FEDERAL DISTRICT ARCHIVE
District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
Concord – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of New Hampshire today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“Children should be able to attend school in a safe environment where they focus on learning, not fear of tragic events,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “These grants will assist communities in improving the security of children and school staff so that schools can focus on their education mission.”
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
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New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
Concord – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of New Hampshire today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“The crimes of sex trafficking and labor trafficking victimize some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including minors and the economically disadvantaged,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Human trafficking is modern day slavery and it cannot be tolerated in a free society. Here in New Hampshire, the Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force and other efforts have been vital in obtaining justice for victims of human trafficking. These new grant opportunities will provide additional financial support that will allow communities to expand their efforts to combat human trafficking, protect victims, and educate the public about the impact of this crime.”
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Concord – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of New Hampshire today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“New Hampshire has been hit hard by the opioid crisis and faces additional addiction-related threats, including a growing methamphetamine problem,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “While the law enforcement community will continue to focus on targeting the drug traffickers who seek to profit from those who suffer from addiction, these grants can provide valuable resources to help our communities fight addiction and curtail the demand for these dangerous substances.”
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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Mexican National Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Six Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - A Mexican national residing in Manchester was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison after being convicted of committing six armed robberies, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guillermo Garcia Esquivel, 36, committed six armed robberies of convenience stores in Manchester between January 5, 2019 and February 24, 2019. During each of the robberies, Esquivel pointed what appeared to be a black handgun at the victim cashier and demanded money. In two of the robberies, he also displayed a knife. Esquivel stole in excess of $5,000 during these robberies.
Esquivel previously pleaded guilty on November 19, 2019. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $4,530 in restitution. Esquivel does not have lawful status in the United States. After serving his prison sentence, he faces likely removal to Mexico.
“This defendant’s actions terrorized clerks at multiple stores and jeopardized the safety of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not tolerate violent crime in Manchester or anywhere in the Granite State. This case demonstrates our commitment to working with the Manchester Police Department, ATF, and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate armed violent criminals who threaten our citizens.”
“Individuals such as Esquivel who are brazen enough to commit armed robberies present a clear and present danger to our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady, ATF Boston Field Division. “The sentence in this case sends an unequivocal message that this conduct will not be tolerated and provides further evidence of ATF’s commitment to combating violent crime by utilizing all available resources to make our communities safer.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the 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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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kenneth Rawson, 34, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to committing a bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2018, Rawson entered the Citizens Bank on Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire and demanded money from the teller. Rawson claimed that he had a bomb on him at the time. Rawson was apprehended later that day and admitted that he had robbed the bank.
Rawson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2020.
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that put bank employees, customers, and members of the public at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the public from violent crime, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies in the Granite State. I am grateful to the Manchester Police and the FBI for their efforts to ensure that this defendant was brought to justice.”
"Kenneth Rawson has twice now accepted responsibility for his actions – first, by telling officers, ‘I robbed a bank,’ as they pursued him from the scene of the crime, and again today before a federal judge. But words alone aren’t sufficient to remedy his claim to a defenseless teller that he was strapped to a bomb at the time of the holdup,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In addition to bank robbery, Rawson is responsible for creating an environment of fear in a place of business, where bystanders could have been hurt, or worse. For that, it’s the court’s punishment that needs to speak loud and clear.”
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 Anna Krasinski.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James M. Nesbitt, 43, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Nesbitt conspired with two other individuals to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and crystal “ice” methamphetamine. On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a vehicle stop of Nesbitt’s vehicle and seized fentanyl, crystal “ice” methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Later the same evening, the NHSP and DEA searched Nesbitt’s hotel room in Ossipee and seized approximately 171 grams of crystal “ice” methamphetamine, smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics, and a Springfield Armory XD45 semi-automatic handgun. On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Nesbitt and a co-conspirator at their Rochester residence and seized fentanyl and four firearms and assorted ammunition.
Nesbitt is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2020.
“Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to prevent violent crime and maintain public safety, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug dealers who arm themselves with firearms. I commend the investigators in this case for stopping this drug trafficking conspiracy.”
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Lawrence Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Participating in a Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jared Gil, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced in federal court to 40 months for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February and March of 2019, Gil conspired with co-defendant Yadoris Arias to distribute fentanyl. On February 13, 2019, Gil and Arias drove from Massachusetts to Manchester and sold approximately 20 grams of fentanyl for $600. On March 25, 2019, Gil and Arias again drove to Manchester and were arrested with more than 80 grams of fentanyl concealed in the air vent of their vehicle.
Gil previously pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019. Arias pleaded guilty September 12, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl trafficking is causing tremendous damage to public health and safety in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect our community, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who bring this deadly drug into the Granite State.”
“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentences be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison, that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States to IranRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Aiden Davidson, a/k/a Hamed Aliabadi, 32, of Tennessee, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to smuggling goods from the United States to Iran, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Davidson, is a citizen of Iran and a naturalized citizen and resident of the United States. Davidson was the manager/member and registered agent of a New Hampshire limited liability company, Golden Gate International, LLC (“Golden Gate”). Babazedeh Trading Co., a/k/a “Babazadeh Hydraulic Trading Group” (“Babazadeh”) was an Iranian company that operated an online resale business based in Tehran, Iran. Stare Lojistik Enerji Sanayi Ticaret (“Stare”) was a Turkish freight forwarding company with a location in Igdir, Turkey.
Between December 2016 and February 2017, Davidson and Golden Gate smuggled goods from Savannah, Georgia, to Babazadeh in Iran. The goods included motors, pumps, valves, and other items that were valued at more than $100,000. Documents related to the shipments falsely identified the Ultimate Consignee of the shipments as Stare in Turkey. In causing the unlicensed exportation of these goods, Davidson and Golden Gate willfully evaded national security controls related to transactions with Iran.
Again, between April 2017 and August 2017, Davidson and Golden Gate knowingly smuggled goods from Savannah, Georgia, to Babazadeh in Iran. The goods included displacement pumps that were valued at approximately $13,000. Documents related to these shipments falsely identified the Ultimate Consignee of the shipments as Ariyanis Group in Turkey. In causing the unlicensed exportation of these goods, Davidson and Golden Gate willfully evaded national security controls related to transactions with Iran.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2020.
“Export controls are important legal restrictions that are intended to prevent certain items from being used to jeopardize our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By smuggling these goods from the United States to Iran, the defendant violated federal law. In order to maintain our national security and protect the people of the United States, we will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against those who seek to evade the law by smuggling goods to Iran.”
“We will fully and aggressively enforce our nation’s restrictions on exports to Iran,” said Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office. “The controls on exports to Iran help apply maximum pressure on Iran to end its promotion of instability and terrorism worldwide. The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to work with our Law Enforcement partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.”
“Homeland Security Investigations remains committed to enforcing export controls on Iran,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations. “These efforts are exemplified in the investigation of Golden Gate International and Aidan Davidson’s illegal export of restricted materials. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to monitor and investigate export violations committed by Iran or her proxies.”
This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Cam Le.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James Gadwah, 52, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gadwah sold methamphetamine to a cooperating individual on three separate occasions in June of 2019. Gadwah was arrested on June 27, 2019, and officers searched his vehicle. In the vehicle, officers found over 60 grams of methamphetamine.
Gadwah is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2020.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is appearing with alarming frequency in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I am grateful to the Concord Police for stopping this individual from continuing to sell this dangerous substance. In order to protect the public, we are committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Jones, 47, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 18, 2019 until April 19, 2019, a cooperating individual, at the direction of Manchester Police Department detectives, arranged on three occasions to buy methamphetamine from Jones.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2020.
“Drug trafficking continues present a significant risk to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to combat this threat, we will continue to work closely with the Manchester Police Department and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who threaten the community by selling drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim 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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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Abetting Making a False Statement During the Attempted Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jacob Dionne, 22, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to aiding and abetting the making of a false statement during the attempted acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 11, 2017, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Hooksett contacted ATF agents about a possible straw purchase by a female. The store did not go through with the sale and described the vehicle that the female left in. ATF agents subsequently observed the vehicle on Hooksett Road in Hooksett. Dionne was one of the people in the vehicle.
The female admitted that Dionne asked her to buy a firearm, and stated that he offered to pay her $200 and fill her gas tank for making the purchase. The female agreed to purchase a firearm and Dionne gave her his credit card to make the purchase. While at the licensed firearms dealer, evidence showed Dionne spoke to the female and pointed to the handgun display. The female admitted that she completed paperwork and falsely stated that she was buying the firearm for herself. In fact, she was purchasing the firearm for Dionne.
Dionne was prohibited from acquiring firearms at the time of the attempted purchase.
Dionne is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2020.
“Federal firearms laws exist in order to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and those who cannot lawfully possess guns,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who seek to evade federal law by lying in order to purchase guns, or by getting others to do so, will be identified and prosecuted. Enforcing these laws will help to reduce crime and keep our community safe.”
This matter was investigated by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Linda Jackson, 64, of Mabank, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson received Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits for over 10 years. During the application process, Jackson did not report she was living with someone as husband and wife and that he was paying for her living expenses. They lived together in Marlborough, New Hampshire, and spent their winters in their other home in Mabank, Texas. Had Jackson honestly reported her living and financial arrangement in her application, she would have been ineligible for SSI benefits.
SSA occasionally interviewed Jackson to determine if she remained entitled to benefits. In those interviews, Jackson again misrepresented her living and financial arrangement. She also did not disclose her relationship with another individual whom she eventually married, the financial support he provided her, or her restaurant and catering business to SSA. SSA became aware of Ms. Jackson’s husband when she applied for survivor’s benefits after his death.
Jackson’s shared living arrangement and marriage, if properly reported, would have disqualified her from receiving benefits. Applicants for certain disability benefits must have limited income and resources in order to qualify for assistant. The incomes of all members of a household are considered when determining an individual’s eligibility for SSI benefits. As a result of her concealment, Jackson received over $75,000 in benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2020.
“Federal benefits programs provide important financial support to needy beneficiaries,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who lie in order to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive are stealing from Social Security and cheating everyone who pays taxes to support the programs. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who swindle government programs for their personal financial gain.”
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Chichester Car Dealer Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael A. Albert, 52, of Chichester, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for structuring cash deposits from his business, Mike’s Affordable Auto, LLC, for the purpose of evading bank reporting requirements, money laundering, and evading reporting requirements with respect to cash transactions in excess of $10,000, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Albert, who ran a used car business at locations in Concord and Chichester, knew that if he deposited cash in amounts more than $10,000, the bank was required to file reports of those transactions with the IRS. Albert structured cash deposits from his business in order to evade the reporting requirements imposed on the bank. Additionally, Albert accepted cash in amounts greater than $10,000 for the purchase of vehicles from a person who represented that the cash was proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. Albert also failed to file required forms with the IRS identifying cash receipts in his business in excess of $10,000.
Albert previously pleaded guilty on September 10, 2019. In addition to his sentence, Albert agreed to forfeit $434,201 in a related civil forfeiture proceeding.
“Federal bank reporting laws help to protect against money laundering and other financial crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The defendant’s criminal activities, including laundering money that he believed to be drug proceeds, were serious offenses. Today’s sentence sends a message that those who commit financial crimes will face substantial consequences for their actions.”
“Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities. Michel Albert conducted transactions that were by design, intended to avoid such reporting requirements,” said IRS Special Agent In Charge Kristina O’Connell. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to enforcing these laws and will continue working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to investigate this type of criminal behavior.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen. The civil forfeiture matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Fitchburg Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Mallory Nooks, 31, of Fitchburg, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 60 months for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2018, Nooks possessed 14 baggies of crack cocaine that she intended to distribute, after she had already distributed crack cocaine to another individual. She also possessed a loaded Ruger LCR 38 Special, .38 caliber pistol in her purse.
Nooks previously pleaded guilty on November 20, 2019.
“Traffickers in crack cocaine endanger the lives and safety of their customers as well as the general public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The threat is enhanced when the trafficker is armed with a gun. The 5 year sentence imposed on this defendant should serve as a caution to others who would choose to sell dangerous drugs while armed.”
“Mallory Nooks thought she was above the law and could traffic cocaine without any consequences. But clearly, she was wrong. Today’s sentence should be a warning to others that there is zero tolerance for those who deal drugs and fuel violent crime in our communities because the safety of our neighborhoods is not negotiable,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Canadian Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Ajitharan Raveendran, 29, of Toronto, Ontario, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. Raveendran faces likely removal to Canada after the completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Tharushan Nirmalachandran, Syed Hoque, and Raveendran, conspired with others to withdraw money from other persons’ bank accounts by using cloned debit cards at ATMs. A “cloned” debit card is a gift card or other type of card that has been re-encoded to contain other persons’ debit card information. Blank credit and debit or gift cards can be encoded with stolen credit and debit card information using an “MSR” or “Magnetic Stripe Reader” machine. An MSR machine can read and write the information stored in the magnetic stripe on the back of credit and debit cards.
On Friday, April 26, 2019, a witness reported to the Hudson Police Department that a man later identified as Hoque drove his car through an ATM in Hudson, New Hampshire, several times to make withdrawals. The Hudson Police responded and found Hoque in his car at the ATM. The officer saw that Hoque was holding a cell phone that was displaying several sets of numbers on the screen and saw a large amount of cash on the front passenger seat of his car and several ATM or credit cards on the center console.
A search of Hoque’s phone revealed text messages in an application called “WhatsApp” from the weekend of April 24 through 26, 2019. One group message chain from April 26, 2019, showed members of the conspiracy coordinating their activities as they withdrew money from ATMs with the cloned debit cards.
The trio was operating out of a hotel room in Methuen, Massachusetts. Hotel surveillance video showed that, early in the morning on April 27, 2019, Nirmalachandran and Raveendran carried large duffle bags out of their hotel room. Investigators later found duffle bags during a search of Nirmalachandran’s car that contained (i) a portable MSR machine; (ii) 103 Visa, American Express, and MasterCard gift cards, 96 of which contained cloned debit card information; (iii) over $51,000 United States currency; and (iv) a Hewlett Packard laptop computer. A later search of the computer revealed text files that contained over 170 debit card numbers.
In total, from April 25, 2019, through April 27, 2019, members of the conspiracy successfully withdrew at least $43,980.00 and attempted to withdraw an additional $69,900.00 from other people’s bank accounts using cloned debit cards.
Raveendran pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019.
Nirmalachandran previously pleaded guilty on November 4, 2019, and, on February 14, 2020, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.
In addition to their prison sentences, Raveendran and Nirmalachandran were ordered to pay $43,980 in restitution and have been ordered to forfeit over $61,000.
Hoque pleaded guilty December 13, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
“Bank fraud causes serious financial losses and inconvenience to victims, drives up business costs and undermines confidence in our banking system,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Fraudsters who steal hard-earned money from innocent victims should expect to be caught, prosecuted and incarcerated. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose excellent work led to this successful prosecution.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Hudson and Methuen Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.
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Milford Woman Sentenced to 24 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Melissa Babian, 40, of Milford, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2018, members of the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Task Force together with the Milford Police Department, investigated Babian for selling heroin andfentanyl in Milford. On October 29, 2018, a cooperating individual working at the direction of law enforcement purchased fentanyl from Babian.
“Fentanyl trafficking continues to cause great damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the fentanyl traffickers who choose to do business in Hillsborough County.”
This matter was investigated by the Milford Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth with assistance from the Milford Police Prosecutor, Karinne Brobst, Esq.
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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Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Christian Villar, 26, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 24, 2019, co-conspirators Geovanny Rafael Perdomo-Mancebo and Zorelys Sosa planned to sell a quantity of fentanyl to a customer who was actually an undercover DEA agent. Due to the large quantity of fentanyl being sold, Perdomo-Mancebo and Sosa recruited Villar to hold the fentanyl in a safe location while they retrieved payment from the customer. Perdomo-Mancebo and Sosa dropped Villar off at a restaurant with the fentanyl shortly before departing to meet the customer outside a store in New Hampshire, at which time they were stopped and arrested. Villar was found to be in possession of 128.6 grams of a fentanyl.
Villar is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2020. Co-conspirator Perdomo-Mancebo is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2020. Sosa is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers are engaged in a criminal enterprise that makes a lethal substance available for sale in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Stopping the activities of these conspirators serves to protect the health and safety of our citizens. We will continue to closely coordinate with DEA and all of our law enforcement partners to shut down the interstate supply line for these drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Jarad Hodes.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Nashua Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Autumn St. John, 27, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 29, 2018, a cooperating individual, at the direction of the Nashua Police Department, purchased fentanyl from St. John. Later, on June 3, 2019, a Nashua detective on patrol watched St. John make a hand-to-hand sale of fentanyl. After being arrested, St. John admitted that she had just sold drugs to a customer.
St. John is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2020.
“Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that is damaging lives throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with the Nashua Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs in Hillsborough County.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim 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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Manchester Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jai Britt, 45, of Manchester, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for drug trafficking on Wednesday, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November, 2018, a cooperating individual disclosed to the Manchester Police Department that Britt had been selling the individual crack cocaine and heroin multiple times per week over the past month.
On November 29, 2018, at the direction of law enforcement officers, the cooperating individual made a call to Britt to purchase drugs and then purchased fentanyl from Britt at Britt’s apartment.
On December 11, 2018, Britt was arrested outside his apartment. During a search of his apartment, officers found approximately 135grams of crack cocaine, 194 grams of cocaine, and 1.5 grams of heroin.
“Drug traffickers cause tremendous damage to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with the Manchester Police Department and other law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the drug traffickers who are jeopardizing public safety with their unlawful conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim 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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Billerica, Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ricardo Jacques Pierre, 29, of Billerica, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2019, the Pelham Police Department received a complaint of an erratic driver. Law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle. A strong odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle.
Pierre was identified as the operator, owner, and sole occupant of the vehicle. The police executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found a Smith & Wesson, Model 66-2 .375 Magnum caliber firearm and ammunition.
Pierre is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
“If we are going to prevent violent crime, we must keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will strive to maintain public safety by working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who possess firearms unlawfully.”
“This sentencing demonstrates the outstanding partnership between ATF and the Pelham Police Department as well as the commitment we share to work together to interdict illegal firearms and arrest the criminals that compromise the safety of our communities” Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge.
This matter was investigated by the Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pelham Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Marvin Morrison, 37, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Morrison was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area.
Morrison is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2020.
In addition to Morrison, six defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Another defendant, Donald Johnson, was sentenced to 42 months in prison. Three other defendants are awaiting trial.
“Drug trafficking destroys lives and damages the quality of life in Nashua and communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Stopping the distribution of crack cocaine and other illegal drugs requires the close cooperation of law enforcement at all levels. Working together, we can break up the networks that funnel these dangerous substances into our state. I commend the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Nashua Police Department for their excellent work.”
“Marvin Morrison’s guilty plea, and those of his co-conspirators, should show others pushing drugs for ruthless organizations that they, too, will fall when the FBI and our law enforcement partners dismantle their trafficking trade,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The citizens of Nashua deserve to be safe, healthy, and free of criminals making a living by putting them at risk of addiction and in some cases, death.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 12 Months and 1 Day for Trafficking Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Heath Palmer, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment for possessing an unlawful synthetic cannabinoid product with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to statements made in court, on April 18, 2019, Palmer was observed by police officers conducting hand-to-hand sales from a car. The Manchester Police stopped Palmer and he voluntarily turned over the product he was selling. Palmer claimed that the product did not contain illegal substances. Testing by the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed, however, that the product contained an illegal substance, 5F-MDMB-PICA.
On May 7, 2019, Palmer was informed by the Manchester Police that the substance he was selling was in fact illegal under federal law. Three days later, the Manchester Police observed Palmer continuing to make hand-to-hand sales from a car. The police stopped the car and seized the product that Palmer was selling. The product was again tested, and it contained the same illegal substance, 5F-MDMB-PICA.
Palmer previously pleaded guilty on October 10, 2019.
According to the DEA, synthetic cannabinoids, which commonly are referred to by names such as “Spice” or “K2,” are designer drugs that are made in laboratories. The chemicals often are sprayed onto plant substances and then smoked in order to obtain a high. These substances have severe adverse effects and have often led to overdoses. In addition to the dangers associated with the chemical substances themselves, the lack of manufacturing standards may lead to increased health risks.
The DEA issued a regulation on April 16, 2019, that made 5F-MDMB-PICA and several other synthetic cannabinoids Schedule I controlled substances. In its order, the DEA noted that this drug had been associated with over 47 overdoses in Connecticut and at least 244 overdoses in Washington, D.C. Further information is available at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2019/fr0416.htm and https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/sites/getsmartaboutdrugs.com/files/publications/DoA_2017Ed_Updated_6.16.17.pdf#page=88.
“Synthetic cannabinoids are extremely dangerous substances that can cause great physical harm,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who refer to these dangerous drugs as synthetic marijuana help to create confusion that can mislead users about the real hazards associated with these substances. Those who distribute synthetic cannabinoids are endangering public health and safety and breaking federal law. As this case shows, we will not hesitate to prosecute and incarcerate those who are profiting from selling these dangerous drugs.”
“There is a misconception that synthetic cannabinoids, known on the street as synthetic marijuana, K2, and Spice, are safe. Synthetic cannabinoids are anything but safe,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “They are a toxic cocktail of lethal chemicals with serious health and safety risks. This investigation represents local, state and federal law enforcement’s efforts to combat this public threat.”
“I’m very pleased that we were able to see Palmer prosecuted,” says Manchester Chief Carlo Capano. "His repeated behavior involving the sales of 'Spice' will not be tolerated in the city. The Manchester Police Department has been dealing with 'Spice' for some time now and these cases can be very difficult. I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding job our investigators did in putting this together.”
The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe.
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Canadian Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Tharushan Nirmalachandran, 30, of Ile-Bizard, Quebec, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. Nirmalachandran faces likely removal to Canada after the completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Nirmalachandran, Syed Hoque, and Ajitharan Raveendran, conspired with others to withdraw money from other persons’ bank accounts by using cloned debit cards at ATMs. A “cloned” debit card is a gift card or other type of card that has been re-encoded to contain other persons’ debit card information. Blank credit and debit or gift cards can be encoded with stolen credit and debit card information using an “MSR” or “Magnetic Stripe Reader” machine. An MSR machine can read and write the information stored in the magnetic stripe on the back of credit and debit cards.
On Friday, April 26, 2019, a witness reported to the Hudson Police Department that a man later identified as Hoque drove his car through an ATM in Hudson, New Hampshire, several times to make withdrawals. The Hudson Police responded and found Hoque in his car at the ATM. The officer saw that Hoque was holding a cell phone that was displaying several sets of numbers on the screen and saw a large amount of cash on the front passenger seat of his car and several ATM or credit cards on the center console.
A search of Hoque’s phone revealed text messages in an application called “WhatsApp” from the weekend of April 24 through 26, 2019. One group message chain from April 26, 2019, showed members of the conspiracy coordinating their activities as they withdrew money from ATMs with the cloned debit cards.
The trio was operating out of a hotel room in Methuen, Massachusetts. Hotel surveillance video showed that, early in the morning on April 27, 2019, Nirmalachandran and Raveendran carried large duffle bags out of their hotel room. Investigators later found duffle bags during a search of Nirmalachandran’s car that contained (i) a portable MSR machine; (ii) 103 Visa, American Express, and MasterCard gift cards, 96 of which contained cloned debit card information; (iii) over $51,000 United States currency; and (iv) a Hewlett Packard laptop computer. A later search of the computer revealed text files that contained over 170 debit card numbers.
In total, from April 25, 2019, through April 27, 2019, members of the conspiracy successfully withdrew at least $43,980.00 and attempted to withdraw an additional $69,900.00 from other people’s bank accounts using cloned debit cards.
Nirmalachandran previously pleaded guilty on November 4, 2019. In addition to his prison sentence, Nirmalachandran was ordered to pay $$43,980. The defendants in the case also have been ordered to forfeit over $61,000.
Hoque pleaded guilty December 13, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
Raveendran pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019 and will be sentenced on February 28, 2020.
“Those who commit bank fraud cause serious damage by stealing money from their victim’s bank accounts, driving up business costs, and undermining confidence in the banking system,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not hesitate to seek federal prison sentences for those who attempt to steal hard-earned money from innocent victims. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose excellent work led to this successful prosecution.”
“The U.S. Secret Service appreciates the coordination between local, federal and international partners. This cooperation is crucial when investigating trans-national criminal organizations that operate under the assumption they will not be detected in another country,” said Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Manchester Resident Office.
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Hudson and Methuen Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.
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Somersworth Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James Howard, 39, of Somersworth, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2019, agents from the ATF executed a search warrant at a home where Howard stayed. At the home, agents found a Marlin Wester Auto firearm receiver and ammunition.
Howard is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Howard is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2020.
“Preventing violent crime requires that we keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Under Project Safe Neighborhoods we work closely with ATF, the Somersworth Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who possess guns unlawfully.”
“This arrest demonstrates the outstanding partnership between ATF and the Somersworth Police Department as well as the commitment we share to work together to interdict illegal firearms and the criminals that compromise the safety of our communities,” said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Char ATF Boston Field Division.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Somersworth Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Nashua Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Donald Johnson, 34, of Nashua, was sentenced in federal court to 42 months for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson was involved with a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area. Johnson purchased crack cocaine from the organization and re-sold it to his own customers. He also assisted other members of the organization with their distribution activities by, among other things, allowing them to use his residence to meet customers.
Johnson previously pleaded guilty on August 14, 2020.
“Drug trafficking destroys lives and undermines the quality of life in communities all over New Hampshire” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Stopping the distribution of illegal drugs requires the close cooperation of law enforcement at all levels. Working together we can maintain public safety. I commend the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Nashua Police Department for bringing this drug trafficker to justice.”
“Donald Johnson’s role in this cocaine-trafficking ring was not insignificant to the people of Nashua, whose addictions he exploited. The record shows he offered up his home as a meeting place for customers, while doing his own crack deals on the side,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The truth is, any part played in illegal drug activity has a potentially deadly outcome, and so the FBI will continue to pursue investigations into both individuals and groups eager to profit from the pain and suffering of others.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Littleton Felon Convicted of Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that a federal jury found Johnathon Irish, 33, of Littleton, New Hampshire, guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of firearms after a four-day trial. The verdict was returned late on Wednesday afternoon.
In December of 2014, Johnathon Irish previously was convicted of aiding and abetting the making of a material false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and making a material false statement to a federal agent. In light of his felony convictions, he is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Evidence presented at trial showed that between December of 2018 and November of 2019, Irish possessed at least two firearms, a Sig Sauer 1911, .45 caliber pistol and a Catamount Fury, 12 gauge shotgun.
Irish is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2020.
“In order to maintain public safety, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against those who unlawfully possess guns. I appreciate the efforts of the FBI and State Police for their work investigating this case.”
“The goal of sentencing is to send a clear message of deterrence and rehabilitation. But it’s a message that Johnathon Irish chose to ignore,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We thank the jury for its swift and prudent verdict because a felon who possesses a firearm when prohibited from doing so is a potential danger in a society where laws are respected and obeyed.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Kasey Weiland.
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U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray’s Statement Regarding Sanctuary CitiesRead the Press Release
CONCORD- Yesterday, Attorney General William Barr addressed the dangers that sanctuary cities and sanctuary policies pose to the general public. In jurisdictions that have adopted these policies, local law enforcement officers are restrained from working with their federal law enforcement partners. The result is that federal law enforcement officers are hampered in their efforts to locate, arrest, and remove people who are in the United States illegally. This may include individuals who are actively engaged in criminal conduct.
Barr’s remarks resonate in New Hampshire, where the opioid crisis has been fueled by foreign drug cartels who exploit our citizens for the sake of making a profit. Their lethal drugs reach our state through a network of traffickers who often employ criminal aliens as dealers to sell drugs in our communities. To shield themselves from arrest, criminal aliens often reside outside of our state, sometimes living in sanctuary cities where they feel safe.
The highest obligation of the government is to protect its citizens, especially from victimization by criminals. This requires coordination on the part of law enforcement at all levels. When local communities adopt sanctuary policies, those policies can jeopardize public safety by preventing the federal government from arresting and prosecuting removable aliens. While reasonable people can debate the merits of various immigration policies, few would contest that those who commit serious criminal offenses while unlawfully inside this country should be prosecuted and then removed from the United States. When a sanctuary jurisdiction refuses to honor an immigration detainer and releases a felon onto the street, all of our citizens are endangered. These policies also endanger the brave law enforcement officers who must try to identify and arrest criminal aliens after they have been released by sanctuary cities.
Here in New Hampshire, we frequently prosecute criminals who are unlawfully in this country, including those who have taken up residency in sanctuary cities in other states. Many of these criminal aliens have distributed fentanyl, heroin and other dangerous drugs, thereby causing great suffering. It is not uncommon to encounter criminal aliens who use fraudulent documents to mask their true identity and immigration status. If these criminals are released before they can be removed from the United States, it can be challenging to locate them again. Enforcing our laws is a complicated and difficult undertaking and sanctuary policies only make it more difficult to protect our citizens.
While New Hampshire has not been in the forefront of the sanctuary movement, it is important to realize that we are negatively impacted by the adoption of these policies in other states. The reality is that criminals can shelter behind sanctuary policies to the detriment of everyone else in society. This is especially true if you are an interstate drug dealer looking for a place to hide while hooking Granite Staters on your deadly product.
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Manchester Man Charged with Lying About Role in Rwandan Genocide to Procure U.S. CitizenshipRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Idrissa Gasana, 53, of Manchester, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with procuring citizenship or naturalization unlawfully based in part on providing false information about his participation in the Rwandan genocide.
The indictment alleges that Gasana provided false and fraudulent information about material facts on his application for naturalization as a United States citizen. One of the documents which Gasana is alleged to have falsified is a “Questionnaire for Rwandan Visa Applicants” which seeks to determine whether those seeking refugee status in the United States participated in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The indictment alleges that at the time of his naturalization as a United States citizen, Gasana was an inadmissible alien because he had participated in the Rwandan genocide.
Gasana was arrested on February 6, 2020. He is being held in custody pending a detention hearing on February 11, 2020.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.
An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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District Election Officer and Primary Day Hotline Established by United States Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced the establishment of a Primary Day hotline that will be monitored throughout Primary Day on February 11, 2020, from 7 am to 8 pm. The hotline number is 603-230-2503. Inquiries and complaints may also be submitted through the United States Attorney’s Office web site at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nh by clicking on the “e-mail us” link.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe of the New Hampshire United States Attorney’s Office will oversee complaints of election fraud and abuse of voting rights in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In order to respond to these complaints and address any abuse of voting rights, AUSA Aframe will be on duty while the polls are open.
United States Attorney Murray said, “Under our Constitution, the right to vote is fundamental. Protecting the individual right to vote and assuring the legitimacy of the election process are critical Department of Justice priorities. Information about discrimination, intimidation or election fraud should be reported immediately to my office, the FBI, or the DOJ Civil Rights Division."
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination may also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-253-3931.
A Federal Election Fraud Fact Sheet that explains federal criminal jurisdiction in connection with elections and voting rights is posted on the United States Attorney’s website: www.usdoj.gov/usao/nh.
Colebrook Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine Near a SchoolRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael R. Haynes, 39, of Colebrook, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of methamphetamine within a school zone, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 15, 2019, Haynes sold methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. The sale occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.
Haynes is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2020.
“Methamphetamine presents a growing threat to people throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Communities in all parts of our state have been impacted. In order to maintain public safety, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this dangerous drug.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Colebrook Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Division of Enforcement and Licensing, and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Rombeau and John S. Davis.
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Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Albert Paulin, 43, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately August of 2017, to approximately January of 2018, Paulin conspired with others to withdraw money from other person’s bank accounts. Specifically, Paulin drove runners to a number of bank branches and provided them with false driver’s licenses that contained bank customers’ personal identifying information and the runners’ photographs. Paulin also provided the runners with the account holders’ bank account number. The runners then entered the bank branches and withdrew funds from bank accounts with the information provided by Paulin.
In total, Paulin’s runners successfully withdrew over $109,900 and attempted to withdraw an additional $43,700 from over 19 victims’ bank accounts.
Paulin is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2020.
“Bank fraud and identify theft offenses cause great harm to victims and undermine confidence in our financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The damage is increased when organized criminal conspiracies are involved. Fraudsters who come to New Hampshire to commit crimes should know that our law enforcement community is working hard to protect our citizens. Those who seek to profit from fraud will be caught and they will be prosecuted.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Brandon Andrade, 29, of Manchester, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December of 2018, the Manchester Police Department began an investigation after receiving information from a confidential source that Andrade was dealing in large quantities of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Manchester.
On January 2, 2019, a cooperating individual bought approximately three grams of crack cocaine and approximately ten grams of fentanyl from Andrade. During the drug transaction, Andrade was armed with a handgun.
During a vehicle stop, Manchester police officers took Andrade into custody. An officer searched Andrade and found approximately 23.17 grams of fentanyl, .136 grams of cocaine base, and $1903. Shortly after the arrest, Manchester police officers executed a search warrant on Andrade’s residence and seized a Ruger.380 pistol, 25.64 grams of cocaine base, and approximately 250.8 grams of fentanyl.
Andrade previously pleaded guilty on September 30, 2019. In addition to his prison sentence, Andrade forfeited the firearm, ammunition, and over $2,000 to the United States.
“Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed drug dealers are a serious threat to public safety. To protect communities in the Granite State, we will not hesitate to seek lengthy prison sentences for drug traffickers who use or possess guns.”
“Gun and drug crimes are a scourge on our communities and hold good citizens hostage in their homes. Everyone deserves a community where they feel safe,” said Special Agent in Kelly D. Brady. “ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to make sure they have it. We will continue to use our resources to take armed drug dealers off our streets and put them behind bars where they belong.”
“Getting a known drug dealer like Brandon Andrade off the street is a great accomplishment,” says Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano, “The Manchester Special Enforcement Division worked long hours to investigate this individual and this positive result is a testament to the hard work this agency does every day as we work diligently to keep our city safe.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joachim Barth and 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.
This case also 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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Manchester Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Abelino Morales-Padilla, 38, of Manchester, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking on Friday, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2018, Morales-Padilla conspired with others to distribute fentanyl. On October 16, 2018, a confidential informant informed police that Morales-Padilla would be coming from Massachusetts to New Hampshire with a large quantity of fentanyl. Police officers identified the car and stopped Morales-Padilla for traffic violations in Londonderry. Law enforcement officers later located approximately 424 grams of fentanyl inside the vehicle.
Morales-Padilla previously pleaded guilty on July 30, 2019.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers endanger our citizens by making this deadly substance available for sale in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not tolerate this hazardous and unlawful conduct. Those who transport fentanyl into the Granite State will be prosecuted and sentenced to federal prison.”
“Morales-Padilla and the other members of this drug trafficking organization believed they could operate with impunity selling fentanyl and other deadly narcotics for profit with no regard to human life,” said Jason J. Molina, acting special agent in charge for HSI Boston. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to putting any organization that is flooding our streets with fentanyl out of business and behind bars.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.
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Keene Man Charged with Extortion and ThreateningRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Christopher C. Cantwell, 39, of Keene, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with making extortionate communications and sending interstate threats, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
The indictment alleges that on June 16, 2019, Cantwell threatened to injure another person if the victim of the threat did not provide Cantwell with personal information about a third party.
Cantwell was arrested on January 23, 2020. He is being held in custody pending a detention hearing on January 28, 2020.
Cantwell’s trial has been scheduled for March 3 2020.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Keene Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Anna Krasinski.
An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Haley Hansler, 33, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hansler conspired with two other individuals to possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a vehicle stop of a vehicle driven by Hansler and seized approximately 58 grams of heroin and smaller quantities of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and other narcotics. Later the same evening, members of the NHSP and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) searched Hansler’s hotel room in Ossipee, New Hampshire and seized approximately 171 grams of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics and Hansler’s semi-automatic handgun. On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Hansler and a co-conspirator at their Rochester residence and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, as well as four firearms and ammunition.
Hansler is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2020.
“Fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine are lethal drugs that have caused serious harm to the people of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The danger of drug trafficking is further enhanced when drug dealers are outfitted with firearms. The brave law enforcement officers who confront them deserve every protection the law can provide. Accordingly, we are committed to vigorously prosecuting traffickers who choose to possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trade.”
This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Gilford Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Phillip R. Andrews, 80, of Gilford, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday, to transportation of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or before June 13, 2016, Andrews used his cellular phone to produce sexually explicit images of a child under eighteen years of age. These images were uploaded onto his social media accounts using the internet.
Andrews is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2020.
“Protecting the innocence of children is a top priority for federal law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who create, transport or distribute child pornography do grave harm to the victims who are portrayed in these images. In order to safeguard our young people, we work closely with HSI and all of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute child exploitation and child pornography crimes.”
“The conduct of Mr. Andrews will never be tolerated in any way, shape or form. The protection of innocent minors will always be an investigative priority of HSI. Investigations like this are a prime example of our public safety mission,” said, Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Boston. “HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to stand up for the victims who are subjected to unacceptable abuse with each and every downloaded image.”
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Gilford 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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Lawrence Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Henry Marte, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Marte participated in a drug trafficking organization that was led by Sergio Martinez. Martinez employed numerous individuals to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. Some defendants, including Marte, worked for the Martinez organization by distributing 200-gram bags of fentanyl on a daily basis.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers have caused tremendous damage to the health and safety of communities throughout New England,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect our citizens, we are working with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of this deadly drug. Those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl should expect to spend substantial time in federal prison.”
This investigation was conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; 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; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.
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Five Men Indicted for Operating an International Procurement Network to Export U.S.-Origin Goods to Pakistan’s Nuclear ProgramRead the Press Release
Five men, all associated with the front company “Business World” in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and including Muhammad Kamran Wali (Kamran), 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali (Ahsan), 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh (Haji), 82, both of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad (Khan) of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed (Waheed), 52, of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, were indicted in federal court for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act. The grand jury returned the indictment on Oct. 16, 2019, and it was unsealed today.
“The defendants smuggled U.S. origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistan’s weapons programs,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable. It also stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs.”
“Federal export control laws are vital tools that help prevent items from being exported overseas where they could be used in ways that can jeopardize our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray for the District of New Hampshire. “In order to protect the safety and security of the American people, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who violate these important laws. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to identify individuals whose actions may jeopardize the national security of the United States.”
“The alleged behavior of these five individuals presented more than a violation of U.S. export laws, it posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the United States and to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region,” said Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. “HSI’s Counterproliferation group proactively works investigations into U.S. import-export licensing laws violations because of the threat it can pose to our national security.”
“The indictments unsealed today are a result of the ongoing coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts by the Office of Export Enforcement, the Justice Department, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations,”said Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the Office of Export Enforcement. “The Boston Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement will continue to vigorously pursue violators with all its partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.”
"Stopping the illegal exportation of sensitive defense technology is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and today's indictment is the result of a multi-agency effort," stated Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to working with the USAO-NH, Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Export Enforcement, to protect our nation's security by identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminal procurement networks."
According to the indictment, between September 2014 and October 2019, the defendants operated an international procurement network of front companies that existed to acquire U.S.-origin goods for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and to cause those goods to be exported from the United States to the entities without export licenses in violation of federals law. Both AERO and PAEC were on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which imposes export license requirements for organizations whose activities are found to be contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. PAEC was added to the Entity List in 1998. AERO was added to the Entity List in 2014, after the U.S. Government found that it had used intermediaries and front companies to procure items for use in Pakistan’s cruise missile and strategic UAV programs.
According to the indictment, the defendants attempted to conceal the true destinations in Pakistan of the U.S.-origin goods by using the conspirators’ network of front companies as the supposed purchasers and end users of the goods and as the apparent source of payments for the goods, even though the goods were ultimately received in Pakistan and paid for by AERO or PAEC. The defendants caused the U.S. companies to file export documents that falsely identified the Ultimate Consignees of the shipments as entities other than AERO and PAEC. The defendants never applied for or obtained an export license from the Department of Commerce authorizing the export of goods to AERO or PAEC in Pakistan.
The indictment identified 38 separate exports from the U.S. that the defendants caused, involving 29 different companies from around the country. Three of those companies are in New Hampshire. None of the U.S. companies is alleged to have been complicit in the illegal exports. Each defendant is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy. Although arrest warrants are pending, none of the five defendants has thus far been apprehended.
This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of DOJ’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Five Men Indicted for Operating an International Procurement Network to Export Goods from the United States to Pakistan's Nuclear ProgramRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Five men, all associated with the front company “Business World” in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and including Muhammad Kamran Wali (“Kamran”), 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali (“Ahsan”), 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh (“Haji”), 82, both of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad (“Khan”) of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed (“Waheed”), 52, of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced. The grand jury returned the indictment on October 16, 2019, and it was unsealed today.
According to the indictment, between September 2014 and October 2019, the defendants operated an international procurement network of front companies that existed to acquire goods for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and to cause those goods to be exported from the United States to the entities without export licenses in violation of federal law. Both AERO and PAEC were on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which imposes export license requirements for organizations whose activities are found to be contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. PAEC was added to the Entity List in 1998. AERO was added to the Entity List in 2014, after the U.S. Government found that it had used intermediaries and front companies to procure items for use in Pakistan’s cruise missile and strategic UAV programs.
According to the indictment, the defendants attempted to conceal the true destinations in Pakistan of the U.S.-origin goods by using the conspirators’ network of front companies as the supposed purchasers and end users of the goods and as the apparent source of payments for the goods, even though the goods were ultimately received in Pakistan and paid for by AERO or PAEC. The defendants and their network of front companies were never the actual end users of the goods exported from the U.S. The defendants caused the U.S. companies to file export documents that falsely identified the ultimate consignees of the shipments as entities other than AERO and PAEC. The defendants never applied for or obtained an export license from the Commerce Department authorizing the export of goods to AERO or PAEC in Pakistan.
The indictment identified 38 separate exports from the U.S. that the defendants caused, involving 29 different companies from around the country. Three of those companies are in New Hampshire. None of the U.S. companies is alleged to have been complicit in the illegal exports.
Each defendant is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy. Although arrest warrants are pending, none of the five defendants has thus far been apprehended.
“Federal export control laws are vital tools that help prevent items from being exported overseas where they could be used in ways that can jeopardize our national security,” said U.S Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the safety and security of the American people, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who violate these important laws. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to identify individuals whose actions may jeopardize the national security of the United States.”
“The defendants smuggled U.S. origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistan’s weapons programs,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable. It also stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs.”
“The indictments unsealed today are a result of the ongoing coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts by the Office of Export Enforcement, the Justice Department, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations,” Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the Office of Export Enforcement said. “The Boston Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement will continue to vigorously pursue violators with all its partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.”
"Stopping the illegal exportation of sensitive defense technology is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and today's indictment is the result of a multi-agency effort," stated Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to working with the USAO-NH, Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Export Enforcement, to protect our nation's security by identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminal procurement networks."
“The alleged behavior of these five individuals presented more than a violation of U.S. export laws, it posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the United States and to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region.” said Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. “HSI’s Counterproliferation group proactively works investigations into U.S. import- export licensing laws violations because of the threat it can pose to our national security.”
This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of DOJ’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – William Greenleaf, 43, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Greenleaf was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area.
Greenleaf is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2020.
“Crack cocaine is an illegal substance that endangers the lives of users and undermines the safety of our communities” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we continue to work toward ending the sale of dangerous drugs in New Hampshire. The action of the FBI and Nashua Police Department in this case, served to protect Granite Staters from the overall harmful impact of unlawful drug sales.”
"The investigation of this Nashua-based drug trafficking organization and its associates, including William Greenleaf, can only have a positive impact. It's our hope that lives will be saved, and that others are spared being introduced to the crack cocaine he either bought from the group and resold or helped bring into neighborhoods by driving its members to their own sales calls," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "While we are pleased by Mr. Greenleaf's acceptance of responsibility today, the FBI remains committed to fighting the battles still to be won against those profiting from illegal narcotics in the Granite State."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Keene Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Christian Steever, 39, of Keene, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl and cocaine base with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 18, 2019 and May 1, 2019, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Steever. A federal search warrant executed at his Keene apartment yielded additional fentanyl and cocaine base, as well as scales and other materials related to distribution of drugs. In excess of 69 grams of fentanyl and 18 grams of cocaine base were seized in the investigation.
Steever previously pleaded guilty on August 29, 2019.
“The distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs has diminished public safety and destroyed lives in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order curtail trafficking in these lethal substances, we will continue to work closely with the Keene Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate drug traffickers. Those who choose to sell dangerous drugs in New Hampshire should be aware that they will serve time in federal prison.”
"Given its potency, 70 grams of fentanyl is enough to kill hundreds of people," said Jason Molina, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Boston. "Drug trafficking organizations that deal in this deadly poison will continue to face the full resources of HSI and our partners. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to helping combat this epidemic in New Hampshire and anywhere it exists."
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Keene Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Jury Convicts Lawrence Man of Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Malaquia Guillermo, 52, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to evidence presented during a three-day jury trial, Guillermo, Marangely Melendez, and others participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to customers in the Lawrence area, including customers from New Hampshire. Evidence at trial showed that on December 6, 2018, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers contacted Melendez and ordered approximately 50 grams of fentanyl. Shortly thereafter, Guillermo met with the cooperating individual at a location in Lawrence and provided approximately 50.9 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $1,000.
Guillermo will be sentenced on April 23, 2020. Melendez pleaded guilty on November 26, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl trafficking continues to cause substantial damage to the health and safety of the people New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I am grateful for this jury verdict holding the defendant responsible for conspiring to distribute this lethal drug. Working with DEA and all of our law enforcement partners, we will continue with our efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Joachim Barth.
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Portsmouth Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - John Foster, 56, of Portsmouth, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to four counts of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2014 to sometime in May of 2018, Foster owned multiple limited liability corporations (LLCs) which he used in his scheme. In each of the schemes, Foster defrauded victims to obtain money that he claimed would be used for business projects, but actually used the money for his own personal benefit.
In 2018, Foster owned J.O. Foods, a company that facilitated the purchase and shipment of food to foreign countries. He agreed to send several thousand pounds of lobster to Vietnam. A customer agreed to pay J.O Foods a total of $145,500 for the delivery of the lobster. Foster falsely assured the company that the lobster was being shipped and induced the customer to send him over $100,000.
In 2014, Foster owned JM Application, Design and Technologies, LLC, which purportedly developed and sold mobile computer applications. Foster used false representations to persuade seven individuals to invest $250,000 in the business and falsely claimed that the money was being used to further business development when Foster actually used the money for his personal benefit.
In 2015, Foster promised to investors that he would develop an app called “Rocket Dog” to assist a business. Foster convinced an individual to invest over $156,000 to develop the app. During the next several months, Foster provided misleading information and material about the development of the Rocket Dog app and used most of the money for personal expenses.
In 2015, Foster also offered to create an app for another business and falsely claimed to have secured a patent for the app. He used false representations to persuade individuals to provide over $120,000 that he falsely claimed would be used to develop the app. Foster actually used most of the money for his personal benefit.
Foster, who was detained pending sentencing, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2020.
“White collar crimes deprive victims of their hard-earned money,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who engage in fraud schemes should be aware that they will be caught, arrested, and prosecuted. We will work with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners to seek justice on behalf of their victims.”
"John Foster finally accepted responsibility for running a variety of scams behind the mask of a legit entrepreneur, designed to reel in more than a half-million dollars from multiple investors and one overseas company. As we too often see, he spent most of that money on himself," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Rest assured, the FBI will make it our business to bring to justice those like him who take advantage of others and profit from their trust."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella previously participated in the prosecution of this case.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Lawrence Fortenberry, 66, of Nashua, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Fortenberry was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area.
Fortenberry is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2020.
“Drug trafficking has had a damaging effect on the health and safety of the citizens of Nashua and communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to combat the threat posed by traffickers, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to bring those who distribute dangerous drugs to justice.”
"Lawrence Fortenberry conspired to flood the neighborhoods of Nashua with crack cocaine, and in doing so poured fuel on the vicious cycle of addiction for his own financial gain," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "We hope his acceptance of responsibility for his crime persuades others to think twice about going into business with a drug trafficking organization. As shown in this case, that alliance will be no match for the FBI's partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Rochester Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Matthew MacLeod, 34, of Rochester, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 7, 2018, officers from the Rochester Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by MacLeod. During a later search of the vehicle, officers found multiple drugs, including cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl. MacLeod possessed the drugs with the intent to sell them. Officers also seized a firearm from the vehicle.
MacLeod previously pleaded guilty on September 17, 2019.
“Drug dealers present a serious threat to all of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Dealers who possess firearms while doing business pose an even greater danger to the safety of everyone around them. To protect Granite Staters from violent crime, we will not hesitate to seek long prison sentences for armed drug dealers."
"Matthew MacLeod chose to deal deadly narcotics, he chose to drive armed with a gun, and he chose to endanger the lives of his customers," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "He'll now spend the next 10 years of his life behind bars for his role in New Hampshire's opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rochester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Israel Perez, 52, of Manchester, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy in a seven-defendant narcotics case, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018 Perez conspired with other persons to distribute fentanyl as part of a drug trafficking organization. Investigators made controlled purchases of approximately 330 grams of fentanyl from Perez in Manchester between January and May of 2018.
Perez previously pleaded guilty on August 22, 2019.
Co-defendants Lucas Rios, Abelino Morales-Padilla, Jose Hiram Martinez Rolon, Karina Reyes, Samuel Ramos, and Billy Damuel Maldonado Cancel previously pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges in the same case. Cancel was sentenced to 33 months and Samuel Ramos was sentenced to 22 months.
“Fentanyl traffickers have caused substantial damage to families and communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the health and safety of our citizens, we work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate fentanyl dealers. The substantial prison term imposed in this case should serve as a warning to all involved in this deadly trade.”
“Drug dealers like Perez may think they can hide from justice, but today’s sentence proves otherwise,” said Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Boston. “HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and dismantle organizations like this one that distribute deadly drugs with no regard for human life.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.
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Manchester Felon Sentenced to Ten Years for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
CONCORD- Christopher Mann, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced on Monday to 120 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court in 2006, Mann was convicted in federal court of robbing a pizza restaurant in Concord using a gun and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Mann was released from federal custody to supervised release in August 2017. In early April 2018, Mann's supervised release was revoked for possessing methamphetamine.
On April 16, 2018, the United States Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant for Mann. Mann was arrested while in the passenger seat of car that was owned by his girlfriend, which was parked in a driveway in Manchester, New Hampshire.
After a Deputy U.S. Marshal placed Mann under arrest, the deputy saw a Glock .357 caliber handgun on the passenger seat where Mann had been sitting. Mann was then searched incident to arrest. During that search, officers recovered two magazines of ammunition in Mann’s pocket.
Mann previously pleaded guilty on August 19, 2019.
“In order to keep our community safe, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The law enforcement officers in this case helped protect the public by disarming and arresting a dangerous felon. This case demonstrates that those who commit gun crimes in New Hampshire should expect to serve substantial prison terms.”
“Working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and to keep guns out of the hands of violent offenders is ATF’s top priority,” said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “Today’s sentencing is another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the safety and security of communities.”
"Mann’s arrest is yet another example of the diligent work of the U.S. Marshals Service and ATF working collaboratively to make New Hampshire streets safer,” said U.S. Marshal Nick Willard. “The professionalism and dedication to the case by Assistant US Attorneys Davis and Aframe brought about this just sentence.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth R. Aframe.
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Effingham Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Justin English, 35, of Effingham, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between early 2018 and October 4, 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southern Maine Safe Streets Gang Task Force conducted an investigation into English’s fentanyl trafficking in Effingham and York, Maine. On October 4, 2018, the FBI executed a search warrant on English’s residence, arrested English, and seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, currency, collectible coins, and four firearms. English also forfeited $28,386 in cash and $45,738 in collectible coins to the United States. The FBI previously administratively forfeited the firearms.
English previously pleaded guilty on September 19, 2019.
“Removing armed fentanyl dealers from society makes the Granite State a safer place,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that endangers the general public. The risk is compounded when the drug dealer is armed. In order to maintain public safety, we will make every effort to obtain substantial prison sentences for armed drug dealers.”
"It is a rewarding day for the FBI when a dangerously armed drug pusher like Justin English and the fentanyl he was trafficking from his home are taken off the street," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "The town of Effingham, and law enforcement, are surely safer without him around, considering our agents located a loaded UZI pistol, two 12-gauge shotguns, and a partially loaded assault-style rifle while searching his residence. He'll now pay the price for making the link we too often see between drugs and guns."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southern Maine Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the York, Maine County’s Sheriff’s Office, the Effingham, New Hampshire Police Department and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis.
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Deerfield Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Importation of EcstasyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ahmad Khawaja, 22, of Deerfield, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for importation of a controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about May 29, 2018, Khawaja, using the internet, purchased approximately two pounds of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) from a supplier located in France. Postal Inspectors intercepted the packages and confirmed they contained the drug MDMA. Khawaja was arrested in Concord on June 1, 2018, when he picked up the packages from a person who had agreed to receive them for him.
Khawaja previously pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019.
“International trafficking activities bring dangerous drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who use the internet or the mails to distribute illegal drugs should be aware that federal law enforcement will closely scrutinize their activities. We continue to work with our law enforcement partners each day to protect the citizens of the Granite State from criminals who import dangerous drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Three Plead Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD - George Cruz, 30, of Nashua, Isaiah Kinard, 30 of Manchester, and Melvin Nooks, Jr., 29, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, have pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, all three defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area. Cruz and Melvin Nooks Jr. were responsible for distributing over 280 grams of crack cocaine.
Cruz pleaded guilty on December 17, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2020. Kinard and Nooks pleaded guilty today. Kinard is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2020. Nooks Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
“The distribution of crack cocaine endangers all of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. I commend the FBI agents and Nashua Police Officers who worked together to end this harmful criminal conspiracy. Drug traffickers should be aware that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are working together every day to put them out of business and bring them to justice.”
“Today, Cruz, Kinard, and Nooks finally accepted responsibility for trafficking crack cocaine in and around Nashua, NH after learning the hard way that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping illegal drugs out of our neighborhoods and schools,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent criminal enterprises like this one from inflicting more to damage our community.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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