District of New Hampshire

             CONCORD - Liam Delorey, 37, of Salem, pleaded guilty in federal court to escape, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Delorey had been in federal custody since 2017.  He was serving a sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release following a federal felony conviction for narcotics distribution.  In May of 2018, he was transferred from a Bureau of Prisons facility to a residential reentry center in Manchester, New Hampshire, to start pre-release programming.  On June 18, 2018, the defendant signed out of the center to go to work.  Although he knew he was required to return by 8:00 p.m. that night, he did not do so.  His whereabouts were unknown until he self-surrendered to the U.S. Marshals in Concord, New Hampshire on the evening of June 19, 2018.

            Delorey is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2018.

            This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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            CONCORD - Raul Vantroi Arias Ruiz, of the Dominican Republic, 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, from at least December 6, 2016, through May 2, 2017, the defendant arranged for the sale of fentanyl to customers in New Hampshire, using his co-defendant, Yossi Rafael Rincon-Ramirez, to make drug deliveries.   Four of the fentanyl sales he arranged during that time period were made to an undercover DEA agent in Nashua, New Hampshire.

            Based on these drug buys, law enforcement officers arrested the defendant at his residence in Methuen, Massachusetts, on May 2, 2017.  After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, which included two adjacent apartments on the second floor of the building, law enforcement officers found approximately $941,994 in U.S. currency and two firearms, as well as approximately 90 grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of heroin, and 30 pounds of marijuana. 

            The $941,994 was forfeited to the United States in a civil forfeiture proceeding.  As part of his plea agreement, Arias Ruiz also will forfeit the firearms.

            Arias Ruiz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 30, 2018.

            State charges remain pending against him in Massachusetts related to the drugs and firearms seized from the Methuen residence.

            Rincon-Ramirez previously pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2018.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to stopping the transportation and distribution of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to coordinate with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for introducing these lethal substances into the Granite State.  We also will use federal forfeiture laws to ensure that drug dealers and their suppliers are not able to profit from their criminal activities.”

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

            This 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck handled the asset forfeiture matter.

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            CONCORD - Katie Jo Waters, 29, of Pembroke, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2018 and May 2018, Waters received multiple packages of methamphetamine mailed by persons in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Over the same period, to pay for the drugs, Waters made 11 separate money transfers, totaling $18,700, to suppliers in Las Vegas.  Postal Inspectors intercepted two of the mailed packages destined for the defendant’s address and seized a total of more than one pound of nearly pure methamphetamine.  On April 11, 2018, a New Hampshire State Trooper stopped Waters and another individual in Canterbury, New Hampshire, and eventually seized more than 38 grams of methamphetamine and a Sig Sauer 9 mm. pistol from the car she was driving.  Defendant Waters was arrested on federal charges on May 9, 2018.           

            Waters pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2018.

            “Even as we struggle with the opioid crisis, methamphetamine poses an increasing threat to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This dangerous drug can cause damage to those who use it and it also creates substantial public safety concerns.  I am grateful for the efforts of the law enforcement officers who worked together on this case to stop this defendant’s drug trafficking activities.”

            “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to combat drug trafficking and to send a clear message that the use of the U.S. Mail to facilitate drug trafficking will not be tolerated,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, Delany De Leon-Colon, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.

            “DEA is committed to bringing 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 matter was investigated by the DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New Hampshire State Police.  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 - Stephen Marando, 57, formerly of Franklin, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 13, 2017, Marando and another individual drove from Franklin, New Hampshire, to Lawrence, Massachusetts in order to buy fentanyl.  After they obtained the fentanyl and were on their way back to Franklin, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop on their vehicle.  During the course of the stop, the other individual attempted to discard a package containing 91 grams of fentanyl that they had picked up in Lawrence. 

            Marando pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2018.

            “Each day, law enforcement officers in New Hampshire are working to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Interrupting the transportation of drugs frequently requires that New Hampshire state troopers engage traffickers on our highways.  Often they are our first line of defense. We will continue to work with State Police and all of our law enforcement partners to prevent drug dealers from further damaging our community and endangering our citizens.”

            “With today's plea, Mr. Marando is now accepting responsibility for trafficking fentanyl, which has killed more people in New Hampshire and the United States than any other drug. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to working to defeat this menacing threat, one drug trafficking organization at a time,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Arthur Voutselas, 27, previously of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to a fentanyl trafficking charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on two separate occasions in January 2018, Voutselas sold small quantities of cocaine to a cooperating individual working with law enforcement.  In February 2018, a state court judge granted a search warrant for Voutselas’ Nashua residence, and the subsequent search yielded approximately 76 grams of fentanyl, over $10,000 in U.S. currency, and other indicia of narcotics trafficking, including a scale, ledgers and bagging materials.  Voutselas was arrested by state authorities and has been in custody since February 21, 2018.

          Voutselas, who pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, will be sentenced on October 26, 2018.  He also will forfeit $12,955 to the United States. 

         “The deadly impact of fentanyl trafficking is being felt each day throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with all of our law enforcement partners to protect lives and promote public safety. We will concentrate our efforts on identifying and prosecuting those who are selling this dangerous substance.”           

          “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

          This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L Rombeau.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Peter Dauphin, 45, of Laconia, was sentenced to serve 50 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on five separate occasions in April and May of 2017, Dauphin sold “ice” methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers.  All of the transactions took place at Dauphin’s automotive repair shop in Gilford, New Hampshire.     

            “Even in the midst of the opioid crisis, New Hampshire continues to experience problems associated with the distribution of other drugs, including methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Prosecutions such as this demonstrate that the law enforcement community is continuing in its cooperative effort to stop all forms of drug trafficking in the Granite State.”

            “Mr. Dauphin took advantage of the addiction problem that many people are struggling with here in the Granite State, and targeting dangerous drug dealers like him will continue to be the collective focus of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force because no one in our community should have to live in fear of the activity that drug trafficking brings to their neighborhoods,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

                This matter was investigated by the Police Departments of Gilford and Laconia, in conjunction with 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 Yomar Maldonado, 22, formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced serve 60 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.

          Court documents and statements in court showed that from December of 2016 through February of 2017, Maldonado conspired with others to sell approximately 95 grams of fentanyl to an undercover New Hampshire State Police detective inside the Rockingham Mall in Salem, New Hampshire.

          Maldonado pleaded guilty on April 10, 2018.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for four years.  He also faces potential deportation to Spain after serving his sentence.

          “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that continues to cause grave damage to the people of the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the safety of our community, we will use every resource at our disposal to investigate and prosecute drug dealers who sell fentanyl in New Hampshire.”

          This investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Hampshire State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD, N.H. - Chaka Meredith, 43, previously of Laconia, New Hampshire was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for committing seven unarmed bank robberies in late 2016 and early 2017, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

           On January 18, 2018, Meredith pleaded guilty to the following crimes:  (1) the December 29, 2016, robbery of a Bank of America branch location in Boston, Massachusetts;  (2) the January 3, 2017, robbery of an East Boston Savings Bank branch location in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; (3) the January 11, 2017, robbery of a Meredith Village Savings Bank branch location in Laconia, New Hampshire; (4) the January 17, 2017, robbery of a  Santander Bank branch location in Lawrence, Massachusetts; (5) the January 24, 2017, robbery of a TD Bank branch location in Lawrence, Massachusetts; (6) the January 25, 2017, robbery of a Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank branch location in Pepperell, Massachusetts; and (7) the January 30, 2017, robbery of a Santander Bank branch location in Plaistow, New Hampshire.   The bank robberies proceeded in much the same fashion with Meredith presenting a demand note, receiving a sum of cash, and proceeding to flee on foot.  Meredith has been in custody since his arrest by the Lawrence, Massachusetts Police on February 1, 2017. 

           Meredith was originally indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Concord, New Hampshire, with the Plaistow robbery.  He waived venue and agreed to plead guilty to the Massachusetts robberies in order to resolve all of his pending charges in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire resulting from the month-long bank robbery spree. 

          Following his release from prison, Meredith will serve 3 years on supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $10,438 in restitution to the seven banks he robbed.

          “Bank robberies jeopardize the safety of bank employees, as well as members of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In our efforts to reduce crime and protect our citizens, the law enforcement community works together to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies and other crimes that undermine public safety.”

          “As a result of the close and efficient collaboration with our law enforcement partners, Chaka Meredith will now spend the next several years behind bars paying for his multi-state crime spree.  The FBI is extremely grateful that nobody was injured by this serial bank robber, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to identify and disrupt others like him who commit violent crimes,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Laconia Police Department, the Plaistow Police Department, the Belknap County Sheriff’s Department, the Brookline, MA Police Department, the Lawrence, MA Police Department, the Pepperell, MA Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police.  The Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk District Attorneys’ Offices in Massachusetts as well as the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office also provided invaluable assistance to investigators.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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          CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Derick Jennings, 48, formerly of Manchester, was sentenced to serve a total of ten years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking offenses.

          Court documents and statements in court showed that, while on supervised release for a prior drug trafficking crime, Jennings sold fentanyl on three separate occasions in January and February 2016, to an individual who cooperated with the Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department.  On April 6, 2016, two individuals were arrested in Manchester during a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of 244.45 grams of fentanyl that had been packaged for sale.  Investigators determined that the individuals were drug “runners” for Jennings.  On July 18, 2016, the DEA executed a search warrant at Jennings’ Manchester, New Hampshire apartment and seized 57.7 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, multiple cellphones, and $6,100 in cash.  The cash was later forfeited to the United States.

           Jennings pleaded guilty on February 15, 2018, to three counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

          Jennings was sentenced to serve eight years in federal prison for the drug trafficking offenses and two years of additional imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release, for a total of ten years in prison.

          When released from federal prison, Jennings will be on supervised release for four years.

          “The Attorney General’s recent visit to New Hampshire once again highlighted the damage that fentanyl is doing to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to target, prosecute and deter the drug traffickers who distribute this deadly drug in the Granite State.”

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

          This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshal’s New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, the Strafford County Drug Task Force and the Manchester and Rochester, New Hampshire Police Departments.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD, N.H. –U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Bashir Masaoud, 31, an inmate at FCI-Berlin, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for assaulting staff members at the prison.

              According to court documents and statements in court, on May 23, 2017, Masaoud left his cell on Unit A-3 of the prison, crossed the common area of the unit, and grabbed the shirt of a correctional officer.  Masaoud attempted to strike the officer with a closed fist.  Masaoud was subdued with pepper spray and the assistance of other officers.  Masaoud kicked another officer who was assisting in getting Masaoud under control.

             Massoud pleaded guilty on August 2, 2018, to two counts of assaulting federal officers.

Masaoud is currently serving a ten-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The 24-month sentence will start after Masaoud completes his current sentence.

             The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons staff at FCI-Berlin.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.

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          Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray and Brian D. Boyle, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New England Field Division, announced that additional charges have been brought against members of a drug trafficking conspiracy.

          On April 25, 2018, U.S. Attorney Murray announced that 32 individuals were charged with participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. On Wednesday, a superseding indictment charged Sergio Martinez, 28, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with aiding and abetting a distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death. The indictment also charged four individuals, Sergio Martinez, Joshua Smith, 29, of Plaistow, New Hampshire, Jesus Rivera, 20, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Julio Saldana, 18, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, it charges three individuals, Sergio Martinez, Raulin Martinez, 36, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Luz Perez-Demartinez, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with money laundering.

          Two additional individuals, Luz DeJesus, 33, and Henry Marte, 21, both of Lawrence, Massachusetts, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

          If convicted, each defendant charged in the fentanyl distribution conspiracy faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life, as well as a fine of up to $10 million. If convicted of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, Sergio Martinez faces a mandatory minimum of twenty years in prison and a maximum sentence of life, as well as a fine of up to $10 million.

          The charges were the culmination of a year-long investigation by the DEA in coordination with federal, state, and local authorities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. In addition to the 34 defendants charged in this indictment, thirteen individuals were charged in related indictments with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.

          The investigation, which culminated in the execution of various search warrants on April 9, 2018, led to the seizure of over 30 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, two firearms, and over $500,000 in cash. In court documents, the government has alleged that the investigation targeted a drug trafficking organization led by the Martinez brothers, Sergio and Raulin. The conspiracy was extensive and organized. The Martinez brothers allegedly used a vast network of dispatchers and distributors to serve customers large and small with knowledge that a substantial amount of drugs were going to New Hampshire. They allegedly maintained a residence in Lawrence, Massachusetts, staffed by dispatchers who took drug orders over various “customer phones.” Dispatchers allegedly then communicated with distributors located throughout the Merrimack Valley to arrange for customers to meet them.

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

          “New Hampshire knows all too well about the deadly nature of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We are fully committed to ending the opioid epidemic and will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.”

          “DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations like this one who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “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 this poison.”

      This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.

          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 cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky, Seth R. Aframe, and Debra M. Walsh.

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          Concord –  Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray yesterday announced Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a new program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.

          As part of Operation S.O.S., the Department will launch an enforcement surge in ten districts with some of the highest drug overdose death rates, including the District of New Hampshire.  New Hampshire has experienced record numbers of deaths from fentanyl overdoses and has one of the highest per-capita overdose death rates in the United States.  

          Each participating United States Attorney’s Office will choose a specific county and prosecute every readily provable case involving the distribution of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids, regardless of drug quantity. The surge will involve a coordinated DEA Special Operations Division operation to insure that leads from street-level cases are used to identify larger scale distributors. Operation S.O.S. was inspired by a promising initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida involving Manatee County, Florida.  In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will focus its efforts on Hillsborough County.  This county, which includes Manchester and Nashua, has the highest number of overdose deaths in the state.  The program is expected to be initiated in the near future.

          "When it comes to synthetic opioids, there is no such thing as a small case," Attorney General Sessions said. "In 2016, synthetic opioids killed more Americans than any other kind of drug. Three milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal--that's not even enough to cover up Lincoln's face on a penny. Our prosecutors in Manatee County, Florida have shown that prosecuting seemingly small synthetic opioids cases can have a big impact and save lives, and we want to replicate their success in the districts that need it most. This new strategy—and the new prosecutors who will help carry it out—will help us put more traffickers behind bars and keep the American people safe from the threat of these deadly drugs."

          “The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on New Hampshire, taking promising young lives and damaging our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “I am grateful to the Attorney General for his ongoing commitment to assist our state’s efforts to respond to this issue.  Through Operation S.O.S., we will be able to enhance our aggressive efforts to identify and prosecute those who are distributing fentanyl and other deadly opioids in the Granite State. We look forward to partnering with the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office and all of the law enforcement agencies operating in that county to implement this program.  Working together, we can ensure that fentanyl dealers are required to face justice in federal court.”  

          The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Executive Office will send an additional two-year term Assistant United States Attorney to each participating district to assist with drug-related prosecutions.  In addition to New Hampshire, the following districts also will receive additional prosecutors:

                                                          Northern District of Ohio

                                                         Southern District of Ohio

                                                         Eastern District of Tennessee

                                                         Eastern District of Kentucky

                                                         Southern District of West Virginia

                                                        Northern District of West Virginia

                                                        District of Maine

                                                        Eastern District of California

                                                        Western District of Pennsylvania

          Operation S.O.S. is based upon successful prosecution efforts in the Middle District of Florida.  Aggressive prosecutions of synthetic opioid traffickers in Manatee County resulted in a 77.1 percent reduction in overdoses and a 74.2 percent reduction in deaths.

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            CONCORD - Victoria Duford, 26, formerly of Northwood, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from July 2016 through April 2017, Duford purchased large amounts of methamphetamine from her co-conspirator Katrina Jones. In addition, on at least six occasions during the same time period, Duford received postal packages containing large quantities of methamphetamine on behalf of Jones at addresses in New Hampshire.  Duford would bring the packages to Jones, who would often give Duford a portion of the methamphetamine as payment.  Jones pleaded guilty on April 27, 2018, to several counts of drug trafficking, including two counts of distributing methamphetamine.

            Duford is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2018.

            “While opioids have presented a serious threat to our state for some time, the distribution of methamphetamine is rapidly becoming a major concern,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This dangerous drug can cause serious harm to those who use it, as well as to our communities.  We will be vigilant and aggressive in our efforts to address the public safety issues presented by methamphetamine.”

            “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 New Hampshire streets.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement in the Granite State to aggressively pursue anyone who traffics this poison.”

            “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to keeping the U.S. Mail, its employees, and customers safe.  Those who use the U.S. Mail to transport dangerous or illegal substances, such as methamphetamine, will be investigated and brought to justice," said Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.

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

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            CONCORD - Juan Garcia, 34, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on Thursday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2016, the FBI received information regarding a drug dealer known as “Tony,” who was distributing drugs in Nashua and elsewhere.  “Tony” was later identified as the defendant, who has used multiple names, including Juan Garcia.  In February and March of 2016, the FBI used a cooperating individual to buy over 40 grams of fentanyl from the defendant and his associates in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  The defendant was subsequently arrested in April 2017. 

            Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2018.

           “Fentanyl trafficking poses a grave danger to the health and safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will aggressively target and prosecute those who are distributing this lethal drug in the Granite State.”

            "This defendant had no regard for the people to whom he peddled his poison, and the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to do work with our law enforcement partners to do everything it can to put a stop to drug dealers like him in an effort to make our communities safer, " said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division

            This matter was investigated by the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which is comprised of the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, and the Police Departments of Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua.  Assistance was provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Kelbley and First Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Farley.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Imtiaz Shaikh, 46, of Manchester pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the State of New Hampshire. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Shaikh’s scheme involved the purchase of tobacco products other than cigarettes, referred to as “other tobacco products” or “OTP,” from various suppliers located in Pennsylvania.  Shaikh and others then transported the products to New Hampshire for sale to retail businesses.  In New Hampshire, wholesale distributors of OTP must be licensed and are required to file reports identifying the quantity of OTP sold each month.  During the period of the scheme identified in the charging document, New Hampshire taxed OTP at 65.03 percent of the wholesale sales price.  Shaikh avoided most of the licensing and reporting requirements by conducting business through a number of shell corporations.  Except for a single report filed in September 2014, Shaikh and the entities he created failed to pay the taxes owed to the State of New Hampshire.  The state lost an estimated $1.5 million in tax revenue as a result of the scheme.

             A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 16, 2018.  

            “Although no one likes to pay taxes, we all are required to follow the law,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This defendant’s fraud scheme deprived the state of lawful tax revenue in order to enhance his personal income.  Those who choose to engage in schemes like this should understand that we are committed to the aggressive prosecution of individuals who engage in fraudulent conduct.”

            “The guilty plea entered today by Mr. Shaikh brings an end to his elaborate scheme to avoid paying taxes through the sale and distribution of tobacco products. The state of New Hampshire and its taxpayers are the really the ones who have suffered the consequences of his actions.  The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop this type of criminal activity, and make sure the taxpayers are made whole,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

            Mr. Shaikh’s tax evasion scheme increased the burden on New Hampshire’s law-abiding citizens, forcing them to make up the difference,” said Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Boston.  "Today, honest taxpayers have been reassured that no one is above the law.  We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners on these important investigations to protect the integrity of the American tax system."

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the IRS Criminal Investigation, Boston, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, the Salem New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration all participated in the investigation of this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.

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            CONCORD - Kyle Leavy, 32, of Farmington, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2017, Leavy sold fentanyl to an individual who was cooperating with the FBI on three separate occasions at locations in Rochester, New Hampshire.  During the third drug deal, Leavy sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

      Leavy pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing a controlled substance.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16, 2018.

             “Fentanyl traffickers pose a substantial risk to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Because this deadly substance has caused major damage to our community, we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl in the Granite State.”

            "With today’s plea, Mr. Leavy is accepting responsibility for his role in the opioid crisis. However, there’s much more work to be done. The  FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force will not stop until we have leveraged every available resource to identify others like him who are flooding our communities with  fentanyl, preying on people’s addictions, and contributing to their deaths,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

            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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

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            CONCORD - Joseph A. Foistner, 67, an attorney and resident of New Boston, New Hampshire, was arrested on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

             According to an Indictment that was unsealed earlier today, Foistner is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts.  Until May 2017, he owned and managed “The Law Office of Joseph A. Foistner, Esquire & Affiliates, P.C.”

            The five-count Indictment alleges that Foistner received a $2.9 million personal loan from North American Savings Bank through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Program in November of 2015.  The Indictment also alleges that he received a $250,000 business loan from Newtek Small Business Finance, LLC, through the U.S. Small Business Administration loan guaranty program in April of 2017.  According to the Indictment, Foistner obtained the loans by providing false information about his law office’s income production and his personal income to the bank and Newtek.

            According to the Indictment, the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Program is designed to help veterans of the U.S. military achieve home ownership and the SBA’s loan guaranty program is designed to promote the creation, expansion and development of small businesses.

            In the money laundering charge, the Indictment alleges that Foistner engaged in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000 when he caused $201,000 from the proceeds of the $250,000 business loan to be deposited to a bank account owned by an entity known as the “JFL Nominee Trust.”

            During a hearing in U.S. District Court earlier today, Foistner’s trial was scheduled for September 5, 2018.

            The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an accusation and Foistner is presumed to be innocent unless the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.   

            The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division; the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Asssistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella and John S. Davis.

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             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Sabrina Moss, 32, formerly of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve six years in federal prison for participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

            According to court documents, in April of 2017, Sabrina Moss agreed with her brother Dustin Moss to enlist another person to “catch” a large package of methamphetamine to be purchased by Dustin Moss and mailed by a supplier in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Sabrina Moss recruited another New Hampshire man, Brian O’Rourke, to receive the package, and agreed to pay him with a quantity of crack cocaine.  On April 19, 2017, federal agents intercepted the mailed parcel, obtained and executed a search warrant, and discovered 12 pounds of 92 percent pure methamphetamine inside.  Later that day, agents delivered the package, now containing “dummy” drugs, to O’Rourke.  Agents then followed him to a location in Manchester where Dustin Moss was waiting to receive the package of drugs. 

            Both Dustin Moss and O’Rourke were arrested that day.  They both have pleaded guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentencing. 

            Sabrina Moss was arrested on November 20, 2017.  She pleaded guilty on March 19, 2018.

            “Although opioids remain a high priority for prosecution, methamphetamine also presents a significant risk to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This addictive substance is appearing in the Granite State with greater frequency and it poses a serious danger to the health and safety of those who ingest it.  We will continue to partner with the law enforcement community to identify and prosecute those who are distributing this very dangerous drug.”

            “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to combat drug trafficking,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Delany De Leon-Colon.  “Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort to keep methamphetamine and other drugs out of our communities.  When the U.S. Mail is used to transport illegal drugs, it is taken very seriously.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works diligently to preserve the integrity of the mail by investigating and bringing to justice, those who use it illegally.”

             “This sentence reflects DEA’s commitment 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 investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement and our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue anyone who traffics this poison.”

            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. Attorney John S. Davis.

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            CONCORD - Robert R. Costello, 28, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 14, 2016, Costello walked into a Citizens Bank in Manchester, New Hampshire, and told the teller to give him money, using words to the effect of, "I don't want to hurt anybody but I'm desperate and it could happen." The teller gave Costello a quantity of United States currency.  Surveillance cameras captured images of the robbery, which were broadcast on the news and in social media. Following tips from a number of individuals, Manchester police were able to identify Costello, who was apprehended on December 20, 2016.   

            Costello is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2018.

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that threaten the safety of our citizens.” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We are committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to combat crimes of violence, protect our citizens and improve the safety and security of our state.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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               CONCORD – United States attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Yoelfi Feliz, 21, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for obtaining firearms in exchange for drugs.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 8, 2017, through April 13, 2017, Feliz conspired with another individual to purchase eight firearms in exchange for drugs and to pay down a drug debt.  The co-conspirator claimed that he started purchasing firearms for Feliz because he owed Feliz money for heroin that Feliz had “fronted” him.  According to the co-conspirator, he ran up a drug debt of approximately $2000.  The co-conspirator stated that Feliz asked him to buy firearms as a way to pay off his debt.   One of the firearms was recovered after a juvenile in Lawrence, Massachusetts shot himself in the hand with the firearm.    

            Feliz previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

            “Placing guns in the hands of drug traffickers endangers everyone,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to prevent the illegal sale of firearms and fully prosecute those who commit crimes involving firearms.”   

            “When individuals illegally obtain numerous firearms, it is likely they will end up in the hands of criminals which puts the public's safety at risk.  ATF is focused on using every investigative technique available to remove all illegal firearms from our streets in order to keep our communities safe,” said Mickey Leadingham Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division.

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

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Leonard Johnson and Robert Dales, both inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution FCI-Berlin, were sentenced to 12 months and 10 months, respectively for assaulting another inmate at the prison.  The court ordered that their sentences run consecutively to the sentences they are currently serving.

            According to documents filed with the court and statements made during the sentencing hearings, on May 23, 2017, Johnson and Dales were in Unit A-4 of the prison when they attacked another inmate.  The attack, which was captured on videotape, included Johnson and Dales punching, kicking and stomping on their victim.  Johnson and Dales continued the attack even though prison staff ordered them to stop.  Only after the defendants were threatened with use of pepper spray did the attack end.

            The victim was treated for his injuries at Androscoggin Valley Hospital.  He suffered lacerations and bruising to his head, eyes, and ears.

            Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to committing the assault.

            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 - David Laughton, 52, of Merrimack, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of theft of public money, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, at the time of her death in June 2005, Laughton's mother was receiving widow’s benefits from the Social Security Administration ("SSA") and federal pension benefits from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC"), a wholly-owned United States government corporation.  After her death, SSA and PBGC continued to deposit these monthly benefits into her bank account.  Though he was not an account holder, Laughton gained access to his mother's bank account and knew that SSA and PBGC made regular deposits to the account.  However, Laughton did not advise SSA or PBGC that they were making erroneous payments to his deceased mother and instead, for over a decade, he withdrew the money from the account to pay for his own personal expenses.  As a result, Laughton converted approximately $118,031 in Social Security benefits and $54,376 in federal pension benefits to his own use.          

            Laughton is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2018.

            “Federal benefit programs serve an important purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify instances of fraud and abuse in these programs to ensure that these benefits only go to those who are entitled to receive them.”

          Special Agent in Charge Scott Antolik said:  Protecting the Social Security Trust Fund is one of my office’s highest priorities.  I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership in prosecuting those who seek to defraud the government”.  I strongly encourage the public to report suspected instances of Social Security fraud to the OIG's Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report."

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

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            CONCORD - William Bischoff, 76, of York, Maine, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison for operating a multi-million dollar investment fraud scheme and failing to file federal income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2009 through September 2017, Bischoff defrauded more than two dozen clients of his financial advisory business by falsely promising to invest their money in real estate, structured legal settlements, high yield notes, and a start-up recycling business.  He further guaranteed returns that far exceeded market norms.  Bischoff sent many solicitations to the victims of the fraud scheme by e-mail.

            In total, Bischoff stole $5,647,446.33 from the defrauded investors.  To conceal that conduct, Bischoff used money he received from some victim investors to make payments to other victim investors.  He also provided monthly account statements to the victim investors that falsely represented the balance of their (fictitious) investment accounts.

            Bischoff’s also failed to file individual federal tax returns for the four-year period from 2011 to 2015, which resulted in a $568,845 tax revenue loss to the U.S. Treasury.

            Bischoff pleaded guilty on March 9, 2018, to one count of wire fraud and one count of willfully failing to file federal tax returns. 

            “It is hard to comprehend the emotional and financial harm that Mr. Bischoff inflicted on the victims of his criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “It is my sincere hope that the prosecution of this case will deter other people from engaging in similar conduct.  Those who commit financial crimes should understand that we will aggressively prosecute them and will not hesitate to recommend substantial prison sentences.”

            “Mr. Bischoff betrayed his unsuspecting clients and defrauded them out of millions of dollars through an elaborate scheme he devised for his own personal gain,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in rooting out those who engage in financial crimes like this. Those who abuse their positions of trust to illegally enrich themselves will be held accountable for their actions.”      

            The Deputy Director of the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation, Jeffrey Spill, said, "The Bureau was pleased to do its part in this coordinated investigation. When the fraud was uncovered, the agencies acted quickly to shut the scheme down which prevented further losses."     

            "The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel," said Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. "The federal tax laws are routinely violated in these cases which can add additional jail time. “

            The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case, which was originally handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.

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            CONCORD – Jessica Fithian, 34, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced in federal court to 6 months in prison for purchasing a firearm for a Massachusetts felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Fithian agreed with co-defendant Matthew Bergeron to purchase a firearm, ammunition, and an extended clip magazine on Bergeron’s behalf in July and August 2016, from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hooksett, New Hampshire.   In completing the purchase of the firearm, Fithian falsely stated that she was purchasing the firearm for herself when she was, in fact, purchasing it for Bergeron.  At the time, Bergeron was a previously convicted felon and a resident of Massachusetts, and could not legally purchase firearms for himself in New Hampshire.  The scheme to acquire the firearm came to light after the firearm was recovered in late August 2016 in connection with a shooting incident in Leominster, Massachusetts, where Bergeron was present.

            A federal grand jury indicted Fithian and Bergeron in November 2016.  Bergeron previously pleaded guilty to his conduct involving Ms. Fithian and an additional individual, and was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment in June 2017.  Fithian pleaded guilty in March 2017.  Following the completion of her term of imprisonment, Fithian has been ordered to serve a term of 3 years of supervised release.

            “In order to reduce violent crime and protect our community, we must prevent convicted felons from obtaining firearms” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The imposition of a prison sentence in this case should serve as a warning to those who would be willing to provide firearms to felons.”

            “ATF is determined to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.  Far too many violent crimes result from straw purchasers buying guns for people who are prohibited from having them.  ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and arrest those who commit these criminal acts,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lawrence Panetta.

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

            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 today that Richard Silvestri, 49, of Seabrook, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, sometime before December 7, 2017, Silvestri produced visual depictions of an eight-year-old minor female engaging in sexually explicit activity.  Silvestri used a Samsung cellular phone to produce the images.  Silvestri’s activities were discovered based on a lead from an undercover agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) based in Alaska.  That agent notified the Bedford office of the FBI and Silvestri was arrested on December 7, 2017 in Seabrook. 

            A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 27, 2018.

            “The production of child pornography is a terrible crime that causes real damage to its young victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to locate and prosecute individuals who engage in this unlawful conduct and to seek justice for the victims whose lives are affected by these predators.”

            “Mr. Silvestri is finally accepting responsibility for his atrocious actions.  He repeatedly abused an innocent child.  Few, if any, crimes are more outrageous.  That’s why the FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our children from predators like him,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

            The FBI and the Seabrook Police Department participated in the investigation of this case.  Staff from the Rockingham County Child Advocacy Center also 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 - David Hamilton, 20, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court to 20 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the straw purchase of a firearm, and for being a prohibited drug user in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2016, Manchester Police responded to reports of shots fired, followed by a car accident.  When police arrived at the scene, the occupants of the vehicle had fled, leaving behind a pistol.  Upon further investigation, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that in June 2016, Hamilton persuaded another individual to “straw purchase” the pistol on Hamilton’s behalf.  Specifically, when the purchaser filled out the paperwork required for purchasing the pistol, he falsely stated that he was purchasing it for himself, and not for Hamilton, in violation of federal law. 

            Approximately two months after the straw purchase, in August 2016, a Manchester Police Officer observed Hamilton – who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest – walking across the Granite Street Bridge in Manchester, New Hampshire.  As the officer approached, Hamilton threw a pistol over the sidewalk railing.  Police arrested Hamilton and recovered the pistol, which was found to have an obliterated serial number.  At the time, Hamilton was an unlawful drug user, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

            “Those who unlawfully obtain firearms present a serious risk to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working aggressively to combat violent crime, in all of its forms.  Those who choose to use firearms to commit crimes in New Hampshire will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

            “Today’s sentencing is another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the safety and security of communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Mickey Ledingham.  “ATF will continue to combat violent crime and to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.”

            This matter was investigated by the ATF and the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane 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 today that Antonio Priester, 37, an inmate at FCI-Berlin was sentenced to six months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of attempting to possess prohibited objects within a federal prison.  The prohibited objects Priester was attempting to possess were Schedule I controlled substances known as DMT and jwh-018.   

            According to documents filed with the court and statements made at the change of plea hearing, in March 2017 Priester sent a number of emails to several individuals directing them to web sites through which the controlled substances could be obtained.  He directed one individual to purchase jwh-018 from a particular web site. Priester also provided directions for sneaking the substances into the prison.

            The sentence imposed in connection with this charge must be served consecutively to any sentence currently being served by Priester.

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

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             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Alfredo Gonzalez, 50, of Manchester was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            In November of 2017, a jury convicted Gonzalez of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, more than one kilogram of heroin.  

            Evidence presented at the trial established that Gonzalez was a Manchester-based heroin trafficker who purchased heroin from a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization run by Alberto Guerrero Marte.  The trial evidence proved that Gonzalez negotiated deals to obtain at least 1.4 kilograms of heroin in June and July 2016.  On July 10, 2016, surveillance agents followed Gonzalez from Manchester to a restaurant in Lawrence, where Gonzalez met Marte and others to conduct a deal for 500 grams of heroin.  A law enforcement officer later stopped a vehicle operated by a runner for Gonzalez and seized 504.4 grams of heroin.       

            After serving his prison sentence, Gonzalez will be on supervised release for ten years.

            “Those who choose to sell heroin and other dangerous drugs in New Hampshire will be held fully accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “These drugs have caused tremendous harm to our community and continue to generate record numbers of overdose deaths.   In order to safeguard the lives and safety of our citizens, we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to prosecute drug dealers to the fullest extent of the law.”

            “DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Gonzalez who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s substantial sentence not only holds Mr. Gonzalez accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs 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 this poison.”

            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 – Brett Gessay, 55, of Exeter, was sentenced to six months of home detention and two years of probation and was ordered to pay full restitution to the Social Security Administration for making a false statement in order to obtain Social Security benefits, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to public records in the case, Gessay began receiving Social Security disability benefits in January 2007.  Beginning in at least January of 2008, Gessay was self-employed as a construction worker.   His income from this job rendered him ineligible to get most of the Social Security disability benefits that he received while he was self-employed.   Gessay did not report this work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and concealed his self-employment and self-employment income from the SSA.   In mid-2016, Gessay admitted to investigators that he had concealed his work and income from the SSA in order to continue receiving disability benefits.  As a result of his concealment, Gessay received over $48,000 in disability benefits that he was not entitled to receive.

            “Federal benefit programs exist for those who truly need them,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who use fraud to cheat the system are defrauding federal taxpayers and undermining the integrity of the system.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who seek to defraud federal benefit programs.”

            Special Agent in Charge Scott Antolik from the SSA Office of the Inspector General said, “This sentencing should serve as a warning to people who choose to selfishly defraud Social Security’s disability programs.  We would also like to thank the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Special Investigations Unit for its assistance with this investigation.  I strongly encourage the public to report suspected instances of Social Security fraud to the OIG’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report.”

            The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Special Investigations Unit, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Karen B. Burzycki.

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            CONCORD - Matthew Felton, 38, of Somersworth, was sentenced to serve 25 years in federal prison followed by lifetime supervised release for production of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant used several social media accounts to disguise his identity, pose as a female representative of a modeling agency, and solicit sexually explicit photographs of young girls purportedly to help them secure modeling contracts. Specifically, he persuaded three girls (ages 12 through 14), all of whom were located in Canada, to photograph themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The girls sent the photographs to the defendant over the Internet.

            Felton pleaded guilty on January 18, 2018.

            “The defendant’s conduct here justified this long prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “On-line predators such as this defendant cause substantial harm to their young victims and must be incarcerated in order to protect the public.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who use the Internet to victimize children in order to produce and distribute child pornography.”

             “This case was a great example of what strong coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors can achieve in combatting the scourge of child pornography and child endangerment from those who would engage in such depraved acts”, said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent–In -Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI is committed to ensuring that justice is delivered against these type of predators.”

           This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and law enforcement authorities in Canada.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.           

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

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            Concord - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Thomas William Hickey, 34, of Nashua was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 27 months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

            According to statements made in court, Hickey was convicted in Florida in 2003 of lewd or lascivious molestation of a 12-year-old girl.  As a result of that conviction, he was required by law to register as a sex offender.  After his release from prison, Hickey later registered as a sex offender in Florida and Massachusetts.

            In July of 2017, the Nashua Police Department reported to the United States Marshals Service (USMS) that it had received a tip that Hickey was a sex offender who had been living in Nashua for a period of months without registering.  The USMS confirmed with Massachusetts authorities that Hickey was in fact a sex offender who had been living in Massachusetts.  The Massachusetts authorities were unaware that Hickey had moved to New Hampshire.

            Hickey later was interviewed by a Deputy U.S. Marshal and a Nashua Police Detective and admitted that he had moved to New Hampshire in 2017 because he did not want people to know he was a sex offender.

            Hickey previously pleaded guilty to this offense on February 6, 2018.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for five years.

            “Maintaining the safety of our children is a primary objective of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “By aggressively prosecuting sex offenders who fail to comply with their registration obligations, we are attempting to protect our community’s children from being victimized.  I am grateful to the United States Marshals Service and the Nashua Police Department for locating this individual who sought to prevent the public from learning about his status as a sex offender.”

            “This investigation was a combined effort between the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force and the Nashua NH Police Department.  Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 7,029 arrests,” said Chief Deputy Brenda Mikelson of the USMS. “These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the USMS fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 8 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.”

           This case was investigated by the USMS and the Nashua Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen.

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            CONCORD - Michael Roman Burghardt, 34, of Manchester, was sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement agents began an investigation after receiving information from a reliable source that Burghardt was carrying a firearm. At the time, Burghardt was a previously convicted felon and could not legally possess any firearms.  On arresting Burghardt on an unrelated warrant, agents found him to be carrying a gun consistent with the information they had received.          

            Burghart, who previously pleaded guilty on December 8, 2017, will be on supervised release for three years after serving his sentence.

            “In order to keep our community safe, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to reduce violence by aggressively enforcing federal law.  I commend the work of the law enforcement officers whose work led to this prosecution.”

            “Today’s sentencing is another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the safety and security of communities,” said Special Agent in charge Mickey Leadingham of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  “ATF’s top priority is to combat violent crime and keep guns out of the hands of violent offenders and keep criminals off the streets.”

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

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

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Michael Gutierrez, 34, of Pomona, California, pleaded guilty to five counts of producing child pornography. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Gutierrez contacted minor females in New Hampshire through social media and initiated conversations with them through social media platforms.  Gutierrez represented himself to be a 14-year-old female and used the usernames of “Chloe_is_Awesum,” “spamaccount.c” and “Doogteg.”  Gutierrez persuaded the minor females to send him sexually explicit images.  Gutierrez then demanded additional sexually explicit images from the minor females and threatened to distribute the images already provided if the minor females did not comply.  Gutierrez collected the images in 2015 and 2016.  In late 2016, a mother to one of the victims discovered the demands made by Gutierrez and reported them to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI’s investigation led to the identification of Gutierrez. 

            A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2018.

            “Protecting our children from exploitation is a vitally important priority for this office and essential to the well-being of our entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This case shows how predators can use the anonymity of the internet to manipulate young victims.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who engage in such disturbing conduct.”

            “Gutierrez’s offenses are heinous and the impact on his victims is immeasurable.  He not only abused and exploited vulnerable children, he re-victimized them over and over again because the horrific images stay in circulation forever,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI will continue to do everything in its power to stop children from being exploited and bring to justice those responsible.  This case is a great example of the work that can be done when state and federal law enforcement officers collaborate across state lines.”

            “This case was a great example of what strong coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors can achieve in protecting our communities from predators who engage in child pornography,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh. Special Agent–In -Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI is committed to continuing our fight against these type of predators.”

            The FBI the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Goffstown Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the New Boston Police Department, the Mont Vernon Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department all participated in the investigation of this case.  Staff from the Hillsborough County Child Advocacy Center also assisted in the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Donald A. Feith and Helen White Fitzgibbon are prosecuting 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 Attorneys, 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 a jury found Kurt Carpentino, 34, of Manchester, New Hampshire, guilty of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

            In a trial that began on June 7, 2018 and ended with the jury’s verdict on June 11, 2018, evidence demonstrated that Carpentino transported a person under the age of 18 from New Hampshire to Vermont with intent to engage in sexual activity. 

            Evidence at trial showed that on April 27, 2017, the Hinsdale, New Hampshire Police Department received a report of a missing 14-year-old child. The child was found later that morning at an abandoned motel owned by the defendant’s sister in Rockingham, Vermont. The child told the police that the defendant took her to the motel and that they had sex there. The defendant was observed driving by the motel and arrested nearby.  Later that day, he admitted to taking the child from New Hampshire to Vermont and having sex with her at the hotel.  A few weeks later, the defendant wrote the victim letters from jail, attempting to get her to recant her statement to the police.

            Sentencing is scheduled for September 19, 2018.  The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

            “Those who prey on children will be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.   “There is no place in our community for those who attempt to rob children of their innocence.  I am grateful for the courage of the young victim, as well as the hard work and dedication of the investigators and prosecutors who secured this guilty verdict.”

            The investigation in this case was led by the Vermont State Police, Homeland Security Investigations in Manchester, New Hampshire, the Hinsdale, New Hampshire Police Department, the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department, the Springfield, Vermont Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police, with the assistance of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth R. Aframe and Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

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            CONCORD – Nicole Roskos, 30, of Epsom, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation began when the defendant sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual.  In September of 2017, police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and found four firearms, ammunition, over 511 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $24,000.    

            Roskos previously pleaded guilty to the charges on March 2, 2018.  After she is released from prison, the defendant will serve a three-year term of supervised release. 

            “The deadly combination of fentanyl trafficking and firearms pose a substantial threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute deadly drugs such as fentanyl.  It should be noted, that drug dealers who choose to use guns to further their unlawful activities subject themselves to longer prison terms when convicted.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police. 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 Eric Treantos, 38, of Lynn, Massachusetts was sentenced today to serve 210 months in prison for child pornography offenses.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in August of 2015, a police officer in Australia was conducting an undercover investigation into possible possession and distribution of child pornography through the internet.  The officer identified a suspect who had posted suspicious images, including a number of images depicting a girl who appeared to be under the age of 10.  The undercover police officer and the suspect later exchanged emails and the suspect sent the officer additional images of the same young girl. 

            An investigation into the email account showed that the suspect was in New Hampshire when he sent emails to the undercover police officer in Australia.  Investigators later identified the suspect as Treantos.  Treantos was arrested on September 23, 2015, and has been in custody since that date.

            Treantos pleaded guilty on July 31, 2017, to possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.  After his prison sentence, Treantos will be on supervised release for the rest of his life. 

            “The distribution of child pornography is a particularly horrific crime that can gravely damage its innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with its law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who exploit children by distributing these terrible images.  This case is yet another example of that great teamwork.”

            “Today’s significant sentence is a clear demonstration of the consequences awaiting, and should serve as a sobering reminder to, those who engage in the possession and distribution of child pornography” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent In Charge, U.S. Immigrations and Customs and Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston  “We strongly applaud the close coordination among our Australian partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) with our team of dedicated HSI agents that brought about this sentencing. This case highlights the critical importance of local, state, federal and international law enforcement cooperation in fighting the growth of these very disturbing crimes that can reach from local communities out across the world and back again.”  

            This case was investigated by U.S. Immigrations and Customs and Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Boston, with assistance from Queensland Police Service in Australia, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen.

            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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Joseph Norko, 51, of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, was sentenced on Friday to serve 121 months in prison for attempting to arrange sexual encounters with children.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Norko’s charges were based on two online undercover investigations. One investigation was conducted by the Portsmouth Police Department and one was conducted by the Lebanon Police Department. In July of 2017, the defendant responded to an online advertisement posted by a Portsmouth police officer purporting to offer sex with a 12-year-old girl. In September of 2017, he responded to an online advertisement posted by a Lebanon police officer purporting to be a 15-year-old girl. The defendant then traveled from Vermont to New Hampshire in order to engage in sexual contact with the person he thought was 15 years old. 

            Norko pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted online enticement and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity on February 22, 2018.  His prison sentence will be followed by ten years of supervised release.

            “Protecting children from predators is an important priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Sadly, there are predators who use the anonymity of the Internet to locate and prey upon young victims.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the safety of the children from those who would rob them of their innocence.”

             “Online exploitation of children is one of the most disturbing crimes we investigate. It’s always very satisfying when our close coordination with our federal and state partners successfully brings the predators who engage in this behavior to justice,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Boston.

            This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, Grafton County Attorney’s Office, Vermont State Police, the Lebanon Police Department, the Portsmouth Police Department, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments.  The case was 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  – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire Scott W. Murray announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis in New Hampshire.

          In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas.  The District of New Hampshire will receive two of these attorneys. One will focus of violent crime, while the other will concentrate on civil enforcement of federal laws.

          “Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.'  When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”

          U.S. Attorney Murray welcomed the announcement, saying “The horrible opioid crisis plaguing New Hampshire has brought with it great suffering, including thousands of overdose deaths, illnesses and violent criminal activity associated with the drug trade. Given limited resources, the additional prosecutor is critical to our ability to combat crimes of violence that endanger our citizens, especially those involving firearms. The new civil enforcement attorney will allow us to directly confront one of the factors contributing to the crisis. Specifically, we will take aggressive action against practitioners who prescribe or distribute controlled substances in an illegal, irresponsible manner. We will also step up our efforts to pursue civil remedies against health care providers who defraud Medicare and other federal benefit programs.”

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Christopher Chandonnais, 26, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to oxycodone trafficking charges.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 19, 2017, the Nashua Police Department conducted surveillance of the defendant making a drug sale to another drug distributor. They subsequently searched the defendant’s vehicle and recovered approximately 90 oxycodone pills and over $11,000. The investigation confirmed that the defendant regularly sold oxycodone pills and made a profit of approximately $10 per pill sold.

            Chandonnais pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2018.

            “The opioid problem in our state is fueled, in part, by the use and abuse of oxycodone,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who unlawfully distribute these substances.”

            This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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          CONCORD - Daniel Sullivan, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally possessing firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

          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, which resulted in the seizure of a .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.

          Sullivan is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2018.

          Johnson pleaded guilty to firearms charges on February 15, 2018.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27, 2018.

          “Violent crime threatens the safety of our citizens and the fabric of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Protecting the residents of the Granite State from violence and gun-related crimes is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, we work with our law enforcement partners each day to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and reduce the risk of violence.”

          “Firearms trafficking continues to be a top priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners and we are committed to identifying and disrupting the sources of illegal firearms which jeopardize the safety of our communities,”  said Special Agent in Charge Mickey  Leadingham of 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 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 – Jeffrey Bacon, 27, of Franconia, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of 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, law enforcement officers from the Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Littleton, New Hampshire police departments executed a search warrant for the defendant's apartment in Franconia, New Hampshire. In that apartment, officers found approximately 48 grams of fentanyl.      

            Bacon is scheduled to be sentenced on  September 12, 2018.

            “Fentanyl continues to pose a very serious threat to the health and safety of the citizens New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners throughout the Granite State to identify and prosecute those who are distributing this deadly drug.  This case shows that this dangerous drug can be found in all parts of our state.”

            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, a citizen of Ukraine, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Khalabuda and another person used scanned images of Best Buy gifts cards on their cell phones to buy Apple products from the Best Buy store in Salem, New Hampshire, in April and May 2017.  On May 13, 2017, an employee of the Salem store observed Khalabuda use scanned images of gift cards to buy merchandise worth more than $2,200 and notified the Salem Police Department.   Later that day, Khalabuda was arrested by the Salem Police Department for driving without a driver’s license.  While investigating Khalabuda’s use of the gift cards, the Salem Police Department obtained a warrant to search a cell phone he possessed at the time of his arrest.  During the search, investigators found text messages showing that Khalabuda knew that the gift cards he used at the Salem store had been obtained fraudulently.

           Khalabuda will be sentenced on September 12, 2018.

            “Unfortunately advances in technology provide more opportunities for fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Prosecuting individuals who fraudulently obtain money and property is an important priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  The prosecutors in this office will continue to work diligently with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute fraudulent conduct in its many forms.”

          "Individuals like Mr. Khalabuda who defraud local businesses drive up prices for all consumers,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “This case should serve as a warning to others that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate those who commit financial fraud and take advantage of others through their criminal behavior."

            The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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            CONCORD- United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Jared Peterson, 28, of Franconia, pleaded guilty in federal court fentanyl trafficking charges.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2017, law enforcement officers from the Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Littleton, New Hampshire police departments executed a search warrant for an apartment in Franconia, New Hampshire that was leased by Peterson.  In that apartment, officers found approximately 118 grams of fentanyl.  The defendant admitted that he traveled to Massachusetts to purchase the fentanyl and bring it to Franconia, where he and others intended to sell it.      

            Peterson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2018.

            “Fentanyl continues to present a very serious threat to public safety in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working without our law enforcement partners throughout the Granite State to identify and prosecute those who are distributing this deadly drug.  I am grateful for the work of the law enforcement officers in this case whose efforts prevented the distribution of a very sizable amount of fentanyl.”

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

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             CONCORD –United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Michell DeJesus, 38, of Lowell, Massachusetts was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            Documents filed with the court established that DeJesus participated in a drug trafficking organization between April 2016 and September 2016.  DeJesus took orders for heroin from customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and directed runners for the organization to make deliveries to those customers.

            DeJesus previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin. 

            “The distribution of heroin and other dangerous drugs presents a substantial risk to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to identity and prosecute those who profit from the sale of these deadly substances.”

            “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in the Granite State,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA is committed to aggressively pursuing Drug Trafficking Organizations or 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; 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.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

            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 - William James Dunn, Jr., 35, previously of Burlington, Vermont, pleaded guilty in federal court to escape from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Dunn has been in federal custody since a felony conviction in 2012 in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont for narcotics distribution.  In September of 2017, he was transferred from a Bureau of Prisons facility to the Hampshire House in Manchester, New Hampshire in order to start his pre-release programming.  On December 23, 2017, he received a nine-hour furlough to attend a family funeral in Burlington, Vermont.  Dunn did not return within the prescribed nine hours and his whereabouts were unknown until he turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals in Burlington, Vermont on the morning of December 27, 2017. 

            Dunn is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2018.

           This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L Rombeau.

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            CONCORD - William Looney, 55, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to a fentanyl trafficking charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

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

            Looney pleaded guilty to one count of possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2018.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is threatening the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are distributing this dangerous substance in New Hampshire.  I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who successfully prevented this significant amount of fentanyl from being distributed in the Granite State.”     

             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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Kelbley.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Edward McLarnon, 69, of Malden, Massachusetts, was sentenced to serve 25 years in federal prison for receiving firearms with intent to commit murder and other related charges.

            After a six-day trial, McLarnon was convicted on January 30, 2018, of: (1) receiving an unregistered silencer; (2) receiving firearms with the intent to commit murder; (3) receiving explosive materials; and (4) receiving an explosive with the intent to harm persons or property.    

            Evidence presented at trial showed that in October 2015, defendant McLarnon made contact with a person he believed to be an arms dealer (who was actually an undercover FBI agent) for the purpose of buying illegal weapons.  After negotiating with the agent at a store in Chichester and paying a total of $700 cash, on November 6, 2015, the defendant took possession of a .22 caliber pistol with silencer, an AK-47 style semi-automatic rifle, and explosives, along with ammunition for the firearms.  He then was arrested at a rest stop in Seabrook, NH.  The evidence further showed that McLarnon intended to use the weapons to kill his ex-wife's husband, as well as a Boston federal judge and a former Massachusetts Attorney General.          

            In imposing the 25-year sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe said “But for some exceptional law enforcement work, you may have caused serious harm to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Federal Judiciary and Mr. Douglas."

            “This lengthy sentence is an appropriate punishment for this defendant, whose conduct was truly frightening and dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Because the defendant was frustrated with the legal system, he planned to engage in disturbing acts of violence.  We should all be grateful that our law enforcement partners were able to prevent this defendant from putting his violent plan into action. The substantial prison sentence imposed by the court should act as a deterrent to others who might plan to commit violent crimes”.   

                "Mr. McLarnon went to great lengths and concocted a frightening plan to kill his ex-wife's husband, a sitting federal judge, and a former Massachusetts Attorney General, as a way to express his displeasure with the judicial system.  Through the exceptional work and diligence of our Joint Terrorism Task Forces in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, we were able to uncover and disrupt his nefarious plot,” said  Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  "Today's sentence ensures that he will no longer be in a position to endanger innocent lives for a very long time.”

  This matter was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Brian Sanborn, 53, of Franklin, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to methamphetamine trafficking. 

            According to court documents and statements in court, on December 8, 2017, the New Hampshire State Police executed search warrants 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 pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  He will be sentenced on September 4, 2018.

            “Methamphetamine trafficking continues to pose a serious threat to the health of our citizens and the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of this dangerous drug and to protect our neighborhoods.  I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose work shut down and disarmed this drug trafficker.” 

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, the Franklin Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and ATF.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

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            CONCORD - Michael  Holt, 49, of Brentwood, 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 January 13, 2018, Michael Holt walked into a TD Bank branch in Stratham, New Hampshire, and gave a teller a note claiming that he had 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 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.  “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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stratham Police Department, and Exeter Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

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            CONCORD - Kurt Devoid, 60, of Quechee, Vermont, pleaded guilty in federal court today to filing false income tax returns, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents, Devoid is a self-employed painter.  Devoid’s personal federal income tax returns for tax years 2010 through 2013 were prepared by a commercial tax preparation office in Lebanon, New Hampshire.  On the returns, Devoid reported income he received from commercial customers of his painting business, but failed to report substantial income he received from his residential customers.  Devoid’s failure to report the true amount of his personal income during the four year period caused a tax loss of $98,482 to the United States Treasury.

            DeVoid will be sentenced on August 22, 2018.

           “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the IRS to enforce the federal tax laws,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This prosecution demonstrates that those who submit false or fraudulent tax returns will be held criminally responsible for their actions.”

           “The American tax system is designed to provide vital government services to our citizens.  It is not a slush fund for tax evaders,” said Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Those who illegally target our nation’s tax dollars for personal financial gain could face criminal prosecution and lengthy prison sentences."

           The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella. 

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