District of New Hampshire

            CONCORD - Derkwon Johnson, 19, of Berlin, pleaded guilty in federal court on July 30, 2019, to possession of a prohibited object in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 1, 2019, Johnson was an inmate at FCI-Berlin, New Hampshire.    Officers found a shank in Johnson’s possession.  The weapon was approximately 5.5 inches in length.  Inmates are prohibited from possessing weapons in prison.

            Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2019.

            “In order to maintain the safety of inmates and prison staff, we will aggressively prosecute inmates who possess or use weapons at FCI-Berlin,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.    

             This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons - FCI-Berlin.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.         

 

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            CONCORD - Abelino Morales-Padilla, 38, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2018, Morales-Padilla conspired with other persons to distribute more than 400 grams fentanyl.  On October 16, 2018, a confidential informant informed police that Abelino 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2019.

            “Those who choose to bring fentanyl or other deadly drugs into New Hampshire will be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Interstate drug traffickers endanger the health and safety of our citizens. In order to deal with this threat, we work closely with our law enforcement partners each day to identify and prosecute those who transport drugs into our state.”

            “Fentanyl has destroyed communities across the country, leaving despair and anguish in its wake. Morales-Padilla looked to make a quick profit by choosing to push fentanyl onto our New Hampshire streets,” said Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “Every dealer we help remove from the streets is a victory in the battle against the opioid and fentanyl plague that has devastated so many lives in the region.”   

            This matter was investigated by the Department of 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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            CONCORD – Alfonz Vei, 45, of Dover, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September of, 2018, an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) purchased methamphetamine from Kristen Hodgkins.  On October 9, 2018, in Dover, Vei and Hodgkins distributed 43.6 grams of methamphetamine to a UC.  Agents observed Vei weighing out the methamphetamine on a scale just before Hodgkins took the drugs and delivered them to the UC.

            On January 11, 2019, postal inspectors intercepted a package from a fictitious address and addressed to a residence in Dover, where Vei had a prior affiliation.  Investigators observed Vei arrive at the address at approximately the time the package was due to be delivered.  The package was searched pursuant to a warrant and was determined to contain 444.4 grams of methamphetamine.

            On January 16, 2019, Vei was stopped driving a car in Exeter.  He had an unloaded Glock 9 mm firearm in the vehicle, as well as approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and 115 ecstasy pills. 

            Hodgkins previously pleaded guilty on June 19, 2019 and will be sentenced on September 25, 2019.  Vei is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2019.             

            “Methamphetamine presents a grave threat to the health and safety of the residents of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to identify and prosecute those who distribute this dangerous drug in the Granite State.”         

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Rochester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.

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          CONCORD - Leo Rush, 77, of Pelham, New Hampshire, has been charged with five counts of mail fraud and five counts of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

          According to an indictment that was unsealed today, Rush managed the business activities of Newport Insurance Company, Inc., which was not licensed to sell insurance in any state.  The indictment alleges that Rush sold Newport Insurance surety bonds for construction projects in several different states.  The indictment alleges that Rush knew that Newport’s surety bonds were fraudulent and illusory because Newport was not a licensed insurer and it did not have the financial ability to make payments equal to the amount of the bonds.

          Rush appeared in federal court today and pleaded not guilty.  His trial date has not been set.

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

          The case is being investigated by the New Hampshire Insurance Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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          CONCORD – Fidel Pereyra, 23, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in the evening hours of January 25, 2019, Salem police officers stopped Pereyra after observing him drive a vehicle without any headlights on.   During the stop, Pereyra was unable to produce any driver’s license or other identification and was initially arrested for driving without a license.  Approximately $4,200 was found on his person, and a later a search warrant revealed approximately 57 grams of fentanyl, 4.5 grams of cocaine, and 4.6 grams of crack cocaine.  Pereyra admitted to transporting the narcotics into New Hampshire for sale. 

          Pereyra is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7th 2019.   

          “Traffickers who try to sell drugs in New Hampshire will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to stop drug trafficking and maintain the safety of our community, we will pursue federal charges against those who transport dangerous drugs into the Granite State.”

          This matter was investigated by the Salem Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Windham Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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            CONCORD - Roxanne Adjutant, 49, of Stratford, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of Suboxone, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 19, 2018, Adjutant sold Suboxone to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. The sale occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.

           Suboxone, a form of the drug buprenorphine, is an opioid and a Schedule III controlled substance.  It is frequently prescribed in the treatment of substance use disorders.

            Adjutant is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2019.

            “Drug trafficking endangers the health and safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to deter this hazardous activity, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who engage in illegal drug sales.”

             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 & 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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            CONCORD, - Illya Scott, 30, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a stolen firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 6, 2018, Scott was arrested in Nashua, New Hampshire.  During a search incident to arrest, Nashua police officers found a Berretta, BU PICO, .380 handgun tucked into the defendant's waistband.  Scott admitted to stealing the firearm.          

            Scott is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5, 2019.

            “In order to maintain public safety, it is essential to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit gun-related crimes.”

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

 

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          CONCORD - James Goodwin, 53, of Northwood, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2018, a North Carolina undercover police officer was conducting an online investigation into individuals involved in the trading of illegal images of child pornography.  Goodwin was identified after he uploaded numerous images of child sexual abuse into a chatroom which were downloaded by the undercover officer. Forensic examinations of several of Goodwin’s electronic devices revealed images depicting the sexual assaults of children.

          Goodwin is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22nd 2019.

          “Protecting the innocence of children is one of the highest priorities of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes related to child pornography.”               

          This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

 

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          CONCORD – Robert Gallagher Sr., 51, of Northfield, was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home confinement, for making false statements to obtain Social Security disability insurance benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Gallagher has managed and worked as a mechanic since at least 2008.  In May of 2012, Gallagher applied for disability insurance benefits and falsely claimed that he had been unable to work since January 1, 2011.  To receive disability insurance benefits, an individual must have a medical disability that prevents the claimant from performing “substantial gainful activity”—that is, work activity that is the type ordinarily done for pay or profit.  Social Security advised Gallagher that he was required to report whether he was working, regardless of his income, and that if he provided Social Security with “false information on purpose, [his] benefits will be stopped.”  However, although Gallagher was managing and working when he applied for benefits, he concealed his work activity from Social Security.  As a result, Gallagher began receiving Social Security disability insurance benefits in October of 2013.

          In December 2016, during an in-person work activity review, Gallagher again told Social Security that he had not been working.  In 2017, during an audit of Department of Motor Vehicle inspections by the New Hampshire State Police, Gallagher told the inspector that he worked approximately 47 hours per week as both a mechanic and state vehicle inspector.  Gallagher subsequently admitted to an investigator from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), that he had worked since 2008 and that he had lied to Social Security when he claimed that he was not working.  As a result of his concealment, Gallagher received Social Security disability insurance benefits that he was not entitled to receive from October 2013 through March 2017.

          Gallagher previously pleaded guilty on November 13, 2018. 

          In addition to the sentence, the Court also ordered Gallagher to pay $91,539 in restitution within six months.

          “Social Security disability insurance benefits provide essential support to individuals who are unable to work,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Lying in order to obtain these benefits is a crime.  In order to protect the integrity of Social Security, we will not hesitate to prosecute those who attempt to cheat the system to obtain money they are not entitled to receive.”           

          “Disability insurance benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to those individuals who are not employed as a result of a medical condition,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “Taking advantage of a system that supports those who need it most, will not be tolerated.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our federal and state law enforcement partners will continue to conduct investigations of those who participate in schemes like these.”

        “By prosecuting offenders like Gallagher, we deliver a strong message that this type of fraud won’t be tolerated,” said Scott Antolik, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security OIG’s Boston Field Division. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to those who choose to defraud the Social Security Administration.  These cases are vigorously pursued, and we will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Attorney, and our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute fraud perpetrators in the future.”This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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          CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Deandray Buckley, 27, of Belleville, Michigan, was sentenced on Monday to 39 months in federal prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Buckley was part of an interstate scheme with others to steal people’s personal identifying information, including social security numbers and bank account information.  Buckley obtained this identification information from his accomplices and online and then used it to obtain fake driver’s licenses with other people’s identifying information and his or an accomplice’s photograph.  Buckley and an accomplice used the fake driver’s licenses to impersonate bank customers and withdraw or attempt to withdraw money from those bank customers’ accounts.  When entering a bank branch, Buckley or an accomplice wore slings on their arms or bandaged their fingers together in case bank tellers asked why the signature on the withdrawal slip did not match the account owners’ signature on file at the bank. 

          Between October 2017 and February 2018, Buckley or an accomplice entered over 17 bank branches in New Hampshire, Kansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Rhode Island and stole or attempted to steal over $90,000 from other people’s bank accounts.  On February 27, 2018, Buckley was arrested by the Salem Police Department after attempting to withdraw $6,000 from another person’s bank account at a Citizen’s Bank branch in Salem.  Branch employees recognized Buckley from previous internal fraud alerts, denied the transaction, and called the police.  In addition to identifying information from the known fraud victims, Buckley and an accomplice’s cell phones contained bank account information or social security numbers of at least 52 other individuals.

          Buckley previously pleaded guilty on March 15, 2019. 

          “Identity theft crimes can have a devastating impact on victims, including financial losses and disruption of their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The law enforcement community will work to protect citizens from these crimes and to hold identity thieves accountable for their actions.  Those who commit these crimes should understand that their conduct will result in federal prison time.”      

         “The United States Secret Service is committed to investigating financial crimes including the unauthorized use of personally identifiable information for financial gain,” said Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Manchester Resident Office.  “The success of this investigation is a result of the cooperation between federal and local law enforcement partners across numerous states.”

          “Today’s sentencing is the result of a coordinated effort with our state and federal partners,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “These types of financial losses can create hardships and long lasting impacts for the victims.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to conduct investigations of individuals who compromise the personal information of our customers and jeopardize the integrity the U.S. Mail.” 

          This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Overland Park Kansas Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter from the District of New Hampshire and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley from the District of Kansas.

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          CONCORD - Jesse R. Lohman, 37, of Lempster, was sentenced on Monday to 150 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2018, police encountered Lohman in the driver’s seat of a parked car at the Route 3A Park and Ride parking lot in Bow, New Hampshire.  Lohman was alone in the car.  After determining that there was a warrant for Lohman’s arrest, officers detained him and impounded the car.  During a subsequent search of the car, officers discovered six bags inside a glass case that contained approximately 76.1 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine.

          Lohman was a known member of the Brothers of White Warriors (“BOWW”), a prison gang.    

          Lohman previously pleaded guilty on March 29, 2019.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for ten years.

          “The heavy prison term imposed in this case should send a message to those inclined to trade in methamphetamine in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This is a dangerous substance, made more dangerous when appearing in this highly pure form.  In order to deter the distribution of this drug, we will continue to aggressively seek the imposition of lengthy sentences against dealers.”  

          "The methamphetamine Mr. Lohman was prepared to poison our communities with was concealed in a glasses case - an item that may have seemed completely innocuous to even his would-be victims. But there was nothing harmless about the highly addictive and potentially lethal drug that was hidden inside," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Today's sentence prevents one more violent, career criminal from staking his claim to the bleak landscape of addiction here in New Hampshire, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the drug trafficking activities of others like him."

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bow Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.           

 

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Mark Manapsil, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 17, 2016, and November 2, 2016, Manapsil sold quantities of cocaine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers.  On November 29, 2016, Manapsil, a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing guns, sold a semi-automatic rifle to the cooperating individual for $900.  On March 22, 2017, Manapsil was found in possession of 497 grams of cocaine when his vehicle was stopped by the New Hampshire State Police in Nashua.

            Manapsil will be sentenced on October 21, 2019.

            “Drug traffickers are engaged in a hazardous business,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.   “Frequently, they equip themselves with firearms, thereby increasing the risk to the community.  In order to combat this threat, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue federal prosecutions of armed drug traffickers.”

            "Drug traffickers have no place in our community and the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to do everything we can to stop the movement and sale of drugs on our streets, while ensuring  that our neighborhoods are free from illegal firearms," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

           The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, New Hampshire State Police, and Manchester Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

            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.

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            CONCORD - Nathan Craigue, 43, of Concord, was indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements to a federal officer in connection with an investigation of the death of an employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to the indictment, on or about August 28, 2018, Craigue made materially false statements to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance Safety & Health Officer when he said that an individual who had died as a result of a workplace accident earlier that day was a subcontractor.  The indictment alleges that the victim actually was an employee and not a subcontractor. 

            A second count of the indictment charges Craigue with making a similar false statement to the OSHA officer on October 24, 2018.

            Craigue was arraigned in federal court today and his trial has been scheduled for September 17, 2019.         

            This matter was investigated by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and OSHA.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Anna Dronzek.         

            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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            CONCORD - Alexander A. Tsiros, 37, of Farmington, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2018, Milton Police Department received a call from an individual who reported that Tsiros was in possession of a black handgun.

            Tsiros was later arrested in Dover for violating a protective order.  During the stop, police officers noticed a backpack on the front seat of his vehicle.  The Farmington Police Department executed a search warrant and found a Hi-Point C9, nine millimeter pistol, a black nylon holster, and ammunitions.  Also recovered were a bag of crystal methamphetamine, packaging material, and drug paraphernalia.  Tsiros is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

            Tsiros is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2019.

            “Drugs and guns are a deadly combination that present a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute armed criminals in order to protect the citizens of the Granite State.”

            “Working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and off the streets is ATF’s top priority,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  “Today’s guilty plea is another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the safety and security of communities.”

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

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

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          CONCORD, - Peter J. Carney, 57, of Stewartstown,  and Dustin Grant, 34, of Colebrook, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of suboxone, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 15, 2018, Carney sold suboxone to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers.  On February 14, 2019, Grant sold suboxone to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers.  Both sales occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.

          Carney is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11th 2019.   Grant is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30th 2019.

          “Drug trafficking affects people in all parts of our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who sell drugs illegally should be aware that the law enforcement community in New Hampshire is united in its effort to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who commit drug trafficking crimes.”

          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 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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          CONCORD - Daniel Irving, 28, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, September 19, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Irving and another individual in a vehicle near a convenience store in Concord, New Hampshire.  Officers seized from the vehicle more than five grams of methamphetamine and two firearms.  In addition, drug paraphernalia, including a glass mirror, digital scale, a ledger, syringes and plastic baggies were confiscated.       

          Irving is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2019.

          “Methamphetamine presents a rising threat to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This is especially true when dealers are in possession of firearms. In order to protect the public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are distributing methamphetamine.”  

          "This case represents the continuing impact that strong law enforcement partnerships have on illegal drug trafficking.  The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate violent drug offenders like Mr. Irving who target our communities with their drug related violent activity to ensure they are held accountable," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Concord Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.           

 

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            CONCORD – Conery Alan Morse, 32, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to transport stolen goods, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately April of 2018 and approximately December of 2018, Morse conspired with James Falk to steal high-value items from large retail stores throughout New England and send the items to a person associated with an online marketplace for eventual sales to online customers.

            To carry out the conspiracy, Morse and Falk entered large retail stores, chose high-value items (such as thermostats, alarm systems, electronics, hardware, and tools), and left the stores without paying for all of the items.  To steal goods inside the stores, Morse and Falk hid stolen goods in larger boxes and containers.  In addition, Morse and Falk used containers that caused radio frequency interference in an attempt to defeat the stores’ security alarm sensors. Morse and Falk shipped stolen goods to an address in Maplewood, New Jersey, for eventual sale to online consumers.  Morse and Falk later received payments for the stolen items. 

            Morse and Falk caused a total loss to the victim stores of approximately $54,000.

            Morse is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2019.  Falk previously pleaded guilty on May 30, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019.

            “Interstate theft and fraud are serious crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect businesses and consumers in the Granite State from such wrongdoing.  I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose work put an end to this criminal scheme.”  

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police and the United States Department of Commerce.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.

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           CONCORD - Christian Taveras-Polanco, a/k/a Lemuel Cruz Cepeda, 40, of Littleton, was sentenced to 24 months in prison on Tuesday for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 6, 2018, law enforcement officers surveilled Taveras-Polanco driving around the Littleton, New Hampshire, area in a gold Hummer registered to Lemuel Cruz Cepeda and stopping at two residences for a brief time. A traffic stop was conducted on the Hummer, and Taveras-Polanco initially identified himself as a citizen of the United States named Lemuel Cruz Cepeda. A consent search of the vehicle revealed 140 grams of cocaine. Taveras-Polanco was arrested and later admitted that he is a citizen of the Dominican Republic named Christian Taveras-Polanco, not a United States citizen named Lemuel Cruz Cepeda. Officers obtained a search warrant for Taveras-Polanco’s residence and located 302 additional grams of cocaine there.

           Taveras-Polanco previously pleaded guilty on March 18, 2019.  The defendant also forfeited over $7,000 in U.S. currency.  After serving his sentence, he faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic.

           “Cocaine is an illegal drug that can have devastating consequences to a user’s health,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Dealers who trade in this substance also undermine public safety. In order to protect our citizens, we will aggressively prosecute dealers, seeking prison sentences in order to deter their trafficking activities.”

           This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes.

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          CONCORD - Dennis Robertson, 43, of Hooksett, pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling labor union assets, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, Robertson served as the business manager for a local union based in New Hampshire for approximately 14 years until his dismissal in or around March 2017.  He was the only full-time paid officer or employee of the local union, which had approximately 140 to 170 dues-paying members.  Robertson’s duties included managing finances, receiving dues, dispatching workers, and handling grievances.

          Robertson had access to the organization’s bank accounts.  After Robertson left the union in approximately March of 2017, an audit revealed substantial financial discrepancies under Robertson’s tenure.  In sum, this review revealed that between August 2015 and February 2017, Robertson wrote and signed unauthorized expense checks to himself and made unauthorized cash withdrawals from the union’s checking account in the approximate amount of $23,519.  He additionally embezzled union funds in two other ways: (1) by making unsupported mileage payments to himself of approximately $11,333 and (2) failing to disclose cash dues payments he received from members in the amount of approximately $3,045.

         Robertson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1, 2019.

         “Union members place substantial trust in those who handle union finances,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When individuals betray that trust and take money for their personal use, they will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct.”      

         “Combatting financial fraud and investigating embezzlement of union funds helps safeguard financial integrity in labor unions,” said DOL-OLMS Northeastern Regional Director Andriana Vamvakas.  “This is a major priority for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards.  We will work with the United States Attorney’s Office to identify criminal violations and pursue appropriate legal action whenever anyone puts personal financial gain ahead of the best interests of union members.” 

        This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

       

 

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          CONCORD – Robert McLain, 27, of Groveton, New Hampshire, was sentenced on Monday to serve 65 months in prison for participating in a fentanyl drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 1, 2018, McLain intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 250 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a known drug trafficker get in the back seat of the car; and after a few minutes, get out again. The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire.

          The agents informed a New Hampshire State Trooper patrolling Interstate Route 93 about their surveillance observations.   The trooper stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and identified the driver and McLain as the passenger.  McLain subsequently admitted to purchasing one gram of fentanyl, which he claimed he swallowed.   The owner of the vehicle consented to a search of her car and signed a consent to search form.  The troopers found a hidden compartment in the vehicle that contained approximately 240 grams of fentanyl.  McLain admitted that he purchased fentanyl in Lawrence and resold the fentanyl in New Hampshire.  Over the course of the investigation, McLain ordered approximately 560 grams of fentanyl.  McLain also admitted that he traded fentanyl in exchange for a firearm.

          McLain directed officers to approximately $11,000 of admitted drug proceeds, and firearms. Officers seized four handguns, a rifle, and ammunition from McLain’s residence.  They also seized soda cans that were manufactured with a hidden compartment to conceal narcotics.  The cash, firearms, and ammunition were forfeited to the United States.

           McLain previously pleaded guilty on October 1, 2018.

          “Interstate fentanyl trafficking is causing tremendous damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect public safety, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for bringing this deadly drug into the Granite State.”

          “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. McLain accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic in the Granite State.”

          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, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.

          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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          Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Richard Duncan, 41, of Proctor, Vermont, was sentenced to 87 months in prison on Monday for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

          According to court documents, on August 8, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Duncan following multiple 911 calls regarding his erratic driving.  After leading officers on a high-speed pursuit in his vehicle through Claremont and Newport, New Hampshire, Duncan abandoned his vehicle and continued his flight from law enforcement on foot.  A short time later, Duncan was secured and placed under arrest.  From Duncan’s vehicle, law enforcement subsequently recovered a Springfield Armory XD handgun, Model XD-9, 9-mm caliber pistol, S/N GM731259, which had a loaded magazine.  In addition to the firearm, officers observed numerous glassine bags containing cocaine and additional loaded magazines.  At the time of the offense, Duncan was under parole supervision by the State of Vermont for a prior felony conviction. 

          Duncan previously pleaded guilty on February 28, 2019. 

          “Armed drug traffickers present a substantial hazard to the general public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This 87-month sentence should serve as a warning to those who choose to violate federal drug and gun laws. We will not hesitate to bring federal charges against drug traffickers who use firearms when engaging in criminal activity.”

          “Working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and to keep guns out of the hands of criminals is ATF’s top priority,” said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  “Today’s sentencing is another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the safety and security of communities.”             

          This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Claremont Police Department, Newport Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Sullivan County Attorney’s Office and the Vermont State Police.   

          The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cam Le.

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            CONCORD - Kristen Hodgkins, 30, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning about September 4, 2018, Hodgkins sold methamphetamine to an undercover police officer on multiple occasions.  On December 20, 2018, agents traveled to a store in Rochester and located Hodgkins in a vehicle driven by another woman.  New Hampshire State Police stopped the vehicle and Hodgkins was arrested on outstanding arrest warrants.  During a search of Hodgkins’s bags, a police officer located bags containing approximately 146.4 grams of methamphetamine.  Hodgkins subsequently admitted that she had purchased multiple ounces of methamphetamine from her source from August or September 2018 until December 20, 2018.

            Hodgkins is scheduled to be sentenced on September 25, 2019.

            “Methamphetamine is a growing threat to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public from the dangers associated with this drug, we will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to identity and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this dangerous substance.”        

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

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          CONCORD - Victoria Duford, 27, formerly of Northwood, was sentenced on Tuesday to 43 months in prison for participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, from July 2016 through April 2017, Duford purchased large amounts of methamphetamine from her co-conspirator Katrina Jones. In addition, on at least six occasions during the same time period, Duford received postal packages containing large quantities of methamphetamine on behalf of Jones at addresses in New Hampshire.  Duford would bring the packages to Jones, who would often give Duford a portion of the methamphetamine as payment. 

          Jones pleaded guilty to several counts of drug trafficking, including two counts of distributing methamphetamine.  She was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison on August 18, 2018.

          Duford had previously pleaded guilty on July 10, 2018.

          “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that has been appearing in New Hampshire with alarming frequency,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This drug can cause terrible harm to those who use it.  In order to deter dealers, we will coordinate with all of our law enforcement partners to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate those who sell methamphetamine.”

          “DEA is committed to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Duford accountable for her crimes but serves as a warning that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

          This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the N.H. Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, and the DEA.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.

           

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          CONCORD - Grant Michallyszyn, 23, of Nashua, was sentenced to 144 months in prison on Monday for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a hotel room in Nashua where Michallyszyn was staying.  During the search, law enforcement officers seized two handguns, nine rounds of ammunition, digital scales, and various drugs, including over 30 grams of fentanyl.  Under federal law, it is unlawful to possess a firearm to protect one’s drug trafficking activities or the location from which one distributes narcotics. 

          Michallyszyn previously pleaded guilty on March 8, 2019.

          “Armed drug traffickers present an enhanced danger to society,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “As this case demonstrates, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are united in our efforts to fight the twin dangers of drug trafficking and gun violence.  To protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to work together to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate drug traffickers who use guns as tools of their illegal trade.”           

          “Drugs and violence go hand in hand, and with today’s sentence, Mr. Michallyszyn is finally being held accountable for contributing to the opioid crisis that has devastated our communities. Together, with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to do everything it can  to identify dangerous individuals like him who are flooding our neighborhoods with fentanyl,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

          This matter was investigated by the FBI and Nashua Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

 

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          CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Imtiaz Shaikh, 46, of Manchester was sentenced on Monday to 16 months in prison for participating in a wire fraud scheme to defraud the State of New Hampshire out of tobacco excise tax revenue. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Shaikh’s scheme, which he executed between 2013 and 2016, involved the purchase of tobacco products other than cigarettes, referred to as “other tobacco products” or “OTP,” from various suppliers located in Pennsylvania.  Shaikh and others then transported the products to New Hampshire for sale to retail businesses.  In New Hampshire, wholesale distributors of OTP must be licensed and are required to file reports identifying the quantity of OTP sold each month.  New Hampshire taxes OTP at 65.03 percent of the wholesale sales price.  Shaikh avoided most of the licensing and reporting requirements by conducting business through a number of shell corporations.  Except for a single report filed in September 2014, Shaikh and the entities he created failed to pay the taxes owed to the State of New Hampshire.  The state lost an estimated $2.8 million in tax revenue as a result of the scheme.

          In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, the court ordered Shaikh to pay restitution to the State of New Hampshire in the amount of $2,845,270, and ordered that he forfeit $132,538 in seized funds. 

          Shaikh previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud on June 29, 2018.

          “This scheme swindled the State of New Hampshire out of much needed tax revenue,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The Defendant’s conduct effectively made each honest taxpayer the victim of fraud.  In order to protect the public treasury, we will always work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who choose to engage in fraudulent conduct.”

          “Hard-working taxpayers in the Granite State ended up having to foot the bill after Mr. Shaikh cheated the state out of approximately $2.8 million in tax revenue,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “He hid his income to evade taxes but failed miserably at not getting caught. No one is above the law, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify others like him who are engaging in fraudulent conduct.”  

          “Both the federal and state tax systems are designed to provide vital government services to our citizens.  They are not slush funds for thieves and fraudsters,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell, IRS Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office.  “Mr. Shaikh’s prison sentence is appropriate, given the significant tax revenues stolen from the Granite State and ultimately, its residents.  IRS-CI is proud to be part of this dedicated investigative team, and to lend our financial expertise to combat OTP tax fraud.”

          “The Department of Revenue Administration is committed to ensuring that no one defrauds or deprives our state and its law abiding citizens of tax revenue,” said Lindsey Stepp, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. “We are proud to have worked collaboratively with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to uncover this scheme and see Mr. Shaikh held accountable for his criminal actions.”

          The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, the Salem New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration all participated in the investigation of this case.  Assistant United States Attorney John Davis prosecuted the case.

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          Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Paul William Aaron, 33, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 60 months in prison on Monday for participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant bought fentanyl from a drug trafficking organization that authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez.  Aaron sometimes purchased the fentanyl on credit and then re-sold the fentanyl to various customers.

          Aaron previously pleaded guilty on March 8, 2019. 

          “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that continues to impact lives throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to maintain the safety of our community, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for distributing this dangerous substance.”

           “The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

          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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           Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Jesus Rivera, 21, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 150 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization employed the defendant to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England States, including New Hampshire.  On each day that the defendant worked, the organization provided him with at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and expected him to sell it and return approximately $6,000 in proceeds. In addition to Rivera, 33 defendants have been charged with participating in this conspiracy.

           Rivera previously pleaded guilty on March 8, 2019. 

           “Fentanyl is not manufactured in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This deadly drug is introduced into the state by traffickers and the results have been devastating. In order interrupt this lethal supply chain, we will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to prosecute and incarcerate fentanyl traffickers.”

           “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities, so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved,” said Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison, that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”

          This 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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          CONCORD – Guillermo Garcia Esquivel, 36, of Manchester, was indicted in federal court for committing six armed robberies, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          The charges resulted from an investigation into a string of armed robberies of convenience stores in Manchester, New Hampshire.  The defendant is charged with committing six separate armed robberies at various Manchester convenience stores between January 5, 2019, and February 24, 2019.

          The defendant has been ordered detained.  A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

        “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the Manchester Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.

        “I’m very pleased to finally be able to announce we have been working with the US Attorney’s Office regarding the rash of armed robberies in our city,” Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano said. "Manchester Patrol Officers and Detectives have worked diligently to investigate numerous robberies over several months.   As an agency, it is frustrating to initially withhold information, but there is a risk of compromising an investigation.  Our goal is to always put solid cases together that result in successful prosecutions.  We will always do everything we possibly can to keep our community 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. 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.          

          An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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            CONCORD - Edwin Martinez-Guzman, 37, of New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, after law enforcement officers learned that Martinez-Guzman was preparing to conduct a drug transaction, they approached him in a parking lot in Manchester on November 28, 2018.  Martinez-Guzman was arrested with over 150 grams of pure methamphetamine.     

            Martinez-Guzman is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16, 2019.

            “Methamphetamine presents a growing danger to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Indications are that traffickers are bringing this substance into our state with increasingly greater frequency.  In order to protect the safety of our citizens, we will be aggressive in our efforts to identify and prosecute those who choose to bring this deadly drug into New Hampshire.” 

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

 

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            Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Trevor Ahearn, 28, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization employed the defendant to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England States, including New Hampshire.  On each day that the defendant worked, the organization provided him with at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and expected him to sell it and return approximately $6,000 in proceeds. In addition to Ahearn, 33 defendants have been charged with participating in this conspiracy.

            Ahearn previously pleaded guilty on October 23, 2018. 

            “Fentanyl is clearly the most dangerous of the illegal drugs commonly sold in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The transportation of this lethal substance into our state must be stopped. In order to prevent deaths and overdoses, we will remain focused in our effort to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate the traffickers who are engaged in this deadly trade.”  

           “New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl climb,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those like Mr. Ahern, who are coming from out of state to contribute to this crisis.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes deadly drugs.”

           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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            CONCORD - Theodoros Bahtsevanos, 32, currently of Haverhill, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to prescription fraud and false identity document charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Bahtsevanos passed false prescriptions for Adderall, a controlled substance, at pharmacies in Nashua and Derry, New Hampshire on two occasions in May of 2018.  The prescriptions contained falsified signatures but actual DEA registration numbers for physicians, and were issued to aliases Bahtsevanos was using at the time.  When Bahtsevanos was arrested, he was found in possession of nine fake driver’s licenses purporting to be from states all over the country.  Each fake license bore his photograph and used a different alias.  Bahtsevanos also had a ledger book through which he tracked various DEA registration numbers, physician’s names, and fake recipients that he used to fill prescriptions for Adderall throughout New Hampshire.  Investigators found that he filled more than 90 fake prescriptions as part of the scheme.

            Bahtsevanos is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16, 2019.  

            “Protecting the integrity of our health care system is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who obtain prescription drugs by fraudulent means divert drugs from their intended uses and may contribute to the unlawful drug trade.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who participate in unlawful schemes to obtain prescription drugs.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control, the New Hampshire State Police, Derry Police Department, Nashua Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.        

 

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            CONCORD - Katie Fysh, 33, of Groveton, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included court-authorized wiretaps, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Fysh regularly obtained fentanyl from a source in Lawrence, Massachusetts and then sold that fentanyl in New Hampshire. On both March 17, 2018, and March 18, 2018, a friend of the defendant suffered non-fatal overdoses after using the fentanyl purchased from the source in Lawrence. The defendant was arrested on March 18, 2018, and found with approximately 25 grams of fentanyl on her person. She admitted that she regularly bought fentanyl in Lawrence and used another individual to distribute it to customers on her behalf. 

            Fysh is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2019.

            “Interstate fentanyl traffickers have caused great suffering in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The flow of this lethal substance into our state has brought with it a public health crisis of epic proportions. In order to stop this hazardous trade, law enforcement agencies are determined to arrest and aggressively prosecute those responsible.”

            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, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.

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            CONCORD - Robson Xavier-Gomes, 44, of Brazil, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement to obtain a U.S. passport, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in 1996, Xavier-Gomes, a citizen of Brazil, completed an application for a U.S. passport using the name, date of birth, social security number, and other personal identifying information that belong to a United States citizen.  The application was submitted to the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with a photograph of Xavier-Gomes but the identification information of the United States citizen.  Relying on the information in the application and the supporting documentation, the Passport Center issued a U.S. passport to Xavier-Gomes in the name of the United States citizen.  On April 12, 2016, Xavier-Gomes submitted an application to renew his fraudulently-obtained passport, again using the identification information of the United States citizen.  Xavier-Gomes later admitted to investigators that his true identity was Robson Xavier Gomes, he was is a citizen of Brazil, and he had falsely used the identity of a United States citizen to apply for and obtain a U.S. passport.

            Xavier-Gomes is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2019

            “Crimes involving the falsification of identification documents can cause significant damage to victims, as well as the integrity of government operations,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “It is essential that we maintain confidence in the truth and accuracy of U.S. passports.  To that end, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who use fraud or false statements to obtain passports.”   

            “The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice  and our local law enforcement partners in New Hampshire to investigate and prosecute all allegations of criminal activity related to passport and visa fraud, ” said William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Boston Field Office. “The strong relationship we enjoy with our federal and local law enforcement partners is vital towards ensuring the integrity of U.S. travel documents and protecting greater U.S. interests.”

            This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Joshua Simard, 31, of Auburn, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 31, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Simard at a hotel in Bedford, New Hampshire.  Officers seized two backpacks from Simard, which contained, among other things, a handgun, ammunition, over $6,000 in cash, over 150 grams of cocaine, digital scales, and a suspected drug ledger.        

            Simard is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16, 2019.  

            “Guns and drugs are a potentially lethal combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When drug traffickers possess firearms, they pose a very serious danger to the community.  In order to protect the public, we will aggressively prosecute armed drug dealers.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bedford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.           

 

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          CONCORD - Samuel Morris, 29, of Belmont, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included court-authorized wiretaps, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Morris regularly obtained fentanyl from a source in Lawrence, Massachusetts and then sold the fentanyl in New Hampshire.

          On March 9, 2018, investigators learned that Morris intended to travel from New Hampshire to Lawrence to obtain drugs. Agents conducted surveillance of Morris and observed him driving away from a known drug runner.  After Morris picked up the drugs, he telephoned his source and questioned the packaging of the drugs. The source told him the drugs were wrapped in “green paper.”

          Shortly thereafter, a New Hampshire State Trooper stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and later located approximately 148 grams of fentanyl packaged in green paper in the vehicle.  Over the course of the wiretap investigations, investigators allege that Morris purchased approximately 1320 grams of fentanyl.

          Morris is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2019.

          “The harmful results of interstate fentanyl trafficking are seen each day throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who choose to bring fentanyl into the Granite State should understand that there will be substantial consequences for their unlawful actions.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute fentanyl traffickers who do business in our state.”                       

          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, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.

          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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            CONCORD - Anthony Cabrera, 27, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 12, 2019, the defendant traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and sold approximately 49 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer in Salem, New Hampshire.         

            Cabrera is scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, 2019.

            “Stopping interstate fentanyl trafficking is a primary goal for law enforcement in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to prevent the distribution of this lethal drug, we will prioritize coordination with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who are responsible for bringing this deadly substance into the Granite State.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

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           CONCORD – Julio Pizzini, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 170 months in prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization, which authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez, employed Pizzini and others to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. On each date that Pizzini worked, the Martinez organization provided him with at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and expected him to sell it and return approximately $6,000 in proceeds.

           Pizzini previously pleaded guilty on February 15, 2019.      

           “Fentanyl trafficking is a crime that has had deadly consequences for many citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The transportation of illegal drugs into the Granite State must be stopped. In order to save lives, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for distributing this dangerous substance.”

           “Those individuals who choose to distribute fentanyl in our communities endanger the lives of their customers and the residents of our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence holds Mr. Pizzini accountable for his actions.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those who distribute fentanyl accountable for the drug-related offenses they have committed.”

           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 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 U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.

          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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          CONCORD – Meredith Willey, 38, of Groveton, New Hampshire, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 65 months in prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 1, 2018, an individual intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 250 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a known drug trafficker get in the back seat of the car and exit a few minutes later.  The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire.

         The agents informed a New Hampshire State Trooper patrolling Interstate Route 93 about their surveillance observations.   The trooper stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and identified Willey as the driver.  Willey subsequently admitted that she and her co-conspirator went to Lawrence to buy “dope.”  Willey consented to a search of the car and signed a consent to search form.  The troopers found a hidden compartment containing approximately 240 grams of fentanyl.  Willey admitted that she and the co-conspirator purchased fentanyl in Lawrence and resold the drug in New Hampshire. After a consent search of the defendant’s and her co-conspirator’s residence, law enforcement seized $11,000 in drug proceeds and five firearms.

        Willey previously pleaded guilty on September 24, 2018.

        “Interstate fentanyl traffickers will be arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to prison terms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The law enforcement community in New Hampshire is united in its determination to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State.  By aggressively prosecuting the traffickers who bring this deadly drug into New Hampshire, we are seeking to protect all of our state’s citizens.”

        “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Willey accountable for her crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.” 

          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, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.

         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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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Brian Sanborn, 54, of Franklin, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for attempted escape and witness tampering.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 14, 2018, Sanborn called his girlfriend from the Strafford County House of Corrections.  At the time, Sanborn was detained on federal charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Sanborn was scheduled to go to federal court the next day, May 15, 2018, to plead guilty.  During the recorded phone call, Sanborn instructed his girlfriend to call his mother and to follow the transport van to and from Strafford on May 15 because “something might fall out of that . . . van and you might need to pick something up.”

            On May 15, 2018, after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine and while being transported back to the Strafford County House of Corrections, Sanborn attempted to escape the transport van by prying open the door to the cage inside the van with a six-inch piece of metal that he had smuggled into the van.  Sanborn’s actions were recorded on video cameras in the van and the deputies transporting Sanborn apprehended him before he could flee.  Sanborn called his mother the next day and said, in a recorded phone call, that he “fell out of the back of the van and will probably be facing escape charges.”

            Another inmate was in the transport van with Sanborn when he attempted to escape.  At Strafford, Sanborn sent the inmate a note that said that Sanborn knew his name and knew that the inmate had a girlfriend and child.  In the note, Sanborn also offered to pay the inmate to keep quiet about what he saw in the van.  The inmate informed Sanborn that he was not interested in Sanborn’s help and wanted nothing to do with the situation.  After this, other inmate associates of Sanborn began to harass the inmate and told him, among other things, that he was a “rat” and threatened to beat him up or kill him.

            Sanborn pleaded guilty to these charges on March 1, 2019.  He previously was sentenced in September to serve 102 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking.         

            “I am grateful for the fine work of the law enforcement officers whose quick thinking stopped this felon’s escape efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to maintain the integrity of the judicial system and promote public safety, we will aggressively prosecute crimes such as witness tampering and escape attempts.” 

            “The outstanding and professional work of the Strafford County Sheriff Deputies to prevent the escape was validated today by the strong sentence sought and secured by the diligent work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Marshal Nick Willard.

            This matter was investigated by the Strafford County Sherriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

 

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           CONCORD, N.H. – Kenneth Kirkpatrick, 33, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers obtained information that Kirkpatrick was selling firearms.  On July 26, 2018, Kirkpatrick sold a firearm, ammunition, and firearm accessories to an individual who was cooperating with the ATF. As a convicted felon, Kirkpatrick could not lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition.

           Kirkpatrick’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

           “In order to keep violent crime under control, we must keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Prohibiting convicted felons from owning guns advances this goal. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully possess firearms.”

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

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

           

 

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          CONCORD - Shamecca Brown, 42, of Concord, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday 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, Brown concealed her relationship with and later marriage to her husband from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) to obtain Social Security benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (also known as food stamps) that she was not entitled to receive. 

          Brown began living with her eventual husband in 2009 and they married in December 2011.  From 2009 through 2017, while he was living with and later married to Brown, Brown’s husband earned income and contributed to household expenses.  Brown’s household income rendered her and her children ineligible for Social Security and SNAP benefits.  Yet, from about October 1, 2009, to about October 31, 2017, in multiple applications to NH DHHS for assistance and applications for continued eligibility for SNAP benefits, Brown claimed to live alone and concealed and failed to disclose her relationship with and marriage to her husband, his presence in her household, and the income he provided to the household.  In addition, in August 2012, Brown applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from SSA on behalf of her minor child.  In her application and in subsequent benefits reviews, Brown concealed her marriage, her living arrangement with her husband, and the income he contributed to the household. 

          As a result of Brown’s conduct, from 2009 until she was caught in 2017, she got $56,000 in food stamps and over $38,000 in Social Security benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

          Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019.

          “Government programs can provide important financial support for disadvantaged   individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “However, those who seek to cheat the system in order to obtain money that they are not entitled to should understand that they are committing a serious federal crime.  We will strive to prevent fraudulent applications for benefits through close cooperation with our law enforcement partners.”

          This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.

           

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          CONCORD - Chinedu Ihejiere, 42, of Brockton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Ihejiere and others conspired to use other persons’ identities to open bank accounts.  Once the accounts were opened, Ihejiere deposited fraudulent checks into those accounts.  After the money was credited to the accounts but before the banks learned that the check was false, Ihejiere or his co-conspirators withdrew the money from the bank accounts.

          Between June 1, 2016, and August 4, 2017, Ihejiere or his co-conspirators used other people’s identities to open at least ten bank accounts in Nashua, New Hampshire, Boston, Massachusetts, Wilmington, Massachusetts, and Norcross, Georgia.  Ihejiere deposited over $119,000 drawn from fraudulent checks into at least three of those accounts and he or his co-conspirators withdrew over $69,000 from those accounts.  In October 2017, in response to a report of possible fraud, law enforcement arrested Ihejiere at a bank in Brockton, while he was depositing a money order. 

          In total, Ihejiere and his associates obtained over $68,000 through the scheme.

          Ihejiere is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019.

          “Financial crimes can have serious impacts on their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Fraudulent check schemes undermine our banking system and drive up costs for everyone. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud in the Granite State.”

          “Mr. Ihejiere is finally accepting responsibility for using other people’s identities to open bank accounts and commit fraud. His willingness to participate in this conspiracy shows a callous disregard for the law,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who attempt to fraudulently utilize the banking system for their own personal gain.”

          “Financial crimes that use unsuspecting individual’s identities to commit bank fraud cause substantial losses,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to conduct investigations, alongside our law enforcement partners, that seek prosecution of those who compromise the personal information of our customers and the integrity the U.S. Mail.”  

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

       

 

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          CONCORD – Enco Industries, Inc., a company located in Plaistow, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to making false statements to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

          According to court documents and statements made during a hearing earlier today, the Defense Logistics Agency (“DLA”) purchases operating supplies (“items”) for the U.S. military from government contractors through the federal supply system.  The Department of Defense (“DoD”) requires that all items conform to strict military specifications identified in its contracts.  Contract solicitations include the DoD’s specifications for the requested item.

          An oil sorbent mat is one item the DLA acquires through the federal supply system.   Because the mats are used to absorb flammable liquids, the mats are required to meet specifications requiring them to dissipate electrical charges to the ground.

          According to court documents, in December of 2011, the DLA posted a solicitation to acquire approximately 96,000 units of hazardous material mats over a five-year period.  The solicitation required, among other things, that the mats pass standards established in National Fire Protection Association for Static Decay and Surface Resistivity.  The solicitation also required the selected government contractor to purchase mats manufactured by a company in Tipton, Pennsylvania or another company in Pennsylvania.

          Enco has been an approved government contractor since 2004.  On January 13, 2012, Enco’s government contracting manager submitted Enco’s bid for the contract.  The bid stated that Enco would purchase the mats from the company in Tipton for $29.15 for each unit containing 100 mats during the first year of the five-year annually renewable contract.  This statement was false because, at the time the bid was submitted, Enco did not intend to purchase the mats from the company in Tipton.

          The court documents further allege that on June 18, 2012, the DLA awarded the contract to Enco and sent the company a purchase order that incorporated all the required specifications for the mats.  From June of 2012 to October of 2013, Enco provided approximately 21,700 units to the DLA.  To obtain payments, Enco’s office manager submitted claims to the DoD.  Most of claims were false because only seven units contained mats that were manufactured by the company in Tipton.  Enco received payments totaling $683,513.55 for these claims.

          In August of 2013, an independent company concluded that several of the mats it tested did not meet the contract’s requirements for static decay or surface resistivity.  As a result, the DLA sent Enco a letter on October 7, 2013, that notified the company that the contract might be terminated due to non-conformance.

          In an October 2013-email addressed to the DLA, Enco’s president stated that Enco bought the mats from a non-approved manufacturer because the amount charged by the company in Tipton was prohibitive.  In the same email, Enco’s president stated that Enco was not able to identify the non-approved manufacturer.  This statement was false because, at the time of the email, Enco was able to identify the manufacturers from whom it had purchased the mats.

          While speaking with Special Agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (“NCIS”) and Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”) on February 21, 2014, Enco’s president stated that before Enco submitted its bid on the contract, the company received price quotes from the two approved manufacturers.  According to the court documents, Enco’s president also stated that Enco decided to buy the mats from the company in Tipton because its price was lower.  This statement was false and misleading because when Enco submitted its bid for the contract, it intended to fulfill the contract by purchasing mats from a non-approved manufacturer.

          A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for September 11th, 2019.   At sentencing, the company could be placed on probation for up to five years and fined up to $500,000.

          “Defense procurement fraud is a serious crime that can jeopardize the safety of military personnel,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.   “Those who seek to do business with the government should be truthful and candid.  We will always work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals or entities that seek to defraud the government or who are dishonest in their dealings with federal agencies.”

          "Ensuring the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) procurement process is a top investigative priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)," said Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office.  "The guilty plea announced today is the direct result of a joint effort and it demonstrates DCIS' ongoing commitment to partner with the U.S. Attorney's Office, NCIS and AFOSI to investigate and prosecute companies that provide false statements to the DoD in an effort to improperly receive defense contracts."

          “Fraud is never a victimless crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Leo S. Lamont of the NCIS.  “This case of using inferior and substandard materials damaged the readiness and safety of U.S. forces. The victims are not just our men and women in uniform, but all American taxpayers. NCIS will continue to tirelessly pursue all those who seek to take advantage of the Department of the Navy and its interests while keeping the procurement system fair and honest."

          "The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), along with its law enforcement partners, has, and always will, aggressively identify, investigate and neutralize anyone who attempts to defraud the US Government and put our nation's warfighters at risk," said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason T. Hein, AFOSI, Office of Procurement Fraud.

          The case was investigated by the NCIS, DCIS, and the AFOSI, Office of Procurement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

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          Concord - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Christopher Clough, 45, of Dover, New Hampshire was sentenced to 48 months for participating in a scheme in which he received kickbacks in exchange for prescribing a powerful fentanyl spray to patients in violation of federal law.  

          Court filings and statements made in court established that Clough worked as a physician assistant in New Hampshire.  After being approached by a representative of a drug manufacturer in June of 2013, he became a frequent prescriber of a fentanyl spray that had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat breakthrough cancer pain.  From approximately June of 2013 through the fall of 2014, Clough wrote more than 750 prescriptions for the fentanyl spray in New Hampshire, including more than 215 prescriptions for Medicare patients and several more for Tricare patients.  The Medicare program paid over $2.1 million for these prescriptions, and Tricare paid nearly $600,000.

          During the time he was writing these prescriptions, the manufacturer of the drug paid Clough to serve as a speaker at more than 40 programs at a rate of approximately $1,000 per event.   In many instances, the programs were merely sham events where Clough was paid to have dinner with employees or representatives of the pharmaceutical company.  During most dinner programs, Clough did not give any kind of presentation about the drug.  Clough and others often forged signatures of attendees on sign-in sheets in an effort to make the dinners appear to be legitimate.  Evidence at trial demonstrated that Clough received over $49,000 in payments from the drug manufacturer.

          Clough often prescribed the drug for patients who did not have breakthrough cancer pain.  He often started patients on high doses of the addictive fentanyl spray and rebuffed patients and their family members who stated that they no longer wanted the drug.

          Clough was convicted of one count of conspiracy and seven counts of receipt of kickbacks in relation to a federal healthcare program.

          A jury found Clough guilty on December 18, 2018 following a six-day trial.

          “Mr. Clough’s actions were a disturbing betrayal of his patients’ trust,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Rather than making his prescribing decisions based upon the needs of his patients, his decisions were tainted by the kickbacks he was paid by a pharmaceutical company.  This substantial sentence should serve as a warning to all health care providers in New Hampshire that there will be severe consequences if they choose to engage in criminal conduct.”

          "Mr. Clough is no better than a street level drug dealer,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “He exploited his patients, betrayed their trust, and accepted kickbacks for his own personal enrichment. Today's sentence marks an important step in holding doctors responsible for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic and be assured, the FBI will continue to identify and bring to justice doctors like him whose practices promote fraud with a total disregard for patient safety."

          “Medical professionals taking thinly-veiled bribes to overprescribe opioids threaten the lives of patients for personal gain,” said Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will ensure that criminals like Clough pay the price for their actions.”

          “Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Those who illegally distribute fentanyl will be held accountable through our court system. Today, Mr. Clough has been held accountable for his actions. The investigation and prosecution of illegal distribution of fentanyl is a top priority of the DEA.”        

          This matter was jointly investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and Seth R. Aframe.

 

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           CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray recognized 26 officials from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice at an awards ceremony today.

            “I am pleased to recognize these law enforcement professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining public safety through the pursuit of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Each day, our law enforcement colleagues do tremendous work to protect our community from violent crime, drug trafficking, sexual predators, and many other dangers.  These brave law enforcement officers are our first line of defense against crime and they deserve our recognition and respect.  I salute all of our award recipients and am grateful for their contributions.”

            The event, held at the U.S. District Court in Concord, highlighted investigative teams who worked together on several important investigations, and also honored several individuals for their contributions on multiple cases or special projects. Those honored worked on a variety of matters, including cases involving drug trafficking, violent crime, fraud, and the sexual exploitation of children.

           Each honoree was recognized for his or her commitment to Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice and was presented with a commemorative plaque and certificate.

            Recognized individuals were:          

          Special Agent Philip Bleezarde, DHS/ICE

          Special Agent Thomas M. Dalton, FBI

          Supervisory Special Agent Michael Gibeley, FBI

          Special Agent Steven Kimball, FBI

          Special Agent Brian P. LeBlanc, FBI

          Supervisory Special Agent Philip Christiana, FBI

          Norman "Chip" Houle, Criminal Investigator, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office

          U.S. Postal Inspector Bruce Sweet, Postal Inspection Service

          Intelligence Analyst Laura Houle Tongbua, DEA

          Special Agent David Furtado, FDA-OCI

          Detective Matthew Barter, Manchester Police Department

          Special Agent Jonathan Posthumus, DHS/HSI

          Special Agent Erol Catalan, DHS/HSI

          Special Agent Joseph "Lance" Lopez, DHS/HSI

          Louisiana State Trooper Georgiana Kibodeaux

          Detective Joseph L. Chaput, Concord Police Department

          Detective Sergeant Eric Albright, Vermont State Police

          Corporal Michael Sorensen, Vermont State Police

          Special Agent Shawn Serra, DHS/HSI

          Special Agent Ronald M. Morin, DHS/HSI

          Det. Scott Tompkins, Derry Police Department

          Trooper Sean Sweeney, New Hampshire State Police

          Protective Security Advisor Jason Climer, DHS/CISA

          Special Agent Casey MacDonald, DEA

          Detective Patrick Broderick, Hudson Police Department

          Intelligence Analyst Michelle Blais, DEA

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          CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Edward Espejo, 45, formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced on Thursday to 168 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least July of 2016 through May of 2018, Espejo supplied drug distributors in New Hampshire with shipments of methamphetamine ranging in size from a few ounces to more than 20 pounds at a time. 

          The investigation began in late 2016, when the DEA and the Postal Inspection Service began to see numerous parcels mailed from Las Vegas to New Hampshire that were suspected of containing methamphetamine. In addition, law enforcement officers began to investigate parcels mailed from New Hampshire to Las Vegas containing large amounts of money, as well as suspected drug payments made through money transfers from New Hampshire to Las Vegas.

          Law enforcement agents eventually arrested several members of a methamphetamine distribution ring operating in New Hampshire, and traced the source of their drugs to Espejo.  On May 8, 2018, investigators arrested Espejo at his residence in Las Vegas.

          Several of the New Hampshire-based drug distributors supplied by Espejo already have been sentenced in federal court.  These individuals include: (1) Brian Lacourse, who was sentenced to six years in prison on August 23, 2018; (2) Katrina Jones, who was sentenced to 200 months in prison on August 9, 2018; (3) Dustin Moss, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison on August 2, 2018; and (4) Sabrina Moss, who was sentenced to six years in prison on June 28, 2018.

          Espejo previously pleaded guilty on August 31, 2018.  Several co-conspirators were sentenced to prison terms.  Michael Bean was sentenced to 120 months on April 19, 2019; John Kelekci was sentenced to 130 months on March 14, 2019;and Mark Moore was sentenced to 50 months in prison on May 6, 2019.

          “This 14-year prison term serves notice that distributing methamphetamine in New Hampshire is a very costly enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This investigation and prosecution dismantled a network that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of highly-pure methamphetamine.  I am grateful to the law enforcement agents whose work successfully disrupted this ring of traffickers who were bringing a very dangerous drug into the Granite State.”

          “Today’s sentencing should give fair warning that Postal Inspectors will investigate and bring to justice those individuals who traffic narcotics across state lines using the U.S. Mail,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “We will continue maximizing our agency’s resources to stop those who disregard our laws and smuggle drugs into our jurisdiction.” 

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.

          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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            CONCORD- Anthony R. Farmer, 26, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 198 months in prison for assaulting and robbing an individual who was seeking to purchase firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 21, 2017, the defendant and two co-defendants participated in the assault and robbery at gunpoint of a person who was assisting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The defendant and his co-defendants arranged for the victim to come to a residence in Nashua on the pretext that they would be illegally selling firearms to the victim.  They then assaulted and robbed the victim of the money that was for the gun purchase.  Because the victim was assisting federal agents, the victim had been equipped with audio and video surveillance equipment that recorded the robbery and assault.  Soon after the crime occurred, the defendant and his co-defendants were arrested.  They each had some of the money that had been taken from the victim. 

            Farmer pleaded guilty on August 20, 2018, to conspiracy, robbery, assault, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

            Co-defendant Raymond Perez was sentenced to 51 months. The third co-defendant, Aaron Sperow, was sentenced to 102 months in prison.

            “Violent crime involving firearms is a grave threat to the safety of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This substantial sentence shows that there will be serious consequences for those who choose to participate in crimes of violence.  Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our cities and towns from gun violence.”

            “Today’s sentencing demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to protect our communities from violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady, ATF Boston Field Division.   “ATF will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to eradicate violent gun related crime and keep our neighborhoods safe.”                     

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

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

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            CONCORD - Jonathan Felch, 37, of Goffstown, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a fentanyl drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included court-authorized wiretaps, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Felch regularly obtained fentanyl from a source in Lawrence, Massachusetts and then sold the fentanyl in New Hampshire.

            On April 6, 2018, investigators learned that Felch intended to travel from New Hampshire to Lawrence to purchase drugs.  Agents conducted surveillance of Felch and observed him meet with another individual in Lawrence.  Later that day, Felch returned to New Hampshire in a vehicle that was stopped in Manchester for a motor vehicle violation.  Officers later located approximately 18 grams of fentanyl and a digital scale in the vehicle.

            Felch is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2019.

            “Interstate fentanyl traffickers make a deadly drug available for sale in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The results have been disastrous. It is imperative that we stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State by arresting and prosecuting those who engage in this dangerous activity      .”

            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, Seth R. Aframe, and Debra M. Walsh.

            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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            CONCORD - James Falk, 38, of Preston, Connecticut, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to transport stolen goods, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately April of 2018 and approximately December of 2018, Falk conspired with other persons to steal high-value items from large retail stores throughout New England and send the items to a person associated with an online marketplace for eventual sales to online customers.

            To carry out the conspiracy, Falk and another individual entered large retail stores, chose high-value items (such as thermostats, alarm systems, electronics, hardware, and tools), and left the stores without paying for all of the items.  To steal goods inside the stores, Falk and another individual hid stolen goods in larger boxes and containers.  In addition, Falk and another individual used containers that caused radio frequency interference in an attempt to defeat the stores’ security alarm sensors. Falk and another individual shipped stolen goods to an address in Maplewood, New Jersey, for eventual sale to online consumers.  Falk and another individual later received payments for the stolen items. 

            Falk was arrested by the New Hampshire State Police on September 13, 2018, in Keene, New Hampshire, in possession of stolen goods worth more than $5000.   In total, the victim stores lost approximately $54,000 as a result of the scheme.

            Falk is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019.

            “Interstate theft and fraud are serious crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect businesses and consumers in the Granite State from such wrongdoing.  I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose work put an end to this criminal scheme.”   

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police and the United States Department of Commerce.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.

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            CONCORD – Nicholas Messina, 27, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Messina was arrested at a hotel  in Nashua, New Hampshire, with fentanyl, cocaine, thousands of dollars, and a loaded firearm. In a post-arrest interview, Messina admitted that he possessed the drugs for distribution.   

            Messina is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2019.  

            “Drugs and guns are a potentially lethal combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Traffickers who use firearms to further their distribution activities present a heightened concern for law enforcement agencies. In order to protect the public from harm, we will aggressively prosecute those who engage in this hazardous activity.”

            “ATF will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts to vigorously combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade," said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF  Boston Field Division.

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

 

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