District of New Hampshire

          CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, a federal jury found Joseph M. Crocco, 42, of Poughkeepsie, New York, guilty of robbing a credit union after a two-day trial.        

          Evidence presented at trial showed that on December 21, 2017, the defendant entered the Service Credit Union branch located in the Walmart on Brattleboro Road in Hinsdale, New Hampshire.  He approached a teller and gave her two notes.  He then told her that he had a bomb strapped to his body and she had sixty seconds to comply with his demands.  The teller gave him approximately $2,700 and he fled the store.  Investigation by the New Hampshire State Police and the Hinsdale Police Department ultimately traced the defendant to Poughkeepsie where detectives from the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department identified the defendant in images taken from the credit union’s security cameras.        

          Crocco will be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

          “Robberies of banks and credit unions are violent and dangerous crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect public safety, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these crimes and ensure that our community is safe.  I want to thank the law enforcement agencies who participated in this investigation.  Their excellent cooperation resulted in the successful prosecution of this defendant.”

          “By threatening to blow himself up and instilling unnecessary fear in the tellers, Mr. Crocco jeopardized the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI is grateful for the strong partnerships we share with our law enforcement partners who worked collaboratively to bring this man to justice. We’d also like to thank the jurors for their service, and for returning a guilty verdict in this case.”

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hinsdale Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Brattleboro, Vermont Police Department, and the City of Poughkeepsie, New York Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Charles Rombeau.

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            CONCORD - Amy Reardon, 33, of North Haverhill, 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, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 14, 2018, the defendant intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 140 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed the defendant’s vehicle arrive and depart the area.

             The agents informed a New Hampshire State Trooper patrolling Interstate Route 93 about their surveillance observations. The trooper stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and identified the driver and Reardon as the sole passenger in the vehicle.  During questioning by the trooper,  Reardon admitted that she had fentanyl in her possession and later was found to have approximately 143 grams of fentanyl.              

            Reardon is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2019.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is causing untold damage throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “As this investigation shows, the law enforcement community is working together to identify and prosecute those who are bringing fentanyl into 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 - David Fagan, 32, of Manchester, 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, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 6, 2018, Fagan intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 50 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed the defendant’s vehicle arrive.  The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to Nashua, New Hampshire, where they stopped the vehicle.  Officers later received a search warrant and recovered approximately one gram of suspected fentanyl in the car. 

            On March 29, 2018, agents learned that Fagan again intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence to purchase 50 grams of a controlled substance. Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction.   Investigators passed on information to the New Hampshire State Police. 

            A trooper later stopped the vehicle heading northbound on I-93.  The trooper identified the driver as the registered owner of the car and Fagan as the sole passenger. The officer spoke to both individuals and obtained consent to search the vehicle.  The trooper located approximately 50 grams of fentanyl under the hood of the car inside the air filter. 

            The investigation revealed that from February 23, 2018, through April 2018, Fagan ordered and purchased over one kilogram of fentanyl.          

            Fagan is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2019.

            “Fentanyl distributors are causing grave harm to our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This case is an example of how members of the law enforcement community are working together to combat the deadly threat that this drug poses to 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 – Meredith Willey, 38, of Groveton, New Hampshire, 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, as a result of an on-going 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.  Willey was a passenger in the vehicle.  Willey subsequently admitted that she and the driver 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 driver purchased fentanyl in Lawrence and resold the drug in New Hampshire.

            Willey is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

            “Fentanyl continues to pose a significant threat to our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We are committed to stopping the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire.  Drug traffickers should understand that the law enforcement community is working hard each day to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this deadly drug 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 - Steven Orr, 53, of Grapevine, Texas, was sentenced on Thursday to 71 months in prison for two wire fraud offenses and unlawful possession of firearms, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in June of 2017, Orr offered to sell four loaders to a company in Windham, New Hampshire for $120,000.  Unaware that Orr did not own the loaders or have authority to sell them, the Windham company arranged for a third party to inspect the loaders and then caused $120,000 to be electronically transferred from its bank account in New Hampshire to Orr’s personal bank account in Texas.

            In August 2017, Orr agreed to sell 21 cranes owned by a company in Joliet, Illinois to a company in Lemont, Illinois, for $2.2 million.  Unaware that Orr did not have authority to sell the loaders, the Lemont company transferred a $550,000 deposit for the transaction from its bank account in Chicago, Illinois to Orr’s account in Texas.

            The court records also reveal that Orr had prior felony convictions for burglary, grand larceny, larceny of an automobile, possession of a controlled substance, and an attempt to distribute contraband in a prison.  Under federal law, it was unlawful for Orr to possess a firearm after his first felony conviction.  Nevertheless, when Special Agents from the FBI arrested Orr last September, they found a Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol and a Taurus .380 caliber pistol in a safe that was inside a recreational vehicle Orr was renting.

            Orr previously pleaded guilty on April 5, 2018.

            “I am grateful to the FBI for its efforts to stop this defendant’s fraud schemes and bring him to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who commit fraud in New Hampshire should understand that they will be prosecuted and incarcerated.  This defendant’s unlawful possession of guns demonstrates his complete disregard of the law, as well as the substantial risk he posed to the community.” 

            “Mr. Orr is a convicted felon and con man who clearly hasn’t learned anything from his time in prison. Hopefully with today’s sentencing, he’ll soon learn that the only place that cheating and swindling will get you is behind bars,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to seek out fraudsters like Orr, who profit through deception, by targeting hard-working businesses.” 

            The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

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            CONCORD – Kenneth Dunn, 60, of Nashua, pleaded guilty to making false statements to obtain federal employee disability benefits, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            The United States Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (“OWCP”) provides workers’ compensation benefits to employees of the federal government, including the United States Postal Service (USPS), who are totally or partially disabled due to injuries sustained during the course of their employment.  While receiving the benefits, a disabled employee is required to report all employment for which he or she received a salary, wage, or payment of any kind in annual reports submitted to the OWCP.  A disabled employee is also required to provide documentation from a medical doctor to demonstrate his or her continued eligibility for the benefits and report any improvements to his or her physical condition. 

             According to documents and statements made in court, Dunn was hired as a Rural Letter Carrier in April 1985.  In November 2010, Dunn began to receive OWCP disability benefits due to employment-related injuries to his neck, back, and arm.  While receiving the disability benefits, Dunn repeatedly reported to the OWCP that was not able to work in any capacity and he was not engaged in any employment activity.

            However, from 2010 through 2017, Dunn conducted thousands of transactions related to the purchase and sale of comic books on the internet, and failed to report the business activity to the OWCP.  In addition, on several occasions from October of 2016 to February of 2018, a Special Agent from the USPS – Office of Inspector General observed Dunn engaged in physical activities inconsistent with his reported symptoms and alleged total disability.  The activities included: entering and exiting his car; clearing substantial amounts of snow off, and from around, his car; driving; walking up and down a flight of 30 stairs; conducting personal and business-related errands for several hours; and lifting and carrying items of various size, shape, and weight.  Dunn was able to perform these tasks without any apparent physical limitation, pain, or discomfort and in conflict with medical documentation from Dunn’s treating physician.

            At a Comicon event in Manchester on September 17 and 18, 2016, Dunn set up a vendor booth and repeatedly bent over to place or pick up large boxes filled with comic books.  He set up and dismantled a comic book display, sold comic books for cash, and stood and sat for long periods without any apparent physical limitation or discomfort.  Dunn repeated the same activities at the Comicon event in Manchester on September 16 and 17, 2017.

            The court documents also reveal that Dunn provided false information about his physical condition to a doctor in February 2017 and March 2018, and false information about his physical condition and work-history to the OWCP in February 2017 and 2018 in order to receive the disability benefits.  Because of this fraudulent conduct, Dunn received disability benefits totaling $87,736 from September of 2016 through July of 2018.

            Dunn will be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

            “Workers’ compensation benefits are an important source of financial support for individuals who cannot work due to their disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Unfortunately, some individuals seek to take advantage of the system to obtain money that they don’t deserve.  In order to protect taxpayer money, we will not hesitate to prosecute those who defraud workers’ compensation or other benefit programs.”

            “The federal Workers’ Compensation program was created to help those who are recovering from injuries obtained on-the-job,” stated USPS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi.  “When a former Postal Service employee defrauds the Workers' Compensation program, the Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will work tirelessly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protect the integrity of this federal benefit program.”

            The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

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            CONCORD - Sara Johnson, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for federal firearms crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson purchased a rifle in a private sale from an individual in New Hampshire sometime in 2015.  Johnson subsequently provided the rifle to an individual Johnson knew to be a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

            Johnson also purchased a pistol in 2015 in a private sale in Bow, New Hampshire.  At the time of the purchase, the pistol’s serial number was intact.  On June 9, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence.  A pistol with an obliterated serial number was found underneath a mattress.  Testing later confirmed it to be the same pistol Johnson had purchased in 2015.  Possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number is a violation of federal law.

            Johnson previously pleaded guilty on February 15, 2018.

            “Those who violate federal firearms laws jeopardize public safety and often put guns in the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Because those who provide firearms to felons increase the risk that those felons will commit violent crimes, we use Project Safe Neighborhoods and our other partnerships with law enforcement to identify and prosecute those who commit gun-related offenses.”

            “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is committed to targeting individuals who are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and have further engaged in trafficking those firearms into other criminals hands,” said Special Agent in Charge, Mickey Leadingham.

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B.  Kelbley.

            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 - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Kory Almand, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in early 2016 and continuing through his arrest in July of 2017, Almand conspired with other individuals in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine to obtain large quantities of fentanyl from sources in Lawrence, Massachusetts for distribution in New Hampshire and Maine.  On July 19, 2017, Almand sold 100 grams of fentanyl to an undercover New Hampshire State Police detective.  On July 25, 2017, Almand made a second sale of 198 grams of fentanyl to the undercover detective after which Almand was arrested and found to have a loaded .38 caliber firearm concealed in his waistband. Subsequent to Almand’s arrest, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on his vehicle and seized $750 in cash and an additional 267.67 grams of fentanyl.

            Almand will be sentenced on January 4, 2019.  He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years on the drug conspiracy charge and an additional five-year mandatory minimum sentence on the firearm charge.

            “The transportation of fentanyl into the State of New Hampshire poses a significant and ongoing threat to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When dealers in dangerous drugs carry firearms, the peril to public safety is even greater.  In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to put fentanyl traffickers out of business. Because of the risks presented by these crimes, we will not hesitate to seek mandatory minimum sentences for traffickers, especially those who use or possess firearms.”

                        This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, New Hampshire State Police, and the Manchester and Tilton Police Departments.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD – Kristen Khanna, 42, of Windham, pleaded guilty in federal court today to healthcare fraud and prescription fraud charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Khanna is a nurse practitioner licensed to practice in the State of New Hampshire who operated Total Pain Care and Wellness, P.A. in Salem, New Hampshire, from October 2009 until December 2015.  The charges focus on 2014 and 2015, when Khanna was the only licensed provider at Total Pain Care, but had an employee who was not a medical provider.  The government’s investigation, which included patient interviews, a review of prescribing data and other investigative techniques, revealed that Khanna was often not present at Total Pain Care and allowed office visits to be conducted by the employee.  On numerous occasions, Khanna would then bill Medicare for those office visits as if she had conducted them herself, causing Medicare to reimburse Total Pain Care for the services purportedly rendered.  Medicare would not have paid for these sham office visits if it had known that the employee, and not Khanna, was providing the service. 

            Khanna also admitted that she would often leave the employee with a pad of pre-signed, but otherwise blank, prescription forms for the employee to fill out and issue to patients in what the two often referred to as “drive-by” visits.  Patients would then take those prescriptions and fill them at local pharmacies, causing Medicare to pay for the prescriptions through the Part D prescription drug program.  The government determined that more than 200 prescriptions for controlled substances were filled by more than a dozen Medicare patients in this manner in 2015.  Had Medicare known that the employee, and not Khanna, had completed and issued these prescriptions, it would not have paid for them. 

            In addition, in 2015, Khanna provided a patient covered by private insurance with pre-signed but otherwise blank prescriptions for that patient to fill out for her own use.  The patient completed the prescriptions, in some instances after exchanging text messages with Khanna, and then presented them at local pharmacies as if they had been written and provided by Khanna.  The patient was able to obtain Oxycontin, Adderall and Percocet (all controlled substances) with these fraudulent prescriptions.

            Khanna is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2019.  She has agreed to pay restitution to the Medicare program in the amount of $127,264.98.  As part of her plea agreement, Khanna, who already surrendered her Drug Enforcement Administration license during the course of the investigation, has agreed to not seek a new DEA registration for a period of ten years.  She will also face a minimum five year debarment from participating in the Medicare program.

            “The battle against opioids is being waged on numerous fronts,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “One sad reality is that there are health care providers who have contributed to the opioid crisis by engaging in illegal conduct.  As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are working together to identify and prosecute health care providers whose prescribing practices violate the law.”         

               “As New Hampshire battles the opioid epidemic we simply cannot allow unqualified individuals to recklessly oversee blank, pre-signed prescription pads,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “This investigation succeeded through joint teamwork with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  And we look forward to working with local, state, and other federal law enforcement partners on future cases.”       

            This matter was a joint investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and Office of Diversion Control.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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           CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Shakur Brownstein, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution FCI-Berlin, pleaded guilty to assaulting another inmate on May 22, 2018. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Brownstein was walking behind another inmate in the Blue Corridor of FCI-Berlin when Brownstein ran up and struck the inmate from behind.  Brownstein fractured the jaw of the other inmate, who required numerous surgeries and the surgical insertion of a titanium plate to hold his facial bones in place.  The attack was captured on videotape and lasted less than 15 seconds. 

            Brownstein will be sentenced on December 21, 2018.

            The staff at FCI-Berlin conducted the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Tyler Twombly, 33, of Laconia, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            According to court documents and statements in court, on May 30, 2017, a Manchester police officer arrested Twombly on an outstanding state arrest warrant.  During the arrest, the officer observed a firearm sticking out of Twombly’s pants.  Twombly is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is a convicted felon.    

            Twombly previously pleaded guilty on April 26, 2018.

            “Project Safe Neighborhoods is an important effort to improve the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through this program, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to get guns out of the hands of criminals so we can reduce violent crime and protect the citizens of the Granite State.”

            The matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted the case.

            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 - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Allard, 33, formerly of Ashland, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2017, Mr. Allard conspired with his wife and co-defendant, Stephanie Allard, to engage in fentanyl trafficking.  On May 19, 2017, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers arranged a fentanyl purchase with Stephanie Allard, then travelled to her residence in Ashland, where Mr. Allard sold fentanyl to the cooperating individual.

            Mr. Allard previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of distribution of fentanyl, on June 4, 2018.

            Stephanie Allard also pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges on June 4, 2018, and she will be sentenced on September 25, 2018.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has caused grave damage to our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this dangerous substance.  Drug traffickers who choose to sell opioids in New Hampshire should understand that they will face substantial prison sentences for their unlawful conduct.”        

               "Disrupting drug trafficking organizations like this one is a critical part of our mission," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  "Fentanyl is a huge problem here in New Hampshire and our Safe Streets Gang Task Force is working very hard to take dangerous drugs off of our streets, along with the people who peddle them. This case is another great example of law enforcement working together to combat the opioid crisis and make our communities safer." 

            This matter was investigated by the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force.  The Task Force is comprised of the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, and the police departments of Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Daniel Sullivan, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in federal prison for the illegal possession of firearms.     

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 and 2016, Sullivan purchased and traded several firearms in New Hampshire with the help of his partner, Sara Johnson.    At the time of these transactions, Sullivan was a convicted felon who could not legally possess firearms.  In several instances, Sullivan contacted private individuals who had posted firearms for sale online, then utilized Johnson – who was not a convicted felon – to assist in the purchase of the firearms.  Once these firearms transactions came to the attention of law enforcement, federal agents obtained a search warrant for Sullivan and Johnson’s residence in Manchester, which resulted in the seizure of a .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.

            Sullivan previously pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on May 31, 2018.

            Johnson pleaded guilty to firearms charges on February 15, 2018.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20, 2018.

            “Keeping guns out of the hands of criminals helps to make our community safer,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When felons unlawfully obtain guns, those weapons all too frequently can be used to commit violent crimes.  This substantial sentence demonstrates our commitment to work closely with our law enforcement partners to improve public safety.”

            “This sentence illustrates the seriousness of prohibited individuals illegally possessing firearms,” said Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  “ATF will continue its tireless pursuit of both firearm traffickers and illegal possessors, by coordinating our efforts with our federal, state and local partners.”

            This matter was investigated by the ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

            The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, 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 – Jared Peterson, 28, of Dalton was sentenced on Tuesday to serve five years in prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2017, after a drug investigation, law enforcement officers from the Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Littleton, New Hampshire police departments executed a search warrant at an apartment in Franconia.  In that apartment, officers found approximately 48 grams of fentanyl.  Peterson later admitted to law enforcement officers that for about a year he had been traveling regularly to Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl to sell in the area of Franconia, New Hampshire.

            Peterson pleaded guilty on May 29, 2018.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has damaged communities throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with all of our law enforcement partners to pursue federal drug trafficking charges against fentanyl dealers who are endangering our state by selling this dangerous substance.”

            This matter was investigated by the Franconia Police Department, with assistance by the Sugar Hill and Littleton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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            CONCORD – Yuriy Khalabuda, 37, of Ukraine, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents, in April and May 2017, Khalabuda and another person used scanned images of gift cards on their cell phones to buy merchandise from the Best Buy store in Salem, New Hampshire.  The gift cards were stolen from individuals through an internet-based fraud scheme that targeted individuals who were looking for employment.

            Khalabuda was arrested on May 13, 2017, after an employee of the Best Buy Store saw him use stolen gift cards to buy merchandise worth more than $2,000.  While executing a warrant to search Khalabuda’s cell phone, investigators from the Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation recovered numerous text messages that implicated Khalabuda in the criminal conspiracy.

            Khalabuda pleaded guilty on May 30, 2018.  After serving his sentence, he faces possible deportation.

            “The criminal conduct involved in this case caused serious financial harm to many innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “People who commit these types of crimes should understand that they will be identified and prosecuted.  I want to commend Salem Police Department and the FBI for their collective and persistent effort to bring this defendant to justice.”

            "We're pleased to see that Mr. Khalabuda is finally being held accountable for deceiving and defrauding local businesses," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  "Anyone who tries to follow in his footsteps by using technology to perpetrate similar schemes should know that we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put a stop to their criminal behavior."

            The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Furber, 46, formerly of Rochester, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for possessing quantities of fentanyl and carfentanil with intent to distribute.

            Court documents and statements made in court showed that during a vehicle stop in Rochester on March 29, 2017, Furber was found in possession of nearly 10 grams of fentanyl.  On April 26, 2017, officers encountered Furber at a hotel in Rochester where he was found with over nine grams of fentanyl and over 28 grams of carfentanil, as well as over $2,000 in cash.  On May 24, 2017, Furber was arrested by the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force at an apartment in North Conway, New Hampshire.  An additional quantity of fentanyl was recovered from the defendant at that time.

            Furber pleaded guilty to the charges on February 13, 2018.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Furber will forfeit $2,105 in drug proceeds to the United States. 

            “Those who distribute deadly opioids are jeopardizing the safety of our communities and threatening lives,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Carfentanil and fentanyl have already caused tremendous damage to the Granite State.  In order to protect public safety, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who sell these dangerous substances.”

            “The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Furber who 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, and the Rochester and Conway Police Departments.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Paul Dwayne Allen, 31, of Lebanon pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Allen was convicted of felonious sexual assault in Grafton County in 2008 and was required to register under the federal Sex Offender and Registration Notification Act (SORNA).  After being released from prison, Allen registered as a sex offender for several years before moving to Florida in 2015 and continued to register while living in Florida.  However, in approximately July of 2017, Allen left Florida without notifying authorities and moved back to New Hampshire.  On October 7, 2017, Allen was arrested in Enfield and was instructed to register as a sex offender on the following day, but failed to do so.    On October 27, 2017, the United States Marshals Service located Allen in Lebanon took him into custody.

            Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2018.

            “Sex offender registration protects public safety by helping to monitor and track sex offenders who are living in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will be aggressive in prosecuting sex offenders who fail to comply with their registration obligations.”

            The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with assistance from the Enfield and the Lebanon Police Departments and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen.

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CONCORD – Jose Rivera-Morales, 31, of Dover, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 23, 2018, Jose Rivera-Morales walked into the Kennebunk Savings Bank in Dover and gave a teller a note demanding money.  Rivera-Morales told the teller “not to be stupid” and displayed a gun, later determined to be an airsoft BB gun.   The teller gave Rivera-Morales a quantity of United States currency.  A K-9 unit tracked Rivera-Morales to a residence not far from the bank and he was apprehended soon after.  Images from the bank surveillance videos were broadcast on local news outlets and distributed via social media, leading to the positive identification of Rivera-Morales.

            Rivera-Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that often can jeopardize the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the law enforcement community to combat violent crimes such as bank robberies.  By combatting violent crime, our goal is ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe in their local communities.”      

            This matter was investigated by the Dover Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon.

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            CONCORD - Michael Holt, 49, of Brentwood, was sentenced in federal court to 51 months in prison for bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 13, 2018, Michael Holt walked into a TD Bank branch in Stratham, New Hampshire, and gave a teller a note claiming to have a gun and demanding money. The teller gave Holt a quantity of United States currency.  On January 19, 2018, Holt entered a People’s United Bank branch in Exeter, New Hampshire, and again gave a teller a note stating that he had a gun and demanding money. He again received a quantity of United States currency. Comparing bank surveillance video of each offense and witness descriptions allowed Stratham and Exeter police to determine that the same person had committed both crimes.  Images from the bank surveillance videos were broadcast on local news outlets and distributed via social media, leading to the identification of Holt, who was apprehended soon after.

            Holt previously pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery on May 10, 2018.           

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that often can jeopardize the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “By working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime, our goal is to ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe in their local communities.” 

            “On multiple occasions, Mr. Holt threatened bank tellers with a firearm if they did not comply with his demands for cash,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentencing reflects the FBI’s on-going commitment in working with our law enforcement partners to protect the streets of the Granite State, from any individuals who threaten innocent citizens or commit violent crimes.”

           This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stratham Police Department, and Exeter Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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            CONCORD – David Maclean, 71, of Swanzey was sentenced to serve 63 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation began in July of 2017 with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department Cyber Crimes Unit in Phoenix, Arizona.

Maclean previously resided in Arizona.  In September of 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence in Swanzey.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residence showed that they contained images and videos of child pornography.

            Maclean, who previously pleaded guilty, also was ordered to pay restitution to victims depicted in the images.

            “Protecting children is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Child pornography crimes cause untold amounts of damage to their young victims.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess, manufacture or distribute child pornography.”        

            “This is a fitting sentence that can be taken as a warning to all who engage in this type of predatory behavior upon children, that they will be held accountable by law enforcement,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “Homeland Security Investigations greatly appreciates the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and of the prosecution team that brought about justice in this disturbing case.”

                This matter was investigated in New Hampshire by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon.

            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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov           

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           CONCORD - Thomas S. Harris, 27, of North Haverhill, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.    

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Harris is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.  On August 25, 2016, Harris sold a Savage Arms, model 18-F, .410 caliber shotgun to a pawn shop in Lisbon, NH.  On September 27, 2016, Harris sold a second firearm, a Keystone Sporting Arms, model Cricket, .22 caliber rifle, to the same pawn shop.    

          Harris previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 9, 2018.

          “In order to protect public safety, we must keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we aggressively enforce federal gun laws and work to improve the safety and security of our communities.”

            The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, the Lisbon Police Department and the Haverhill Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted this case.  

           The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, 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 - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Timothy G. Zani, 39, of Berwick, Maine was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in spring 2015, law enforcement officers received information that Zani was distributing heroin in the Berwick, Maine, and Somersworth, New Hampshire areas. On three occasions between May 7 and June 10, 2015, Zani sold heroin to cooperating individuals at locations in Somersworth, New Hampshire,

            “The distribution of heroin and fentanyl pose a great threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are distributing these deadly substances in the Granite State.”

             “Heroin and fentanyl are causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue and bring to justice anyone who distributes these poisons,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Zani accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Berwick (ME) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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            CONCORD - Brian R. Sanborn, 53, of Franklin, was sentenced to serve 102 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, said United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2017, the New Hampshire State Police executed a search warrant at Sanborn’s residence in Franklin and located approximately 17 grams of nearly pure methamphetamine in the basement of the house.  On the same day, Sanborn, who previously had been convicted of felonies, possessed seven firearms, including four revolvers, two shotguns, and an SKS rifle.   

            Sanborn previously pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on May 15, 2018.

           “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is appearing with increasing frequency in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute methamphetamine traffickers, particular those who endanger the community by possessing firearms while engaging in the drug trade.  I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose efforts stopped this individual’s criminal activities.”

           This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, Franklin Police Department, DEA, and ATF.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.       

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          CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Andrew Lynch, 37, of Rochester, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and heroin.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in May and June of 2017, Lynch sold an individual cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration a total of 190 pills that contained quantities of fentanyl and heroin.

          The types of pills involved in this case are commonly referred to as “dirty 30s.” These pills are extremely dangerous because they are often sold as 30 milligram oxycodone pills to individuals who are unaware that the pills actually contain fentanyl and/or heroin. 

          Lynch is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2018. 

          “Fentanyl and heroin are deadly drugs that have caused grave damage to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When individuals buy pills on the street, they are putting themselves at risk because the pills may not be legitimate and could be extremely dangerous.  In order to protect the citizens of New Hampshire, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug dealers who sell these dangerous substances.”

          This investigation was conducted by the DEA.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD, N.H. - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Edward Espejo, 44, formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, Nevada, 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2018.

          “Methamphetamine is a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, drug that presents a growing threat to the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This conspiracy was responsible for distributing disturbingly large quantities of methamphetamine that posed a grave risk to public health and safety.  I commend the hard work of the investigating agents who were able to dismantle this significant cross-country drug trafficking operation.”

          “Today’s plea is an example of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations that use the U.S. Mail to facilitate the distribution of narcotics such as methamphetamine.  We will continue to be focused on aggressively pursuing those who disregard our laws and bring these drugs into our state and our communities,” said Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johns S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.

          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 - Darren B. Stratton, 45, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute misbranded prescription animal drugs, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2017 through September 2017, defendant Stratton worked at Horsemen’s Tack, Inc. in Newton, New Hampshire.  Among the products Stratton sold to certain customers were equine drugs that were not accompanied by the required prescriptions.  Sales of these drugs defrauded and misled the company’s drug suppliers, federal and state regulators, and the general public. 

            Although the website for Horsemen's Tack indicated that the business had a "vet on call," in fact there was no vet on call.  Instead, Horsemen's Tack had a long-standing relationship with a veterinarian licensed in New Hampshire.  Stratton regularly used the veterinarian's name and license to order prescription animal drugs from mail-order pharmacies even though the veterinarian never visited the Newton store, did not examine horses or meet with horse owners, and provided no actual veterinary services.  During the conspiracy Stratton and Horsemen’s Tack marketed, sold, and distributed numerous drugs for performance-enhancement in racehorses, including levothyroxine, estrone, amikacin, methocarbamol, dexamethasone, tranexamic acid, and erythropoietin/EPO, without lawful prescriptions and without required labels.  On September 20, 2017, federal agents executed a search warrant at Horsemen's Tack and recovered a customer list, prescription drugs, and numerous vials with labels printed on-site.    

            Stratton is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2018.

            “When prescription drugs are sold unlawfully, they can end up in the wrong hands or be used for illicit purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with the FDA to protect the public by enforcing the laws related to prescription drugs.”

            “Prescription veterinary drugs should be dispensed only upon a valid prescription by a licensed veterinarian, and it must bear accurate and true information on the labeling,” said Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ New York Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who attempt to evade the FDA’s protections of animal welfare and jeopardize the health and safety of animals.”

            This matter was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations.  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 today that William Looney, 55, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking.   

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2017, the Manchester Police Department received information that Looney was a drug dealer who was transporting large quantities of fentanyl from Massachusetts to New Hampshire.  On July 28, 2017, law enforcement officers observed Looney travel from Manchester to Massachusetts.  When he returned to New Hampshire, officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested Looney based on an outstanding arrest warrant.  In the center console of the vehicle was a package containing approximately 285 grams of fentanyl.         

            Looney previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on May 24, 2018.   

            “Those who choose to transport fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire should understand that they will be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The substantial prison sentence imposed in this case should serve as a warning to anyone who would engage in dealing illegal substances. I commend the Manchester Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Hampshire State Police for their vigilance in bringing this man to justice.”  

            "Today, Mr. Looney is finally being held accountable for his role in a fentanyl trafficking operation that capitalized on people's addictions and fueled the demand for this deadly drug,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “This case is another example of the FBI's steadfast commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer and get illegal narcotics off our streets.”

             This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

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            CONCORD - Joseph  C. Callahan, 35, of Belmont, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 July 31, 2017, the Belknap County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at defendant Callahan's residence in Belmont, New Hampshire.  During the search, officers recovered more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, three stolen firearms, drug paraphernalia, and $13,122 in cash that was subsequently forfeited. 

            Callahan is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2018.

            “Methamphetamine is a dangerous and deadly drug that is appearing in New Hampshire with increased frequency” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This deadly substance poses a serious threat to our community and those who distribute it will be prosecuted aggressively.  I commend the law enforcement officers whose efforts protected the public by stopping this individual’s drug dealing and also recovering several stolen guns.”

            This matter was investigated by the Belknap County Drug Task Force, Belmont Police Department, Tilton Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Merrimack County Department of Corrections, Metro Las Vegas Police Department, and the Nevada Highway Patrol.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.

            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 Meghan Bowers, 31, of Candia, New Hampshire and Albert Gordon, 45, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the course of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigating agents learned that on March 7, 2018, an individual intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a hand-to-hand exchange between a known drug trafficker and the driver of the car at the driver’s side window. The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire.  A New Hampshire State Trooper stopped the vehicle.  During the traffic stop, the Trooper subsequently located an orange bag containing approximately 184 grams of fentanyl.  Gordon and Bowers admitted that another individual had asked them to drive him to Massachusetts to buy drugs and that they had agreed to do so.

            Gordon is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2018. Bowers sentencing has not been scheduled by the court.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to the aggressive prosecution of those who are bringing fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the citizens of our state from further harm, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who transport and distribute these deadly substances.”

            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 Alisha Morin, 30, of Northfield, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigators learned that on March 9, 2018, Morin intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a hand-to-hand exchange between a known drug trafficker and the front right seat passenger of the vehicle. The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire.  A New Hampshire State Trooper stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and identified Morin as the front seat passenger.  Approximately 31 grams of fentanyl were located in the vehicle.  Some of the fentanyl was hidden in her bra.  The investigation revealed that from February 23, 2018, and continuing through April 5, 2018, Morin ordered over 400 grams of fentanyl from the drug distributors in Massachusetts.

            Morin is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2018.

            “The deadly impact of fentanyl has been felt in communities throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will continue to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this dangerous drug.  I commend the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation for stopping this defendant’s drug trafficking activities.”

            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 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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Brandy Rickaby, 34, of Danielson, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 23, 2016, the defendant’s vehicle was stopped by a New Hampshire State Trooper on I-95 for traffic violations. Based on suspicious actions by Rickaby and a male passenger, the Trooper suspected the vehicle contained drugs.  A dog conducted an exterior search of the vehicle and alerted to an area near the driver’s side window.  Based on his suspicions and the dog’s alert, the trooper impounded the vehicle and applied for a search warrant, which was granted.  Inside Rickaby’s purse, the Trooper located two bags of drugs. One bag contained 302.4 grams of a mixture of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. The second bag contained 33.2 grams of cocaine. 

            Rickaby, who pleaded guilty to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, will be sentenced on November 29, 2018.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who bring illegal drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The interstate transportation of Fentanyl has brought with it overdose deaths on an unprecedented scale. Accordingly, we will continue to enhance our efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”

            The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hampshire State Police.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Debra M. Walsh.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Jose R. Almonte-Tejeda, 40, formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 27, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police’s Mobile Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Almonte-Tejeda on I-95 in the area of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 832 grams of cocaine from Almonte-Tejeda’s vehicle.

           Almonte-Tejeda is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018. 

            “Drug traffickers who come to New Hampshire should expect that they will be arrested and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs by arresting and prosecuting drug dealers.”

            This investigation was conducted by the New Hampshire State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Yossi Rafael Rincon Ramirez, 42, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy and for distributing fentanyl. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least December 6, 2016, through May 2, 2017, the defendant delivered fentanyl to customers on behalf of a drug dealer based in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  On four separate occasions, the defendant sold fentanyl to an undercover DEA agent in Nashua, New Hampshire, and on May 2, 2017, law enforcement officers arrested Rincon Ramirez as he travelled to Nashua to make another drug delivery.         

            On April 23, 2018, Rincon Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and four counts of distribution of a controlled substance.  He is likely to be deported to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.

           “Stopping fentanyl from coming into New Hampshire is a top priority of this office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This dangerous drug continues to cause many deaths and extensive damage our communities.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute traffickers who bring fentanyl into the Granite State.”  

            “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. Rincon Ramirez, 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 matter was investigated by the DEA, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and the police departments of Hudson, NH, Nashua, NH, and Methuen, MA.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley prosecuted the case.

            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 Darlene Tirone, 42, of Seabrook, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the course of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigators learned that on March 14, 2018, Tirone intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase a quantity of fentanyl.  Agents observed Tirone arrive in a vehicle and meet with a known drug runner.  A New Hampshire State Trooper subsequently stopped the vehicle Tirone was in and Tirone admitted to concealing fentanyl within her body.  Tirone retrieved 44 grams of fentanyl.  The intercepted calls revealed that between February 23, 2018, and March 14, 2018, Tirone ordered approximately 712 grams of fentanyl from the drug trafficking organization.

            Tirone is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2018.

            “Stopping the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire is a top priority of this office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This dangerous drug continues to cause deaths and extensive damage to the overall wellbeing of our citizens. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute traffickers and shut down their illegal drug businesses.”   

            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 - Keri Horan, 37, an Ohio resident who was formerly a resident of Salem, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court today to purchasing a firearm for Massachusetts man, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 2, 2015, while living in Salem, New Hampshire, Horan purchased a 9 millimeter handgun from a gun store in Plaistow, New Hampshire, for Justin Weldy, a Massachusetts resident.  In making the purchase, Horan falsely claimed that she was purchasing the weapon for herself.  Weldy previously pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to this incident in Essex County, Massachusetts.

            Horan is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018.

            “Those who make straw purchases of firearms often are putting guns in the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to combat crime and protect public safety, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully buy guns for others.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the police departments of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Salem, New Hampshire.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

            The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, 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 - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Trevor Palladino, 29, of Milford, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty today to possessing child pornography.

            According to court documents and statements in court, Palladino coached a youth softball team in Milford. He used Instagram to communicate with a minor victim who was previously on a softball team that he coached. During some of the communications, the defendant requested that the minor victim send him sexually explicit photographs of herself. She did so. In turn, the defendant sent the minor victim sexually explicit photographs of himself. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence and his cell phone was seized. A forensic examination of the phone by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force revealed sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim.

            Palladino will be sentenced on November 28, 2018. 

            “Protecting the innocence of children is one of the most important jobs of the law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Because of the harm that these crimes cause to their youthful victims, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who are engaged in child pornography offenses.”

            This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Milford Police Department, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments.  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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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             CONCORD - Everton Ellis, 41, of Yonkers, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2017 and January 2018, in Nashua, New Hampshire, defendant Ellis conspired with others to steal identification information of other persons and use those identities to establish new Sprint accounts.  They then caused Sprint to ship thousands of dollars’ worth of iPads and iPhones on credit.  As part of the scheme, Ellis and his co-conspirators: (1) obtained large numbers of Vanilla Visa debit cards; (2) used the debit cards to establish Sprint accounts in the names of individuals whose identities had been stolen; (3) pretending to be the victims whose identities they had stolen, purchased large quantities of iPhones and iPads on credit; (4) caused Sprint to ship the purchased iPhones and iPads to residences in New Hampshire; (5) soon after the goods were delivered, traveled to the New Hampshire addresses where the goods were shipped, trespassed on the properties, and took the packages into their possession; (6) rented a vehicle and a motel room in Nashua for use in the scheme; and (7) manufactured and possessed false photo ID cards in the names of New Hampshire residents.

             Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate closely with our law enforcement colleagues to thwart fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We particularly focus on cases where individuals’ identities are stolen or compromised.  I commend the law enforcement officers whose work disrupted this significant fraud scheme.”

              “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail.  We will continue to conduct investigations that seek prosecution of those who fraudulently use the U.S. Mail by working with our federal and local law enforcement partners.”  Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division

             This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Nashua 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 Jepherson Emanuel Cabrera, 18, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization that authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez, employed the defendant to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England States, including New Hampshire.  On each day that the defendant 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. On more than 20 days, Cabrera sold at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl. Cabrera employed at least one runner to conduct actual hand-to-hand transactions with customers.

            Cabrera is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018.  Cabrera faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life, a fine up to 10 million dollars and a term of supervised release of at least five years and as much as life.

            Thirty-three additional defendants have been charged in the fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Cabrera is the first to plead guilty.

            “Fentanyl trafficking has caused tremendous damage in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to work closely with the entire law enforcement community to stop the flow of this deadly drug. It is imperative that we dismantle the criminal organizations that profit from the sale of illegal substances.”

            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 today that Geraldo De La Cruz Cabral Pena appeared in federal court today after being extradited from the Dominican Republic to face a drug trafficking conspiracy charge.

            Cabral Pena, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, is charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin from 2013 through October 2016.  A grand jury for the District of New Hampshire indicted Cabral Pena on the charge on January 25, 2017. 

            After he was charged, authorities in the United States and in the Dominican Republic worked to locate Cabral Pena.  He was arrested by Dominican Republic authorities in March 2018.  Extradition proceedings resulted in his release to the DEA on August 16, 2018.  DEA agents brought him from the Dominican Republic to the United States the same day.

            “Defendants facing federal indictment on drug trafficking charges should expect that the full weight of law enforcement will be brought to bear to return them to the United States for trial” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This was a cooperative effort and I want to thank the Dominican authorities as well as the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that contributed to this successful result.”   

              “DEA is addressing the threat, both domestically and internationally,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s extradition not only holds Mr. Cabral Pena accountable for his actions but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic, that DEA will do everything in its power to bring them to justice.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners.”

             If convicted, Cabral Pena faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of $10,000,000.  

             The indictment is an allegation. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; and the Methuen Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith is prosecuting the case.

            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 – Helen Pamela Flores Feliz, 28, a citizen of the Dominican Republic most recently residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to serve 30 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual in Nashua, New Hampshire, on various occasions from May of 2017 to February of 2018. When the defendant was arrested, she attempted to assume a false identity and possessed a fraudulent birth certificate, driver’s license, and United States passport.  

            Flores Feliz previously pleaded guilty on May 10, 2018.  After serving her prison sentence, it is likely that she will be deported to the Dominican Republic.

            “Opioids are killing hundreds of residents of New Hampshire each year,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target drug traffickers who seek to sell fentanyl and other opioids in the Granite State.  I commend the law enforcement officers for protecting the community from the dangers posed by the fentanyl in this case.”

            “DEA is committed to investigating Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Ms. Flores Feliz who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes deadly drugs.”

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nashua Police Department, and the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Gayle McNamara, 57, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, McNamara was one of eight defendants arrested on October 25, 2016 as part of a large investigation of heroin trafficking activities based in and around Lawrence, Massachusetts.  McNamara and some of her co-defendants operated so-called trap houses, which were residences where customers of a drug trafficking organization could meet individuals who were delivering the drug to the customers.  Other co-defendants picked up the drugs at the trap houses and sold them in New Hampshire and elsewhere.

            On May 4, 2017, McNamara pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin.

            “Drug trafficking is causing serious damage to the health and safety of the citizens of the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We are committed to working with our law enforcement colleagues to arrest and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing heroin and other deadly drugs.”

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

            This matter was investigated by the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.

            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 Miguel Arias Velasquez, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy. 

            According to documents filed with the court and statements made during the sentencing hearing, between approximately January 2017 and July 6, 2017, Arias-Velasquez made deliveries of heroin and fentanyl to customers of a drug organization working out of a residence on Water Street in Lawrence.  Customers would call to order drugs and Arias-Velasquez and others would drive to locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to deliver the drugs.  Arias-Velasquez and his coconspirators were arrested in July of 2017.

            Arias Velasquez pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on May 8, 2018.  He is likely to be deported to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.

            “Those who choose to sell heroin or fentanyl in New Hampshire will be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We work each day with our law enforcement partners to protect our community by putting drug dealers out of business. Those who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly drugs will be targeted for arrest, prosecution and sentencing.   This case is a product of that cooperative effort by law enforcement.”

            “The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin 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 matter was investigated by the DEA, the Massachusetts State Police, the United States Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.

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            CONCORD - Ariel Mendoza, 26, Angel Forteza-Concepcion, 18, and Katyushkanair Baez Vega, 18, all of Manchester, have been charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to an Indictment that was unsealed last week, Mendoza and Forteza-Concepcion knowingly deposited stolen checks and money orders to bank accounts at Service Credit Union, TD Bank, Bank of America, and St. Mary’s Bank.  The Indictment also alleges that Mendoza and Forteza-Concepcion used the proceeds of the fraudulent deposits to withdraw cash from the accounts and conduct debit card purchases with ATM cards assigned to the accounts.  The Indictment also charges Mendoza with stealing a check from a mailbox in Salem, New Hampshire.

            According to a second Indictment that was unsealed last week, Mendoza and Baez Vega deposited stolen checks and money orders to bank accounts at Bank of America, TD Bank, Service Credit Union, and Digital Credit Union.  The Indictment also alleges that Mendoza and Baez Vega used the proceeds of the fraudulent deposits to withdraw cash from the accounts and conduct debit card purchases with ATM cards assigned to the accounts.

            Mendoza and Forteza-Concepcion were arrested in Federal Heights, Colorado area on August 4, 2018.  Baez Vega was arrested in Concord, New Hampshire, on August 9, 2018.

            The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an accusation and Mendoza, Forteza-Concepcion, and Baez Vega are presumed to be innocent unless the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

            The cases are being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Manchester Police Department, and the Salem Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Debra Kerouac, 28, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography.

            A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2018.   Under the terms of a plea agreement, which is subject to review and approval by the court, Kerouac will serve 25 years in prison and remain under supervised release for 20 years after she is released from prison.

            According to documents filed in the case and statements made at the change of plea hearing, sometime before May 24, 2017, Kerouac produced visual depictions of a minor female engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Kerouac used a cellular phone to produce the images.  Kerouac’s activities were discovered based on a lead from a case investigated by the FBI in Duluth, Minnesota.  A Duluth FBI agent notified the Bedford office of the FBI and an arrest warrant and search warrant were executed on May 24, 2017 in Manchester.

            “Few crimes are as reprehensible as the sexual exploitation of a child,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The impact of such acts on the child, family members, and those close to them may be severe and long-lasting. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting our children and making our community safer by prosecuting those who produce child pornography.”

            “The production of child pornography is an assault against the most vulnerable members of our society, and with today's plea, Ms. Kerouac is accepting responsibility for preying on and exploiting her young victim,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend predators like her who carry out these heinous crimes.”   

            The FBI and the Manchester Police Department participated in the investigation of this case.  Staff from the Hillsborough County Child Advocacy Center assisted in the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Donald A. Feith and Helen White Fitzgibbon prosecuted the case.

            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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Katrina Jones, 39, formerly of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses.  

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones and Dustin Moss led a drug distribution network in New Hampshire. Together, they organized a system to facilitate deliveries of methamphetamine to various New Hampshire addresses.  Jones and Moss imported a large quantity of nearly pure methamphetamine, contained in multiple packages mailed from Las Vegas, Nevada, to New Hampshire, beginning in mid-2016 and continuing until April 2017.  Many of the packages weighed more than 5 pounds. Federal agents intercepted some of the packages in transit through the postal system.  The final two packages, intercepted in April 2017, contained a total of 20 pounds of methamphetamine.  In addition, 21 packages containing cash payments for the methamphetamine were sent from New Hampshire to the Las Vegas-based methamphetamine supplier.  Jones controlled communications with the supplier and traveled to Las Vegas to meet with her supplier.  She also used a U-Haul storage facility in Manchester, New Hampshire, to receive drug packages, sometimes in concert with Moss.  Finally, Jones also distributed fentanyl as well as methamphetamine. 

            Jones pleaded guilty on April 27, 2018, to three felony drug distribution counts for distribution of fentanyl, distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.    

            On August 2, 2018, Dustin Moss was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution and firearms charges.  On June 28, 2018, Sabrina Moss, who was also part of the drug distribution network, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. 

            “Illegal drug distribution rings, like the one prosecuted in this case, are a threat to public health and safety, particularly when they traffic in drugs as dangerous as methamphetamine and fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The significant prison sentence imposed in this case should serve notice that the cost of illegal drug dealing in New Hampshire will be high and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is vigilant in prosecuting drug traffickers. I commend the law enforcement agents whose dedication and hard work led to the discovery and dismantling of this drug distribution network.”     

            “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works diligently to rid the U.S. Mail of illegal drugs,” said Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division.  “Postal Inspectors accomplish this by focusing on illicit drug mailers, distribution rings and by maintaining an aggressive drug parcel-detection program.  Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort with our federal law enforcement partners to keep these highly addictive drugs off our streets.”

            “DEA is committed to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA, and prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney William Morse and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.

            OCDETF:  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, N.H. – Tyler Bourgoin, 24, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2017, Bourgoin purchased a Glock, Model 42, .380 caliber pistol from Riley’s Sport Shop, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Hooksett, New Hampshire. When Bourgoin completed the required paperwork to make the purchase, he falsely claimed that he was the actual purchaser of the firearm. An investigation revealed that in fact, Bourgoin bought the gun for another person who had given him the money to make the purchase. The Manchester Police Department later recovered the gun in June 2017 during an unrelated drug investigation. 

            Bourgoin is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2018.

            “So-called ‘straw purchases’ of guns like the transaction in this case may endanger the public by putting firearms in the hands of criminals who use them to commit other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Prosecuting these cases is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to deter illegal firearms transactions and get illegally acquired guns off the street.”

            This case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  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, N.H. –United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John McLaurin, 28, an inmate at FCI-Berlin, was sentenced to an additional six months in federal prison for attempting to possess a controlled substance within a federal prison.

            According to documents filed with the court and statements made at the sentencing hearing, McLaurin placed a greeting card in the mail at the prison on or about September 15, 2017.  Prison staff intercepted the card and found a note hidden in the card.  The note provided detailed instructions for obtaining a synthetic cannabinoid (commonly referred to as K2) and smuggling it into the prison.  

            McLaurin previously pleaded guilty on April 19, 2018.

            The Bureau of Prisons investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted this case.

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CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Dustin Moss, 31, formerly of Weare, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in April of 2017, Moss purchased a large package of methamphetamine from a drug supplier in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Moss also arranged, through his sister, Sabrina Moss, to have another individual, Brian O’Rourke, pick up the package.  On April 19, 2017, federal agents intercepted the package.  After obtaining a search warrant, they discovered 12 pounds of 92-percent pure “ice” methamphetamine inside the package. 

          Later that day, agents delivered the package, now containing “dummy” drugs, to O’Rourke.  Agents then followed O’Rourke to a location in Manchester where Moss was waiting.  Once O’Rourke transferred the package to Moss, agents arrested both men.  Inside Moss’ car, agents found, among other things, a loaded Smith & Wesson firearm, throwing knives, and two black ski masks, as well as $10,590 in cash, a digital scale, and drug packaging and distribution paraphernalia.  The $10,590 was forfeited to the United States in an administrative forfeiture proceeding and the firearm will be forfeited pursuant to a civil forfeiture proceeding.

          Moss previously pleaded guilty on April 25, 2018, to one count of attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The drug count carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and the firearm charge carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.

          On June 28, 2018, Moss’s sister, Sabrina Moss, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.  O’Rourke pleaded guilty on December 22, 2017, and is awaiting sentencing.

          “This lengthy prison sentence serves notice that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is fully committed to aggressively prosecuting drug traffickers, particularly those who use firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Methamphetamine is a rising threat to public health and safety and dealers should expect serious penalties after conviction.  I commend the law enforcement agents whose efforts ended this defendant’s drug trafficking business. We will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute those who choose to distribute this dangerous drug.”

          “The sentence imposed today on Dustin Moss demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our partners in law enforcement, and at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to the prosecution of mailers and recipients of illegal drugs to the fullest extent of the law,” said Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S Postal Inspection Service  “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to keeping methamphetamine and other highly addictive drugs, from destroying lives."    

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

          This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA.  It was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney William Morse and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck is handling the asset forfeiture matter.

         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 - Angelina Keenan, 24, formerly of Salem, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally purchasing firearms for a Massachusetts resident, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in December 2016, Keenan purchased guns from federally licensed firearms dealers in Hooksett and Pelham. During each purchase, Keenan filled out an ATF Form 4473, a form that all federally licensed firearms dealers are legally required to complete for over-the-counter firearms sales.  In filling out the form, Keenan falsely stated that she was purchasing the firearms for herself, when in fact, she was purchasing the guns for a Massachusetts man who could not legally purchase them for himself in New Hampshire.  In addition, Keenan represented on the purchase forms that she was not an unlawful drug user, when in fact she was addicted to heroin. 

Keenan pleaded guilty to two counts of making a material false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm.  Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 15th, 2018.

            “Those who purchase guns for others illegally can endanger the public because the guns often are used to commit violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, the law enforcement community in New Hampshire works each day to keep guns out of the hands of criminals in order to safeguard our community.” 

“Firearms trafficking continues to be a top priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners.  ATF is committed to identifying and disrupting the sources of illegal firearms which jeopardize the safety of our communities,” said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

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 - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Jacome, 35, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to serve 37 months  in federal prison for oxycodone trafficking.

           Court documents and statements in court showed that on four separate occasions from January to May of 2017, Jacome sold quantities of oxycodone pills to undercover DEA agents at a location in Kingston. On June 19, 2017, Jacome was arrested by the New Hampshire State Police during a traffic stop after Jacome was found to be in possession of 500 oxycodone pills. In total, Jacome distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute over 1,500 oxycodone pills.

          Jacome pleaded guilty on March 20, 2018, to four counts of distributing oxycodone and one count of possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.  After serving prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.

          “The illegal distribution of oxycodone and other opioids presents a serious hazard to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Many of those who struggle with addiction to heroin or fentanyl began by using oxycodone.  We will continue to work in conjunction with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully distribute these deadly substances.”

          “The DEA is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who illicitly distribute oxycodone,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.   “Opiate abuse is a major problem in New Hampshire and throughout New England.  The diversion of prescription pain killers, in this case oxycodone, contributes to the widespread abuse of opiates, is the gateway to heroin and fentanyl addiction, and is devastating our communities.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in the Granite State to aggressively pursue any group or individual that traffics these drugs.”

          This investigation was conducted by the DEA and the New Hampshire State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.

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