he was unmarried.  Due to his concealment of his marriage, Johnson received over $32,000 in SSI benefits that he was not entitled to receive.

            Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2021.

            “Supplemental Security Income benefits provide important financial support for needy individuals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Unfortunately, there are those who lie or cheat to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive.  In order to protect the integrity of this important federal program, we work with the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration to investigate and prosecute those who commit fraud to obtain SSI benefits.”

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

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            CONCORD - George Kuiper, 74, of Lawrenceville, Georgia was sentenced to five years of probation for conspiracy to distribute unapproved drugs, distribution of unapproved drugs, and unlawful smuggling of goods into the United States, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2006 to 2020, Kuiper operated an internet pharmacy on various websites that he managed from his residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia. On his websites, Kuiper sold over 100 products, including prescription drugs and controlled substances which he obtained from foreign sources. Some of the substances were purchased by customers in New Hampshire. Kuiper’s best-selling product was modafinil, a Schedule IV controlled substance and prescription new drug not approved by the FDA. Kuiper’s websites were not registered with the DEA to distribute controlled substances.

            The sentence also included the forfeiture of over $440,000 and two properties.

             Kuiper previously pleaded guilty on January 14, 2021.  

             “Unapproved drugs can pose a host of dangers to unsuspecting consumers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, this defendant’s unlawful activity has been stopped.  To protect our citizens from the health and safety dangers of unapproved drugs, we will continue to target those who smuggle or sell unapproved drugs in the Granite State.”

             “The FDA’s requirements are designed to ensure that U.S. consumers receive safe and effective drugs.  Evading the FDA process and distributing unapproved drugs to U.S. consumers will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey J. Ebersole, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office.  “We will continue to investigate and protect the public health of the nation.”

             “Today’s sentencing of Mr. Kuiper is yet another reminder of how unsuspecting and vulnerable customers can be exploited by illicit operators of unlicensed on-line pharmacies, particularly during times when so many have heightened concerns about their own health and that of their loved ones” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston.  “HSI was pleased to partner with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire on this investigation to ensure Mr. Kuiper is prevented from further scamming residents of New Hampshire and elsewhere through the sale and distribution of potentially dangerous, unapproved prescription drugs.”

             This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hawkins.

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           CONCORD - Katherine Torres, 47, of Manchester, 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, Torres was employed as an office manager for Pine Haven Boys School in Allenstown, New Hampshire (Pine Haven) 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31, 2021.

           “This defendant took advantage of the trust that was placed in her and stole nearly a quarter million dollars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Fraud schemes are serious crimes that can have a substantial impact on victims.  To seek justice for crime victims, we continue to work closely with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute white collar criminals.”            

           “The allegations to which Katherine Torres pleaded guilty today indicate both a disdain for the rule of law and a clear-cut case of greed. Ms. Torres betrayed the trust of her employer by using her position at a residential facility that cared for boys with behavioral, educational, and emotional issues, to defraud them of hundreds of thousands of dollars to line her own pockets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “What she did is disgraceful, and make no mistake, the FBI is committed to investigating anyone engaged in this type of criminal activity.”

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

                       

 

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           CONCORD - Joseph Taylor, 31, of Manchester, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 9, 2020, Manchester police officers stopped a car operated by Taylor after observing suspected drug activity and a motor vehicle violation.  Taylor agreed to speak with the detectives outside the car.  The detectives asked Taylor if he had anything illegal on him and he said he did not.  After he consented to a search of his person and car, detectives found over $1,800 and a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in an area behind the glove compartment.  Detectives later learned the firearm was stolen. 

           Taylor admitted he was a convicted felon and that he had the firearm for protection.  He explained it was hidden because he knew he could not possess a firearm as a convicted felon. 

           Taylor previously pleaded guilty on January 13, 2021.

           “In order to keep our communities safe from violent crime, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to good police work, this armed criminal has been brought to justice.  To help prevent violent crime, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who possess firearms unlawfully.”

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

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

 

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WASHINGTON – Today the Justice Department announced a settlement agreement with the Nashua School District to resolve the department’s investigation into the school district’s programs for its English learner students. The department’s investigation found widespread failures to provide these students with the instruction and support they need to learn English and participate fully in school. The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire conducted the investigation under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974.

“School districts must step up and give English learners the language services and supports they are entitled to under federal law. This agreement is a reminder that teachers cannot deliver those supports and services without training and resources from their district,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the law to open the doors of opportunity for all students in our nation’s schools. We commend the Nashua School District for opening those doors to its English Learners by entering into this agreement.”

“We are committed to protecting the civil rights of all students, including English language learners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley for the District of New Hampshire. “We make our communities better when our local schools serve the needs of all students and parents. This agreement will help ensure that Nashua schools are places where all students have a chance to learn and grow and all parents have an opportunity to follow their children’s  progress.”

The district cooperated at every stage of the investigation and is committed to improving its practices through the comprehensive agreement. Under the agreement, the district will:

• Identify English learners and enroll them in appropriate classes;
• Provide English as a second language instruction to all English learner students, including students with disabilities, and ensure the district has enough teachers certified to teach English as a second language;
• Train teachers of academic core subjects like math, science and social studies on how to help English learner students understand the content in their grade-level courses;
• Train school principals on how to evaluate teachers of English learner students and support effective teaching strategies;
• Communicate essential school-related information in a language that Limited English Proficient parents can understand so their children can access all school programs; and
• Monitor students’ progress and evaluate the effectiveness of its English learner programs over time.

The Justice Department will monitor the district’s implementation of the settlement for three full school years.

The enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 is a top priority of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available here.  Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations here.

 

Note: A full copy of the settlement agreement can be viewed here.

 

This press release is also available in Spanish and Portuguese.

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            CONCORD - Wayne Kenney, 31, of Hooksett, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for unauthorized access to a computer and damage to protected computers, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2015, Kenney was arrested by a police officer with the Auburn Police Department (hereafter referred to as “John Doe 1” to protect his identity) for possession of heroin, for which he received a suspended sentence and was required to attend drug counseling sessions at the Farnum Center, an addiction treatment center located in Manchester. Thereafter, Kenney engaged in a retributive course of action that involved hacking into various computers of the Auburn Police Department, the Town Offices of Auburn, and the Farnum Center.

            From February 2015 through July 2015, Kenney hacked into Auburn Police Department and Town of Auburn computers and deployed malicious “keylogging” software that he created, and stole employees’ log-in credentials.  He then hacked into, deleted files from, and defaced employees’ online accounts. In addition, Kenney deployed malicious software that caused pop up messages to appear that stated “I pray for the death of [John Doe 1].” 

            Also according to court documents, on or about July 1, 2015, Kenney hacked into the website for the Farnum Center and took control of the site.  He disabled a link that would have provided website visitors access to information about alcohol and drug treatment assistance. He also changed their 24-hour emergency drug hotline phone number so that anyone calling for help would be re-routed to a number associated with adult entertainment services and would be unable to reach the Farnum Center’s emergency services.

            Kenney previously pleaded guilty on November 18, 2021.

            “The defendant’s reprehensible actions caused significant harm to entities that seek to help the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By disabling access to drug and alcohol treatment information, the defendant cruelly impeded innocent people from getting help for their substance abuse problems.  His actions also harmed innocent public servants in Auburn.  To protect the community from such crimes, we work closely with the FBI to identify and prosecute computer hackers.”

           “The facts of this case speak for themselves. You can’t hide in the shadows of the internet and hack into computers and impede others from accessing emergency substance abuse treatment services and get away with it,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence holds Wayne Kenney accountable for his vindictive crimes and should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate all cyber intrusions and hold the criminals behind them accountable.”

            This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald of the District of New Hampshire.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen previously worked on this matter.

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WASHINGTON — hoje, o Departamento de Justiça anunciou um acordo com o Distrito Escolar de Nashua para resolver a investigação do departamento sobre os programas do distrito escolar para seus alunos aprendizes de inglês.  A investigação do departamento encontrou falhas generalizadas no fornecimento a esses alunos da instrução e do apoio de que precisam para aprender inglês e participar plenamente da escola.  A Divisão de Direitos Civis e o Gabinete do Procurador dos EUA para o Distrito de New Hampshire conduziram a investigação de acordo com a Lei de Oportunidades de Igualdade na Educação de 1974. 

“Os distritos escolares devem intensificar e oferecer aos alunos aprendizes de inglês serviços e suportes linguísticos aos quais têm direito de acordo com a lei federal.  Este acordo é um lembrete de que os professores não podem proporcionar suporte e serviços sem treinamento e recursos de seu distrito”, disse Pamela S. Karlan, Subprocuradora Geral Adjunta da Divisão de Direitos Civis do Departamento de Justiça.  “O Departamento de Justiça aplicará vigorosamente a lei para abrir as portas de oportunidades para todos os alunos das escolas do nosso país.  Parabenizamos o Distrito Escolar de Nashua por abrir essas portas para seus alunos de inglês ao celebrar este acordo.”

“Estamos comprometidos em proteger os direitos civis de todos os alunos, incluindo os que estão aprendendo inglês”, disse John J. Farley, Procurador dos EUA para o Distrito de New Hampshire.  “Tornamos nossas comunidades melhores quando nossas escolas locais atendem às necessidades de todos os alunos e pais.  Este Acordo ajudará a garantir que as escolas de Nashua sejam lugares onde todos os alunos tenham a chance de aprender e crescer, e todos os pais tenham a oportunidade de acompanhar o progresso dos seus filhos.” 

O Distrito cooperou em todas as fases da investigação e está empenhado em melhorar as suas práticas por meio deste acordo abrangente. Nos termos do Acordo, o Distrito: 

• Identificará alunos aprendizes de inglês e os matriculará nas aulas apropriadas;
• Fornecerá instrução de inglês como segunda língua a todos os alunos aprendizes de inglês, incluindo alunos com deficiência, e garantirá que o Distrito tenha professores certificados suficientes para ensinar inglês como segunda língua;
• Treinará professores de disciplinas acadêmicas básicas como matemática, ciências e estudos sociais sobre como ajudar os alunos aprendizes de inglês a compreender o conteúdo de seus cursos de nível escolar;
• Treinará diretores de escolas sobre como avaliar professores de alunos aprendizes de inglês e apoiará estratégias de ensino eficazes;
• Comunicará informações essenciais relacionadas à escola em um idioma que os pais com proficiência limitada do inglês possam entender para que seus filhos possam acessar todos os programas escolares; e
• Monitorará o progresso dos alunos e avaliará a eficácia de seus programas de aprendizes de inglês ao longo do tempo.

O Departamento de Justiça monitorará a implementação do Acordo pelo Distrito por três anos letivos completos.

A aplicação da Lei de Oportunidades de Igualdade na Educação de 1974 é uma das principais prioridades da Divisão de Direitos Civis do Departamento de Justiça. Informações adicionais sobre a Divisão de Direitos Civis do Departamento de Justiça estão disponíveis no site www.justice.gov/crt, e informações adicionais sobre o trabalho da Seção de Oportunidades Educacionais estão disponíveis em https://www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Os membros do público podem denunciar possíveis violações dos direitos civis em https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. 

Note: A full copy of the settlement agreement can be viewed 

here.

This press release is also available in

Spanish

and

Portuguese

.

WASHINGTON – Today the Justice Department announced a settlement agreement with the Nashua School District to resolve the department’s investigation into the school district’s programs for its English learner students. The department’s investigation found widespread failures to provide these students with the instruction and support they need to learn English and participate fully in school. The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire conducted the investigation under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974.

“School districts must step up and give English learners the language services and supports they are entitled to under federal law. This agreement is a reminder that teachers cannot deliver those supports and services without training and resources from their district,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the law to open the doors of opportunity for all students in our nation’s schools. We commend the Nashua School District for opening those doors to its English Learners by entering into this agreement.”

“We are committed to protecting the civil rights of all students, including English language learners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley for the District of New Hampshire. “We make our communities better when our local schools serve the needs of all students and parents. This agreement will help ensure that Nashua schools are places where all students have a chance to learn and grow and all parents have an opportunity to follow their children’s  progress.”

The district cooperated at every stage of the investigation and is committed to improving its practices through the comprehensive agreement. Under the agreement, the district will:

• Identify English learners and enroll them in appropriate classes;
• Provide English as a second language instruction to all English learner students, including students with disabilities, and ensure the district has enough teachers certified to teach English as a second language;
• Train teachers of academic core subjects like math, science and social studies on how to help English learner students understand the content in their grade-level courses;
• Train school principals on how to evaluate teachers of English learner students and support effective teaching strategies;
• Communicate essential school-related information in a language that Limited English Proficient parents can understand so their children can access all school programs; and
• Monitor students’ progress and evaluate the effectiveness of its English learner programs over time.

The Justice Department will monitor the district’s implementation of the settlement for three full school years.

The enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 is a top priority of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available here.  Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo de conciliación con el Distrito Escolar de Nashua, el cual resuelve la investigación del departamento de los programas del distrito escolar para sus estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés. La investigación del departamento halló que incumplió, de manera generalizada, con su deber de proporcionar a estos estudiantes con la enseñanza y el apoyo que necesitan para aprender inglés y para participar plenamente en la vida escolar. La División de Derechos Civiles y la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito de Nuevo Hampshire llevaron a cabo la investigación en virtud de la ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974.

«Los distritos escolares deben redoblar sus esfuerzos y proveer a los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés con los servicios y el apoyo a los que tienen derecho en virtud de les leyes federales. Este acuerdo nos recuerda que los maestros no podrán ofrecer esos servicios y apoyo sin antes contar con capacitación y recursos de su distrito», declaró la Fiscal General Auxiliar Adjunta Principal Pamela S. Karlan de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia hará cumplir la ley con firmeza, con el fin de abrir las puertas de la oportunidad para todos los estudiantes en las escuelas de nuestro país. Aplaudimos al Distrito Escolar de Nashua por haber abierto esas puertas a sus estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés al celebrar este acuerdo».

«Estamos comprometidos a proteger los derechos civiles de todo estudiante, incluyendo aquellos que están aprendiendo inglés», afirmó el Fiscal Federal en funciones John J. Farley para el Distrito de Nuevo Hampshire. «Cuando nuestras escuelas locales satisfacen las necesidades de todos los estudiantes y padres, estamos mejorando nuestras comunidades. Este acuerdo ayudará a garantizar que las escuelas de Nashua sean un lugar donde todo estudiante tenga la oportunidad de aprender y crecer y todo padre tenga la posibilidad de dar seguimiento al progreso de sus hijos».

El Distrito cooperó en cada paso de la investigación y se ha comprometido a mejorar sus prácticas mediante el acuerdo integral. Conforme al acuerdo, el Distrito:

• Identificará a estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés y los matriculará en las asignaturas apropiadas;
• Ofrecerá enseñanza de inglés como segundo idioma a todo estudiante que está aprendiendo inglés, incluyendo aquellos estudiantes que tienen discapacidades, y asegurará que el distrito disponga de suficientes maestros certificados en la enseñanza de inglés como segundo idioma;
• Capacitará a maestros de asignaturas académicas básicas, como las matemáticas, las ciencias o los estudios sociales, para poder ayudar a estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés a entender el contenido en las asignaturas de su nivel de grado;
• Capacitará a los directores de escuela sobre cómo evaluar a maestros de estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés y apoyar estrategias docentes eficaces;
• Comunicará información escolar esencial en un idioma que padres con un dominio limitado del inglés puedan entender para que sus hijos puedan acceder a todos los programas escolares; y
• Supervisará el progreso de los estudiantes y evaluará, a lo largo del tiempo, la eficacia de sus programas para estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés.

Por otra parte, el Departamento de Justicia supervisará la implementación del acuerdo por parte del distrito durante tres años escolares.

La ejecución de la ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974 es una de las prioridades principales de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. Para más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, puede visitar su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt. Para más información sobre la labor de la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas, vaya a https://www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Miembros del público también pueden informar de posibles vulneraciones de derechos civiles en https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

            CONCORD – Samantha Trombley, 36, of Ashland, was sentenced to 24 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 March 20, 2019, a New Hampshire state trooper pulled over a car driven by Trombley for a vehicle violation.  There were two other individuals in the car. A second officer arrived at the scene and noticed a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine sticking out of a passenger’s pocket. The passenger was removed from the vehicle and arrested.  The second passenger was also arrested on outstanding warrants.  Trombley was interviewed by another officer and claimed she did not know the passengers very well but they had called her for a ride to a home near Plymouth.

            The vehicle was towed and secured.  After obtaining a search warrant, officers discovered heroin and fentanyl as well as other drug paraphernalia in the passengers’ backpacks.  A purse belonging to Trombley was located containing $790 in cash, a smoking pipe, over 151 grams of methamphetamine, and a small bag of heroin.

             Trombley previously pleaded guilty on February 19, 2020.

            “Methamphetamine continues to present a significant threat to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “To protect public safety, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are selling this dangerous substance in the Granite State.”

            “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 New Hampshire State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

           

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         CONCORD - Glen Lanchester, 53, of Manchester, was sentenced to 252 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2018, the Manchester Police Department executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. They seized various electronic devices that contained child pornography. The defendant later admitted that he had previously used spy cameras which he placed in the bathroom of his apartment to film minor girls using the bathroom and showering. He used these to create child pornography of at least two minor victims. Minor Victim #1, who is now an adult, viewed one of the images found on the defendant’s computer and identified herself as being approximately seven or eight years old at the time it was taken. The image of Minor Victim #1 constitutes child pornography.

            Lanchester previously pleaded guilty on October 8, 2020.

            “By filming young children to create pornography, this defendant committed a horrific crime that cannot be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Not only is the crime itself disturbing, but it can have a lasting impact on the young victims whose innocence was stolen.   This lengthy sentence helps to protect other children from being victimized.  This case also demonstrates the New Hampshire law enforcement community’s ongoing commitment to identifying and prosecuting child predators.”

            “We welcome today’s sentence of Lanchester, whose actions represented a real threat to the community.” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “There’s no crime more disturbing than the sexual exploitation of children, especially through production of pornographic materials, which only adds to the level of victimization in these cases. HSI is grateful for the solid teamwork of our partners in the Manchester Police Department and the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire for ensuring that a measure of justice for the victims was achieved in this case.”

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.

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

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           CONCORD - Hector Rivera Ayala, 32, of Manchester, has been charged in federal court with robbing a bank and four gas stations, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents, Rivera Ayala was arrested on Wednesday in Massachusetts.  Rivera Ayala is charged by complaint with committing a series of armed robberies in Manchester.  The complaint alleges that Rivera Ayala robbed four gas stations between December 2, 2019, and December 21, 2019.  The complaint further alleges that he robbed a bank on December 21, 2019, where he allegedly stole over $160,000.

            Rivera Ayala is scheduled to appear before a United States Magistrate Judge later today.

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

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

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          CONCORD - Francis Harrington, 38, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on August 26, 2021.

          “Fentanyl traffickers continue to pose a serious threat to public health and safety in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Through Operation SOS, we are targeting the drug dealers who are endangering the public by selling this very dangerous substance.  I am grateful to the Manchester Police for preventing this significant amount of fentanyl from jeopardizing lives in the Queen City.” 

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

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

 

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          CONCORD - James Coughlin, 38, of Sanbornville, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Coughlin conspired with individuals in California to have quantities of “ice” methamphetamine shipped to him at his Sanbornville residence.  During the investigation, law enforcement agents intercepted a package containing approximately 460 grams of “ice” methamphetamine intended for Coughlin. In 2019, an individual who was cooperating with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force made seven controlled purchases of “ice” methamphetamine from Coughlin at his Sanbornville residence. On January 14, 2020, federal and state law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Coughlin’s residence and seized approximately 61 grams of “ice” methamphetamine, cash, firearms, and ammunition.  Because Coughlin previously had been convicted of a felony, it was unlawful for him to possess the firearms and ammunition.

             Coughlin previously pleaded guilty on February 4, 2021.

            “Methamphetamine trafficking poses a significant risk to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The risk to public safety is further heightened when drug traffickers are armed.  Thanks to the hard work of a team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, this individual will no longer be able to endanger the citizens of the Granite State.”

             “Coughlin presented a danger to the public in many forms, the Court’s sentence ensures he will not be able to continue his crimes”, said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “We credit the strong commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire and our numerous local, state, and federal partners for their contributions to this investigation.”

              “Drugs and guns are a deadly combination,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA is committed to bring to justice methamphetamine traffickers like Mr. Coughlin.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

              This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit and Mobile Enforcement Team, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force the  Dover Police Department, the Portsmouth Police Department, the University of New Hampshire Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and the York, Maine Police Department. 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.

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           CONCORD - Joel Espinosa, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts 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, a cooperating individual and an undercover agent purchased nearly 80 grams of fentanyl from Espinosa and another man during two separate transactions in 2019.  One transaction occurred in Manchester and the other took place in Methuen, Massachusetts. 

            Espinosa previously pleaded guilty on December 2, 2020.

            “Fentanyl traffickers seek to profit from selling a deadly substance in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Each day, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the dealers who sell this dangerous drug in the Granite State.  As this defendant has learned, drug dealers who come to New Hampshire to sell fentanyl will find themselves in federal prison.”

            “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. Espinosa, who distribute this poison to the citizens of New Hampshire.  Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Espinosa accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, New Hampshire State Police, and Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

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           CONCORD - Daniel Desrochers, 48, of Dover, pleaded guilty in federal court to committing bank fraud and violating his supervised release conditions, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, from December of 2019 until August of 2020, Desrochers maintained personal checking accounts at two separate banks in New Hampshire.  In July of 2020, Desrochers registered his catering business, Legacy Hospitality, L.L.C. (Legacy) with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.  He then opened a business bank account for Legacy at a third bank.

           From July 27 through September of 2020, Desrochers defrauded the banks by engaging in a check-kiting scheme.  He would make fraudulent check deposits into the Legacy business account and one of his personal accounts using checks written on the other personal account in amounts that exceeded the amount of money in that account.  This would artificially inflate the apparent available balance in the receiving accounts.  Desrochers would then withdraw funds through ATM withdrawals, debit card transactions and other electronic transfers before the financial institutions received notice that the checks were unpaid for insufficient funds.   

           In addition to pleading guilty to bank fraud, Desrochers also admitted that his actions violated the conditions of his supervised release for a previous felony wire fraud conviction.   

           Desrochers is scheduled to be sentenced on August 24, 2021.

           “When defendants are placed on supervised release after serving a prison sentence, they have an opportunity to demonstrate that they can comply with the law and become productive members of society,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Rather than take advantage of this opportunity, this defendant chose to engage in additional fraud crimes.  As this case demonstrates, those who commit crimes after being released from prison will be caught and held accountable for their additional criminal conduct.”

           This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Probation Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

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            CONCORD - Steven Lessard, 34, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Thursday to 150 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, a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Sergio Martinez operated in the Lawrence, Massachusetts area.  The DTO sold fentanyl to customers from various New England states including New Hampshire.  The DTO operated two sets of telephones to serve large and small customers.  These customers placed fentanyl orders by phone and were directed by DTO members to various distributors located in and around Lawrence to obtain the fentanyl.

            The DTO also had a third set of larger customers.  These customers purchased kilogram quantities of fentanyl from the DTO and were able to contact Martinez directly on his personal telephone.  For those customers, Martinez would arrange for a member of the DTO to deliver the drugs to the customer instead of requiring the customer to come meet a DTO member to obtain the drugs.  Lessard was one of these customers who purchased kilogram quantities of fentanyl.

            Beginning January 29, 2018 and ending March 14, 2018, Lessard was intercepted on wiretaps communicating with Martinez and arranging to obtain fentanyl deliveries.  On March 14, 2018, the two spoke and arranged for Martinez to deliver two kilograms of fentanyl to Lessard later that night.  After the delivery, the Lowell Police Department obtained a search warrant for Lessard’s residence.  Officers seized over two kilograms of fentanyl and multiple firearms.  In addition, officers located a scale, several thousand dollars, and the telephone that Lessard used to contact Martinez.  

            Lessard previously pleaded guilty on September 30, 2019.  Martinez is serving a 45-year prison sentence.

            “Fentanyl is such an extremely dangerous drug that even a small amount can lead to a deadly overdose,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By trafficking in kilogram quantities of fentanyl, Lessard was seeking to profit by selling a product that jeopardized many lives. To protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to put drug traffickers like Lessard out of business.”

            “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

            The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the Drug Enforcement Administration; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Seabrook Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.

            The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald 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.

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            CONCORD - Timothy Diggins, 60, of Goffstown, pleaded guilty in federal court to transportation and possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about January 1, 2019, Microsoft’s automated system detected potential child exploitation material on an account belonging to Diggins.  A Cybertip report was sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which referred the matter to law enforcement for investigation. 

            On September 18, 2019, investigators conducted a consensual interview with Diggins at his home.  Diggins confirmed that he used the internet to view child pornography.  Subsequent search warrants revealed over one thousand child pornography images on Diggins’ computer and electronic media.           

            Diggins is scheduled to be sentenced on August 23, 2021.

            “Child exploitation crimes victimize young children and cause unspeakable harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who engage in child pornography crimes must be held accountable for their actions.  To protect the innocence of our children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes related to child pornography.”

           “This guilty plea removes another participant from the traumatizing and exploitative cycle of child exploitation online. The coordination across the public, private, and non-profit sectors seen in cases like these are critical to Homeland Security Investigation’s mission to keep children safe online,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, Boston.

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Goffstown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

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

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            CONCORD - Diana Daffin, 68, of Charlotte, North Carolina was arrested today and charged with violating the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act by selling unapproved COVID-19 remedies over the internet, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to the criminal complaint, Diana Daffin owns a holistic medicine company called Savvy Holistic Health doing business as Holistic Healthy Pet.  In March 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) learned that Daffin was selling an unapproved drug on her website, with the brand name HAMPL, that Daffin claimed was a COVID-19 remedy and treatment.  In April of 2020, the FDA sent Daffin and the Australian manufacturer of the drug a warning letter explaining that the HAMPL COVID-19 drug Daffin was selling was an adulterated, misbranded, and unapproved drug and that she should take immediate action to correct the violation.  Daffin responded by telling the FDA that she removed the product from her website.

            In August of 2020, the FDA sent Daffin a second warning letter identifying other unapproved HAMPL brand drugs that Daffin was selling.  In response, Daffin told the FDA that, regarding “HAMPL products” she would be “closing that product line.”  Daffin also said that she would shut down her website while she worked to replace her product line.  The complaint alleges that Daffin continued to sell unapproved HAMPL brand drugs by moving them to a password protected website.

            According to the complaint, an undercover agent later contacted Daffin by email, and she provided the password to the website.  The undercover agent then purchased several unapproved HAMPL brand drugs listed in the August 2020 warning letter.  In email correspondence with the undercover agent, Daffin stated that the HAMPL products “work for covid, but fda shut it down.”  Daffin later sold and shipped the undercover agent an unapproved HAMPL-brand COVID-19 drug.

            On March 5, 2021, the undercover agent in New Hampshire received HAMPL drugs sold by Daffin, including the purported COVID-19 remedy.  The label stated that it provided “a stronger immunity against CV” and promised “Immunity for Humans.”

            Daffin was charged by complaint in the District of New Hampshire.  She was arrested this morning outside of her home in North Carolina. 

            This matter was investigated by the United States Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

            The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

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           CONCORD - Matthew Dion, 49, of Bedford, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 sexually explicit images of the child taken in the bathroom, as the child was getting out of the shower. 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2021.

            “Protecting children from harm is one of the fundamental roles of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This case is an example of how law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire are working together to keep children safe.  Thanks to that cooperation, this defendant’s disturbing and unlawful conduct was detected and stopped.”

             “Matthew Dion was entrusted to provide a safe environment for a child but he violated that obligation in an extraordinary manner. Homeland Security Investigations and our partners in the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are committed to investigating cases like this to keep the children in our community safe,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, Boston.

             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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.

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

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            CONCORD - In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

            “This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

            “Each day, the brave law enforcement officers in New Hampshire do their utmost to protect the citizens of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “It is important for all of us to remember the many sacrifices that these courageous officers and their families make as they work to keep our communities safe.  We are grateful for their service and we honor the memory of all the officers in our nation who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

             In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

             Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

             During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.

             Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website. 

             The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

             Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.   

              To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

 

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            CONCORD - Thomas McGrath, III, 65, of Seabrook, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, McGrath applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in February of 2011 and agreed to report any work and earnings.  McGrath worked as a carpenter’s assistant from January 2015 through at least March 2020 but concealed his employment to keep his benefits.  In February of 2016, the Social Security Administration informed McGrath that he could work and earn income while continuing to receive some SSDI payments through the agency’s Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program.  However, McGrath never took that opportunity.  Due to his scheme, McGrath received almost $54,000 in SSDI benefits that he was not entitled to receive.   

            McGrath is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2021.

            “Social Security disability benefits provide important financial support for those who are unable to work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When individuals lie about their ability to work, they are stealing benefits that they are not entitled to receive.  To protect the integrity of the program, we will continue to work with the Office of the Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits.”

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

 

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            CONCORD – Roberto Montano, 55, formerly of Guatemala City, Guatemala, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with three counts of wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

            According to the Indictment, Montano is a Guatemalan citizen who managed two forestry projects in Guatemala for investment funds managed by a New Hampshire-based investment adviser between 2007 and 2014.  Beginning in approximately late 2009, Montano, whose management company was called Green Millennium, embezzled the projects' funds by (1) diverting cash and concealing the diversions using altered bank and financial statements; (2) mortgaging the Projects' properties without authorization and investing the proceeds in unsuccessful business ventures; and (3) stealing teak forestry subsidies paid by the Guatemalan government.  A criminal complaint previously was filed against Montano in 2015 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.  Montano has been a fugitive from justice since that time. 

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

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney William Morse previously handled the case.

            The FBI has released a wanted poster which can be viewed at: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wcc/jorge-roberto-montano-pellegrini

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            CONCORD - Robert Adkins, 33, of Alexandria, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

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

            Adkins is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2021.

            “Armed drug traffickers pose a serious danger to public health and safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to excellent police work and law enforcement collaboration, this armed drug dealer is no longer able to sell methamphetamine.  As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who threaten the citizens of the Granite State.”

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

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            CONCORD - Clifford A. Bullock, 71, of Nottingham, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for transportation of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in April of 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Microsoft had detected potential child exploitation materials on a Microsoft OneDrive account with an IP address that resolved to Bullock’s address.  Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Bullock’s residence on August 5, 2019.  Pursuant to the search warrant, officers seized a computer, cellular phones and numerous items of digital media that contained a large collection of child pornography.  Bullock admitted to using the internet to view and save child pornography involving girls.  He further admitted to uploading and storing files on OneDrive, including child pornography images. 

            Bullock previously pleaded guilty on June 6, 2020.  In addition to the prison sentence, Bullock must spend five years on supervised release, pay $5,100 in special assessments and $39,000 in restitution. 

            “Child pornography crimes exploit innocent children and cause immeasurable harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect young people, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit child pornography crimes in the Granite State.  As Mr. Bullock has learned, child pornography crimes can lead to serious federal prison time.”

            “Downloading and storing child exploitation material like that possessed by Bullock perpetuates the continued abuse and trauma experienced by the victims of these heinous crimes. Today’s sentencing removes another participant from this reprehensible industry,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of the Homeland Security Investigations, Boston field office. “HSI is proud to work alongside our local law enforcement partners on the New Hampshire Internet Crimes against Children Task Force as we collectively aim to keep our children safe online and free from threat of exploitation.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Nottingham Police Department and Exeter Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

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

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            CONCORD - Cowin Hillsgrove, 45, of New Durham, was sentenced to 69 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 8, 2019, a Bow police officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested an individual on an active warrant for sale of heroin.  The arrestee informed the officer she bought heroin and methamphetamine from Hillsgrove who was staying in a Concord hotel.  She stated he sold large quantities of drugs from the hotel room and she was going to make a purchase that night. 

            Later that day, Concord police officers went to Hillsgrove’s hotel room.  He stated he had been staying there for several weeks because his home had burned down.  Hillsgrove admitted to using methamphetamine but denied selling drugs.  Officers obtained a search warrant for Hillsgrove’s hotel room.  The search yielded approximately 32 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded handguns and receipts for a handgun and 9mm magazines, $267 in currency, and various other items consistent with drug trafficking. 

            “Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While methamphetamine dealers endanger the community by selling a dangerous drug, the risk is enhanced when the drug dealers are armed.  To protect the citizens of the Granite State from harm, we will not hesitate to seek substantial federal prison sentences for drug traffickers who use or possess guns.”

            “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Hillsgrove accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Concord Police Department, the Bow Police Department and the New Durham Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

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            CONCORD - John Allen, 63, of Bedford, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Allen was a New Hampshire attorney who provided legal services related to, among other things, commercial real estate acquisition and development and secured lending transactions.  As an attorney in New Hampshire who handled clients’ funds, Allen was required to maintain two Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (commonly known as IOLTA).  

            From approximately January of 2014 through October of 2019, Allen engaged in a scheme to defraud several of his clients of over $2.5 million.  Allen’s clients gave him funds to hold in escrow for specific purposes, including private lending, real estate transactions, and particular business deals.  Although Allen told his clients he would hold the funds in his IOLTA for these purposes, he transferred those funds between his IOLTAs and, without authority to do so, into another bank account he controlled.  He then spent the funds on his own personal expenses and for unrelated business expenses.  All the while, he misled these clients by representing that the funds were in one of his IOLTAs or were being used for their intended purposes.

            For example, Allen caused one client to invest more than $1.5 million in fraudulent promissory notes that Allen created using other persons’ identities.  Allen did not invest the money and instead kept it for himself.  Allen also stole nearly $1 million from other clients by transferring money they had provided for specific real estate transactions from his IOLTA to other accounts he controlled.  To hide the sources of the funds he stole from his clients, Allen comingled fraud proceeds and legitimate funds, made many transfers back and forth between accounts, and spent the funds in those accounts on unrelated business and personal expenses.  In total, Allen stole more than $2.5 million from his clients.

            Allen pleaded guilty on November 12, 2020 and was originally scheduled to be sentenced at 10:00 am on February 25, 2021.  Allen failed to appear at his sentencing hearing.  The Court issued a warrant and investigators arrested Allen at around noon in a hotel in Manchester.  While trying to locate Allen, investigators learned that after pleading guilty to defrauding his clients, Allen stole $10,000 from his girlfriend’s father by stealing a check from his girlfriend’s father’s checkbook and writing himself a check. 

            Allen’s license to practice law in New Hampshire was suspended in 2019.  He was disbarred in February 2021.  In addition to his prison sentence, Allen was ordered to pay restitution and forfeit $2,561,258.15.  This restitution and forfeiture amount includes the $10,000 Allen stole after pleading guilty.

            “John Allen not only stole his client’s money, but he betrayed their trust and violated his obligations as an attorney,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While any white collar crime is unacceptable, this defendant’s actions were particularly reprehensible because he used his status as an attorney to take advantage of his clients for his own personal benefit.  Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, we have sought justice for Allen’s victims.  This substantial prison sentence should serve as a warning to other attorneys that stealing from clients is a serious crime.”

            “John Allen had no reservations about lying to his clients, doing so deliberately and repeatedly, while pocketing more than $2.4 million of their hard-earned money for his own personal use,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “While we can never make his victims whole financially or emotionally, today he is being held accountable and that is some measure of justice for those he’s wronged.  Rest assured, the FBI is working hard every day to shut down schemes like this one in order to protect others from being fleeced.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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            CONCORD – Arnetta Harris, 60, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of a controlled substance, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2018, Harris sold crack cocaine to another individual who in turn sold the crack cocaine to an undercover officer.  Shortly after the sale, officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Harris was driving and a search revealed crack cocaine in a DVD case located in the footwell of the car.  After her arrest, Harris admitted that she drove another individual to conduct the drug transaction.  She further confirmed the DVD case was used in the drug transaction.

            Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31, 2021.

            Harris is one of eleven individuals charged in this drug trafficking case.  All have pleaded guilty.   Several members of the conspiracy have received substantial prison sentences.  Melvin Nooks, Jr. was sentenced on April 2, 2020, to 120 months. George Cruz was sentenced on July 30, 2020, to 63 months.  Mallory Nooks was sentenced on February 25, 2020, to 60 months.  Marvin Morrison was sentenced on May 13, 2020, to 15 months.  Don Johnson was sentenced on February 13, 2020, to 42 months.  Isaiah Kinard pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019, Lawrence Fortenberry pleaded guilty on January 7, 2020, William Greenleaf pleaded guilty on January 14, 2020, and Melvin Stanford pleaded guilty on April 9, 2021.  They are all awaiting sentencing.

            “Drug trafficking endangers public health and safety in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we are targeting the organizations that distribute dangerous drugs in Nashua and throughout the Granite State.  While this organization has been dismantled, we continue to work each day to identify and target other criminal organizations that threaten our citizens.” 

            “Arnetta Harris and her criminal cohorts thought they were above the law and could traffic crack cocaine in the neighborhoods of Nashua without getting caught. The hard work of the NH Safe Streets Gang Task Force in dismantling this organization and disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs to our area has paid off, but there is much more work to be done to ensure that other criminal enterprises don’t try to fill the void left by this one,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

            The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force; the Nashua Police Department; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; New Hampshire Probation and Parole; DEA; Massachusetts State Police Department; Portsmouth Police Department and the Federal Protective Service.  The United States Marshals Service also assisted in the investigation.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana MacDonald and Anna Krasinski.

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

 

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           CONCORD - Hayder Lefta, 24, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to six counts of 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on August 17, 2021. The defendant’s plea agreement requires him to pay restitution to the victims of the offense.

            “Crimes that involve the theft of credit card numbers or other personal information have serious consequences for their victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to seek justice for victims, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud crimes.”

            “This individual stole customer information he was entrusted with safeguarding through his employment to commit fraud, stealing from unsuspecting members of the public. Homeland Security Investigations takes financial fraud schemes seriously and is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and seek prosecution,” said acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker for the Homeland Security Investigations Boston field office.

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

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           CONCORD - Jim Pham, 36, of Rowland Heights, California, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Pham met a drug trafficker from New Hampshire via the internet on the dark web.  The trafficker purchased shipments of highly-pure methamphetamine from Pham, which he received in New Hampshire via Federal Express and other means.  The drugs were distributed throughout New Hampshire and New England and the proceeds were used to purchase additional methamphetamine from Pham.  Pham was typically paid by the trafficker using cryptocurrency.  During the conspiracy, Pham shipped at least 30 kilograms of methamphetamine to the trafficker in New Hampshire.            

           “Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug that is jeopardizing the health and safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the interstate drug traffickers who are shipping methamphetamine to New Hampshire.  Methamphetamine traffickers who do business in the Granite State should understand that they will face substantial federal prison terms for their 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 significant sentence not only holds Mr. Pham 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 Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

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            CONCORD- The First Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a former resident of Malden, Massachusetts who raised multiple challenges to his conviction for obtaining weapons and grenades as part of a plot to kill his ex-wife’s husband, a federal judge in Boston, and a former Massachusetts Attorney General.

            Edward McLarnon, 72, was found guilty by a jury following six-day trial in January of 2018.  Evidence presented at trial showed that in October of 2015, McLarnon made contact with a person he believed to be an arms dealer (who was actually an undercover FBI agent) for the purpose of buying illegal weapons.  McLarnon negotiated with the undercover agent at a store in Chichester, New Hampshire and paid a total of $700 in cash to obtain the weapons.  On November 6, 2015, the defendant took possession of a .22 caliber pistol with a silencer, an AK-47-style semi-automatic rifle, ammunition, and two hand grenades containing high explosives at a rest stop in Seabrook.  He was taken into custody shortly after taking possession of these items.  The evidence further showed that McLarnon intended to use the weapons to kill his ex-wife's husband, as well as a Boston federal judge, and a former Massachusetts Attorney General.  

            The First Circuit rejected all of McLarnon’s arguments on appeal and affirmed his conviction.  He is serving a 300-month prison sentence. 

            “This defendant’s dangerous plot could have resulted in multiple deaths,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Now that his appeal has been unsuccessful, he will remain incarcerated where he can no longer pose a danger to the community.”

             This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Matthew T. Hunter.

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            CONCORD – Dennis Bousquet, 31, of Lisbon, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            Bousquet was arrested on a criminal complaint on March 31, 2021.  The complaint alleges that on March 30, 2021, Bousquet took sexually explicit images of a minor female and sent them to an undercover law enforcement officer through an online chat group.  

            Bousquet is being detained pending trial.  A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

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

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police.

            CONCORD - Derek Wright, 32, of Bristol, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between May 18, 2020, and September 17, 2020, Wright purchased fentanyl from a supplier and re-sold it to customers in New Hampshire.  Wright was arrested on an outstanding warrant on September 17, 2020. During a lawful search of Wright’s vehicle, officers found over 30 grams of fentanyl, approximately 10 small bags of methamphetamine and other items indicative of drug distribution.  Wright later admitted to purchasing 50-60 grams of fentanyl at a time, which he re-sold to customers for profit. 

           Wright is scheduled to be sentenced on August 16, 2021.

           “Drug traffickers who peddle fentanyl and methamphetamine are attempting to profit from the sale of dangerous substances,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Their unlawful actions pose a serious risk to public health and safety.  To protect our community from these deadly drugs, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to put drug dealers in the Granite State out of business.” 

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and the Tilton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.

 

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           CONCORD - Jason Manley, 32, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 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 traffickers present a significant threat to the community because they are distributing an extremely dangerous drug,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When drug dealers are armed, the risk to public safety is even greater.  As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the armed drug traffickers who do business in the Granite State.”

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

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           CONCORD - Robert Severance, 61, of Manchester, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2019, the Manchester Police Department (“MPD”) received a tip previously submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by the social media website Instagram.  The tip reported that on June 6, 2019, a file uploaded to Instagram was identified as a Child Sexual Abuse Image. MPD investigators later determined that the Instagram account was associated with Severance, who was a registered sex offender in Manchester, New Hampshire.

           MPD investigators spoke with Severance at his residence in Manchester on July 22, 2019. He voluntarily went to the MPD and consented to an interview.  Severance admitted to creating the Instagram account and explained that he portrayed himself as a 15-year-old female in order to talk with other young females.  He stated that he had a laptop at home and admitted to receiving thousands of pictures and/or videos of child pornography via email.

           A search warrant executed at Severance’s home the following day resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices and other media items.  Forensic review of all items seized from the defendant revealed thousands of images and over one hundred videos of child pornography.    

           Severance previously pleaded guilty on November 23, 2020.  In addition to the prison sentence, Severance must spend 10 years on supervised release and pay a total of $9,000 in restitution to three victims.

           “Child pornography crimes exploit innocent youngsters and cause immeasurable damage to their lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and demonstrates the commitment of the law enforcement community to protecting children in the Granite State.  As Mr. Severance has learned, those who engage in child pornography offenses in New Hampshire will face substantial consequences for their illegal conduct.”

           "The dedicated men and women associated with the NH ICAC Task Force will continue to be vigilant and partner with hard working agencies like the Manchester Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of Justice in an effort to hold individuals accountable and keep our children safe,” said Lt. Eric Kinsman, Commander, NH ICAC Task Force.  “For more information and tips about internet safety, please go to http://www.nhicac.org."

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

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

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           CONCORD – Melissa Gazaway, 33, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and crack cocaine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

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

            Jovan and Chrystal Callaghan previously pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced on July 6, 2021.

            Gazaway is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9, 2021.    

            “Drug trafficking continues to threaten public health and safety in 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 stop the flow of illegal drugs into New Hampshire.  Today’s conviction is another example of our efforts to target the drug dealers who seek to profit from the sale of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.”

             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. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.

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           CONCORD - Travis Dunn, 31, of Chichester, was sentenced on Monday to 21 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 August 27, 2019, Dunn aided and abetted two co-defendants by driving them to Lawrence, Massachusetts to pick up drugs for redistribution in New Hampshire.  On the return trip, the co-defendants sold fentanyl to an individual who was cooperating with Nashua Police detectives.  Immediately following the drug deal, detectives arrested Dunn and the co-defendants.    

           Dunn previously pleaded guilty on November 19, 2020.  Dunn’s codefendants also have pleaded guilty.  Michael Briand, 29, of Bow, was sentenced to 22 months on December 8, 2020.  Megan Judd, 27, of Bow, pleaded guilty on November 30, 2020 and was sentenced to time served. 

           “Fentanyl traffickers endanger our citizens and communities by peddling an extremely dangerous and addictive drug,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Through Operation SOS, we are protecting public safety by identifying and prosecuting the drug dealers who sell fentanyl in Nashua and other communities in Hillsborough County.”

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

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

 

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            CONCORD - Christopher Hodgeman, 29, of New Ipswich, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about November 28, 2018, Hodgeman began communicating with an undercover officer on a social media platform used to exchange child pornography. The officer pretended to be an uncle with a nine-year-old niece.  Hodgeman repeatedly asked the officer to send him pictures of his niece and allow him to talk to her.  Hodgeman sent images of child pornography to the officer.  Investigators traced the social media account to Hodgeman’s residence and executed a search warrant on April 15, 2019, where they seized various devices including a cellular phone.  A forensic examination of the phone revealed images of child pornography.  Hodgeman admitted to using the account, communicating with minor females online, and possessing and distributing child pornography.

            Hodgeman is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2021.

            “Child pornography contains horrific images of children being exploited,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect children from exploitation and harm, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who manufacture, distribute or possess child pornography.”

            “The individual in this case not only traded in child exploitation material, but also sought to make direct contact with children online. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to investigating crimes against children online to prevent their exploitation and stop predators from making contact with potential victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations Boston Field Office, William S. Walker.

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.

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

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            CONCORD – Walter Rodriguez, of Manchester, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for employment tax fraud.

            According to court documents, from 2011 to 2013, Rodriguez aided and abetted several drywall companies that were evading the payment of employment taxes. Rodriguez found workers for the companies for construction jobs. The companies then issued checks in the names of fictitious or fraudulent identities and provided those checks to Rodriguez.  He then converted the checks to cash at local check-cashing businesses and paid the workers off-the-books. In total, Rodriguez enabled the payment of $1.7 million in unreported wages, causing a tax loss of $416,000.

            In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe ordered Rodriguez to serve 1 year of supervised release and to pay approximately $416,163 in restitution to the United States.

            Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty on January 12, 2021.

            Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

            “The defendant committed a serious violation of federal law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “The defendant’s elaborate scheme generated a significant number of false documents, allowed individuals to work off-the-books, and resulted in over $400,000 in unpaid taxes.  As this case shows, tax cheaters in New Hampshire will face significant consequences for their unlawful conduct.”

            “Under-the-table schemes like those perpetrated by the defendant are an affront to the hardworking businesses who play by the rules,” stated Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “The terms handed down in today’s sentencing will hopefully serve as a clear warning about the penalties that await those involved in this type of criminal activity.”   

             IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Aframe of the District of New Hampshire and Trial Attorney Brittney Campbell of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.

                       

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            CONCORD - Justin McInnes, 32, of Manchester, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison on Tuesday for unlawful possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 6, 2018, Manchester police officers approached McInnes as he was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle that had just backed out of a parking spot.  As officers approached, McInnes accelerated toward the officers causing at least one to jump out of the way.  Officers fired at the vehicle and, once the vehicle came to a stop, officers arrested McInnes.  During a search incident to his arrest, officers found suspected cocaine and crack cocaine on McInnes’ person. 

            Officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found three firearms, counterfeit money, and materials for manufacturing counterfeit money.  Multiple cellular telephones were also seized that contained text messages related to drug distribution. 

            McInnes is legally prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of prior felony convictions in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2018.

            “Armed criminals present a serious threat to the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to the work of the Manchester Police Department and ATF, this dangerous armed drug trafficker will be in federal prison where he can no longer endanger the citizens of Manchester.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the violent criminals who threaten public safety in the Granite State.”

            “I am very pleased with the sentence that the defendant received in this matter. His actions directly put the lives of Manchester Police officers and the community as a whole in grave danger and for that he is being held accountable. I am grateful to the officers, detectives and prosecutors who dedicated a great amount of effort and time to this case which directly impacted the defendant receiving the sentence that he did,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg.

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

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

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            CONCORD – William McKay, 48, of Rochester, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, McKay conspired with James Nesbit and Haley Hansler to distribute crystal “ice” methamphetamine.  In 2018, McKay ordered three packages totaling approximately 742 grams of “ice” methamphetamine from vendors on the Dark Web that were intended for McKay’s personal use and for McKay, Nesbit and Hansler to distribute to drug customers in New Hampshire.

            McKay previously pleaded guilty on October 23, 2020.  In April 2020, Hansler was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. James Nesbit was sentenced in November 2020 to 120 months in federal prison.

            “Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive drug that can ruin lives and damage communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who are distributing methamphetamine in the Granite State.  As this case demonstrates, those who choose to sell methamphetamine in New Hampshire will face substantial consequences for their unlawful conduct.”

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

             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.

             This case was investigated by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the New Hampshire State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Strafford County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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