District of New Hampshire

            CONCORD – Helen Pamela Flores Feliz, 28, a citizen of the Dominican Republic most recently residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today in federal court to distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

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

            A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 20, 2018.

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

           “Today’s guilty plea sends a strong message: The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to making sure that those who commit identity theft face consequences for their criminal actions,” said William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. “Diplomatic Security’s strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice.”

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

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            CONCORD - James Cunningham, 61, of Laconia, was sentenced in federal court to serve 39 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Cunningham, a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, sold quantities of methamphetamine on four separate occasions in 2013 to an individual who was cooperating with the FBI.   Three of the drug transactions took place in Manchester and one occurred in Merrimack.

            Cunningham, who pleaded guilty on January 25, 2018, will be on supervised release for three years following his release from prison.  He also was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

           “Drug trafficking crimes cause tremendous damage to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In addition to the terrible problems of overdoses and addiction, drug trafficking often is associated with violence and can jeopardize the safety of the citizens living in the Granite State.  We continue to work each day with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug traffickers so that we can decrease violence and improve the quality of life in New Hampshire.”

            “Today, Mr. Cunningham, a member of the notorious Hells Angel biker gang, will begin paying the price for the irreparable harm that his drug trafficking caused within our communities,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI NH Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to do everything we can to rid our neighborhoods of illegal narcotics and the violence that comes along with it.”

           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 Laconia Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane 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 – Thomas Kellermann, 65, of Bedford, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray. 

            According to court documents and statements in court, Kellermann was employed as a pharmacist at a pharmacy in Bedford that dispensed prescription drugs to patients, including patients at hospice facilities.  In 2011, Kellermann began abusing narcotic pain relief drugs.  In March of 2012, Kellermann took medical leave from his position.  While on medical leave in March and April 2012, Kellermann repeatedly returned to the pharmacy after business hours and on weekends and stole narcotic pain medication for his personal use.  Kellermann removed the plastic top of vials containing hydromorphone and morphine, inserted syringes into the vials, and withdrew drugs from the vials.  He then injected saline into the vials, placed a small amount of glue on top of the vials to reattach the plastic caps, and placed the vials back into the pharmacy’s inventory of narcotic drugs, which had been purchased to fill prescriptions for hospice patients.  His conduct made it appear that the vials were unused.

            The tampering was discovered when an employee of the pharmacy detected irregularities in certain vials of drugs.  After the tampering was discovered, vials of both hydromorphone and morphine were analyzed by an independent laboratory and found to be substantially below their labeled strength.  At the time his tampering was uncovered, 62 percent of the hydromorphone and morphine in the pharmacy’s inventory showed signs of tampering.

            Kellermann pleaded guilty on January 10, 2018, to a two-count Information charging him with one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, or subterfuge. 

            Kellermann was sentenced to 24 months in prison and fined $10,000.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for two years.

            “Tampering with controlled substances by health care workers is a very serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This type of activity is a betrayal of the trust that patients place in the health care system.  Tampering and diversion deprive patients of needed medicine and can expose patients to other substantial health risks. This sentence should serve as a warning to health care workers that this type of dangerous conduct will not be tolerated.”

            “Tampering with drugs not only denies patients the drugs they need, but it may also endanger their health by exposing them to contaminated products,” said Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ New York Field Office. “The FDA will continue to hold medical personnel accountable when they violate the trust of the patients.”

            “The reckless action by this health care worker is not only a violation of the Controlled Substance Act but a betrayal of the public trust,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Angelucci.  “In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA is committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”

            The investigation was conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Hawkins of the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.

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             CONCORD - Thomas S. Harris, 27, of North Haverhill, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

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

             Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2018

            “In order to keep our community safe from violence, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our citizens from violent crime and gun-related offenses.”

            “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates ATF’s commitment to targeting prohibited individuals from possessing and trafficking in firearms,’” said Lawrence Panetta, ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division.  “ATF will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to eliminate these type of crimes and remove firearms from illegal commerce.”

            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 was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, the Lisbon Police Department, Bath Police Department and the Haverhill Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.

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             CONCORD - Aaron Pelchat, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to serve 24 months in prison for bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 23, 2017, Pelchat walked into a Northway Bank in Manchester, and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller gave Pelchat a quantity of United States currency. Surveillance cameras captured images of the robbery which were broadcast on local news outlets. Numerous individuals identified Pelchat from the photographs and he was apprehended the next day, May 24, 2017.

            Pelchat, who pleaded guilty on January 19, 2018, will be on supervised release for three years after serving his prison sentence.      

           “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 to ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe in their local communities.”      

           "The FBI would like to thank the public who helped us identify this individual," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer from folks like Mr. Pelchat who have no respect for the law.”

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

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            CONCORD - Judith Morale (formerly known as Judith Remo), 55, of Webster, New York, was sentenced to three years of probation following her conviction for health care fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

           According to court documents, from 2006 to 2012, Morale owned and operated a business, Bedford Geriatric Physical Therapy, LLC, that provided physical therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries.  Through the business, Morale provided routine foot care (e.g., toenail trimming, ingrown toenail repair and callus shaving) to patients in an assisted living facility in Bedford, New Hampshire.  Knowing that the services were not covered by Medicare, Morale obtained payments totaling $41,127.89 by submitting claims for payment to Medicare that falsely described these routine services as wound care. 

           Morale previously pleaded guilty on December 18, 2017.  As part of her sentence, Morale was ordered to pay restitution of $41,127.89.      

           “Fraud against federal health care programs such as Medicare is a very a serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Health care providers who attempt to defraud the Medicare program will be investigated and prosecuted.  I am grateful to the investigators whose hard work resulted in this successful prosecution.”

           “Every Medicare dollar is needed to provide necessary patient care, thus skimming off funds by providers will not be tolerated,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “The message is clear.  Those who steal from Medicare will have to pay the price.”

           “Ms. Morale defrauded Medicare out of thousands of dollars for her own personal enrichment,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI, working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners, will do everything we can to root out others like her, who are diverting scarce taxpayer funds from government programs, for their own greed-fueled schemes.”

            The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Kinsella and John Davis.

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            CONCORD - Timothy G. Zani, 39, of Berwick, Maine, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

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

           Zani is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2018.

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

           “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Angelucci.  “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”

           This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Berwick (ME) 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 Miguel Arias Velasquez, 21, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to participating in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least January of 2017 until July of 2017, Arias-Velasquez made deliveries of heroin and fentanyl to customers of a drug organization working out of a residence on Water Street in Lawrence.  Customers, including customers from New Hampshire, would call to order drugs and Arias-Velasquez and others would drive to locations in Methuen and Salisbury, Massachusetts to deliver the drugs. 

            A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 16, 2018.

            “Those who choose to distribute heroin and fentanyl endanger their customers as well as the general public. Maintaining public safety requires that they be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to target those who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly substances.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, the Massachusetts State Police, the United States Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.

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(BOSTON) – The final tally is in from the 15th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 28th, 2018.  The Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division (NEFD) and its partners, over the course of four hours, collected 88,182.07 pounds or 44 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at 580 collection sites throughout New England.  This is in comparison to the first National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on September 2010, when the NEFD collected 25,810 pounds of unwanted drugs.  It is estimated that 10% of the drugs collected are opioid pain killers which would represent approximately 8,818 pounds of opioids that are out of medicine cabinets and potentially off our streets.

“Another amazing effort by New Englanders to continue to make their homes safer for our youth,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Angelucci.  “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.  DEA thanks the citizens of New England and our dedicated Law Enforcement partners for their efforts in making this initiative a success.”

The following is a breakdown of collected weights for the six New England States:

CT             8,251.6 lbs.

MA          27,126.1 lbs.

ME           28,560 lbs.

NH            14,895 lbs.

RI              3,341.5 lbs.

VT             6,007.87 lbs. 

TOTAL    88,182.07 lbs.

            CONCORD - Nicholas Guy, 23, of Somersworth, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 48 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court records, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Somersworth residence of Guy in March of 2017.  Various devices seized contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.

            Guy pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on December 11, 2017.  After serving his 48-month prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for ten years.

            “Protecting children from exploitation is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Our law enforcement partners work tirelessly to identify those who are exploiting children by possessing or producing child pornography.  Those who commit crimes related to child pornography cause untold damage to their young victims and will be prosecuted aggressively.”

            “We are proud to have worked closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in New Hampshire to help bring this case through to conclusion,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent In Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “It’s important to remember that these cases are not so-called ‘victimless crimes’ but that real people- minor children- are victimized by the actions of individuals who traffic in this filth.”

             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.

            The case was investigated by the New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Task Force in conjunction Homeland Security Investigations Manchester, and the police departments of Somersworth, Concord, Portsmouth, and Rochester, New Hampshire. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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            CONCORD - Kevin Corriveau, 43, of Nashua, New Hampshire, and the owner of Kevin Corriveau Painting, Inc., was sentenced to serve six months in prison and pay a $25,000 fine for obstruction of justice in connection with an investigation and litigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents, from 2007 through April 2011, Corriveau directed the company’s painters and carpenters to report only non-overtime work on payroll records and employee timecards to avoid detection by government investigators of his intentional and ongoing failure to pay the overtime premium required by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

            Corriveau pled guilty to obstruction of justice on December 15, 2017.  He admitted that he concealed the extent to which employees of the company worked overtime hours, in part, by causing an employee of the company to provide false information to the Department of Labor during investigations by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division in 2009 and 2011.  In 2009 and 2011, Corriveau himself also provided false information to investigators about the extent of his employees’ overtime work.  This included, in 2011, when Corriveau falsely told investigators that his employees did not work overtime on a construction project in Needham, Massachusetts, and provided false documents to investigators to support his assertion.

            In 2013, in connection with a civil suit filed against him by the Department of Labor for alleged violations of the FLSA’s overtime wage requirements, Corriveau knowingly created and provided fraudulent invoices and an altered change order to Department’s attorneys that falsely stated that his employees did not work overtime on the Needham project.

            After serving his prison sentence, Corriveau will be on supervised release for two years.

           “Those who make false statements or create false documents undermine the integrity of our legal system,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The defendant’s actions here were unacceptable.  Employers should be on notice that they face potential criminal penalties if they do not comply with their legal obligations under the FLSA.”

            "The Labor Department’s agencies stand ready to refer to the U.S. Attorney’s offices cases in which employers lie to investigators and fabricate records as part of a scheme to cover up their violations,” said Michael Felsen, Regional Solicitor of Labor in Boston. “We greatly appreciate the New Hampshire U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to bring to justice such an individual in this matter.”

            “This prosecution, conviction, and sentence send a message to all employers that knowingly providing false information or falsified documents to the Department of Labor can put their individual liberty at risk,” stated Northern New England District Director Daniel Cronin.

            “Kevin Corriveau solicited his employees to make false statements to investigators during a Wage & Hour Division investigation which uncovered over $200,000 in unpaid wages. The Office of Inspector General will continue to investigate those who obstruct the Department’s efforts to ensure the integrity of its programs,”  said Peter Nozka, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

            This is believed to be the first federal criminal prosecution arising from a Labor Department wage and hour investigation in New Hampshire. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the criminal case with assistance from the Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Miller, who is a Senior Trial Attorney at the Labor Department’s Office of the Solicitor in Boston, Massachusetts.

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            CONCORD - Tanner Rich, 26, of Lancaster, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, after a traffic stop by the Campton Police Department, Rich was found in possession of over 50 grams of fentanyl.  Rich subsequently admitted that he had agreed with another person to buy the drugs and that he was planning to deliver the drugs to that individual.        

            Rich is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2018.  

            “Fentanyl poses a substantial public safety threat to all parts of the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We work together with our law enforcement partners each day to stop the distribution of this deadly drug.  I commend the work of the Campton Police Department whose efforts may have saved lives by stopping the distribution of this dangerous substance.”

            This matter was investigated by the Campton 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 encourages the public to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28, 2018.  This biannual event will be held form 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thousands of collection sites around the country, including over 100 here in New Hampshire.  This event is an important effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

            “Everyone in New Hampshire should consider joining our efforts to combat the opioid crisis by participating in National Prescription Take Back Day,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Far too many individuals began their paths to addiction with the misuse of prescription drugs.  One simple and effective way to protect our families is to remove any unneeded prescription drugs from our homes.  Properly disposing of these drugs can prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.  By taking a few minutes to remove these drugs from your home, you will be helping to improve the safety of our community.”

            “Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Angelucci.  “These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our local, county, state, and federal partners and DEA thanks every one of them for their efforts.”

            Prior Drug Take Back Day events have been very successful.  Last October, Americans turned in 456 tons (912,305 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners.  Overall, in its 14 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 9 million pounds—more than 4,500 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.  Please note that the DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.

           Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin.  In fact, four out of five new heroin users started their drug use with painkillers.

            Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

            For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city, or state.

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          CONCORD -  Alex “Lex” Hernandez, 27, most recently of Lowell, Massachusetts, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months in prison for distributing fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on three separate occasions in April, May and June 2016, Hernandez sold several “fingers” of fentanyl to an individual who was working with law enforcement.  On each occasion, Hernandez was video and audio recorded, and was identified by law enforcement surveillance.  In total, Hernandez distributed approximately 110 grams of fentanyl across the three deals.  In October 2016, Hernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Concord.  When law enforcement sought to arrest Hernandez at an apartment he maintained in Lowell, Massachusetts, they found approximately 500 grams of cocaine, an industrial-grade press and mold for making fingers, a blender, a digital scale and cutting agents.  Hernandez faces pending charges in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, for the cocaine, which are not a part of his resolution of the federal charges. 

          Hernandez pleaded guilty to three counts of fentanyl distribution in November 2017 after jury selection for his anticipated trial had taken place.  He has been in custody since his October 2016 arrest.  Following his release from prison, the defendant will be on supervised release for a period of three years. 

          “Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”

          “New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl soar. The FBI will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Hernandez, who are contributing to the crisis,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence holds Mr. Hernandez accountable for his crimes, and we’ll continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put other callous distributers like him behind bars.” 

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which consists of FBI Special Agents and members of the Manchester Police Department, the Hudson Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Nashua Police Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections Probation and Parole.  Investigators also received assistance of the Massachusetts State Police, Lowell, MA Police Department, and Middlesex, MA County District Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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          Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray and Albert Angelucci, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New England Field Division, announced today that 45 individuals have been charged with participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Also participating in the announcement was Mary K. Daly, Director of Opioid Enforcement and Prevention Efforts in the Justice Department’s Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The indictments are the culmination of a year-long investigation by the DEA in coordination with federal, state, and local authorities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine.

          On April 4, 2018, the following individuals were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl:

• Sergio Martinez, 28, of Lawrence, MA;
• Raulin Martinez, 36, of Lawrence, MA;
• Luz Perez DeMartinez, 25, of Lawrence, MA;
• Jhonny Jose Naut Perez, 53, of Lawrence, MA;
• Suhey Perez, 38, of Lawrence, MA;
• FNU LNU a/k/a “Linet”;
• Wagner Pimentel, 28, of Methuen, MA;
• Luis Angel Polanco Huma, 22, of Lawrence, MA;
• Eduard Amparo, 46, of Lawrence, MA;
• Frailin Manuel Gomez Gil, 26, of Lawrence, MA;
• Julio Pizzini, 24, of Lawrence, MA;
• Jepherson Emmanuel Cabrera, 18, of Lawrence, MA;
• Edward Brailey Delacruz, 24, of Methuen, MA;
• Luis Antonio Salomon Polanco, 20, of Lawrence, MA;
• Juan Rafael Tejeda-Jimenez, 27, of Lawrence, MA;
• Fernand V. Miranda, 23, of Haverhill, MA;
• Alexander Noonan, 20, of Haverhill, MA;
• Steven Guerrero, 18, of Lawrence, MA;
• Jared Ortega-Peguero, 25, of Lawrence, MA;
• Juan Dimel Gil Castillo, 23, of Lawrence, MA;
• Ramon Gill Huma, 25, of Lawrence, MA;
• Julio Colon, 24, of Lawrence, MA;
• Jason Cheever, 41, of Goffstown, NH;
• Joshua Smith, 29, of Plaistow, NH;
• Paul Aaron, 31, of Lowell, MA;
• Steven Lessard, 31, of Lowell, MA;
• Miguel Alvarez, 27, of Haverhill, MA;
• Edward Brito, 31, of Lawrence, MA;
• Trevor Ahearn, 28, of Haverhill, MA;
• Julio Saldana, 18, of  Lawrence, MA;
• Jesus Rivera, 20, of Lawrence, MA; and
• Jorge Rodriguez, 21, of Methuen, MA.

          On April 9, 2018, in a coordinated operation involving over 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, 15 of the above-listed individuals were arrested. Seven were already incarcerated and two have since been located. Jhonny Jose Naut Perez, Frailin Manuel Gomez Gil, FNU LNU a/k/a “Linet,” Jepherson Emmanuel Cabrera, Edward Brailey Delacruz, Alexander Noonan, Jason Cheever, and Joshua Smith have not yet been taken into custody.

          If convicted, each of these defendants 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.

         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.” This residence was called “the base.” Dispatchers allegedly then communicated with distributors located throughout the Merrimack Valley to arrange for customers to meet them. The Martinez brothers also allegedly employed individuals responsible for making sure distributors were consistently supplied with 200-gram bags of fentanyl and were returning drug proceeds made from the sales.

          On April 18, 2018, the following individuals were charged in related indictments with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl:

• Meghan Bowers, 30, of Candia, NH;
• Dennis Chaney, 30, of Rochester, NH;
• David Fagan, 32, of Manchester, NH;
• Jonathan Felch, 36, of Goffstown, NH;
• Albert Gordon, 44, of Manchester, NH;
• Norman Limoges, 51, of Berlin, NH;
• Leon Mandigo, 31, of Auburn, NH;
• Robert McLain, 26, of Groveton, NH;
• Alicia Morin, 30, of Belmont, NH;
• Samuel Morris, 28, of Belmont, NH;
• Amy Reardon, 32, of North Haverhill, NH;
• Darlene Tirone, 42, of Hampton, NH; and
• Meredith Willey, 37, of Groveton, NH.

          As of April 24, 2018, twelve of these individuals were in custody. Leon Mandigo has not yet been taken into custody.

          If convicted, most of the defendants charged on April 18, 2018, also face a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life, as well as a fine of up to $10 million.

          Limoges, Reardon, and Willey face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years, as well as a fine of up to $5 million. Bowers and Gordon face a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

            “Fentanyl is responsible for the lion’s share of overdose deaths in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The law enforcement community in New England is united in the effort to end the opioid crisis. This investigation is just one example of our commitment to stopping the distribution of fentanyl in New Hampshire. Public safety is our top priority and we will continue to work hard each day to protect our communities by identifying and prosecuting those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”

          "Fentanyl and its analogues kill more Americans than any other drug," Attorney General Sessions said. "President Trump has made ending our national opioid crisis a top priority for this administration. We at the Department of Justice embrace that goal and we are pursuing it aggressively. The quantities of fentanyl that were allegedly trafficked in this case are shocking. And so I want to thank DEA and our other federal partners as well as the state and local law enforcement officers from three different states for their hard work on this case. We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and continue to take dangerous drugs—and drug dealers—off of our streets so that every American can be safe in their community."

          “The Granite State is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before and DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Angelucci. “DEA is committed to aggressively pursuing Drug Trafficking Organizations who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison to the citizens of New Hampshire in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county, state and federal law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

          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.

         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 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 - Elizabeth Salinas-Roldan, 43, previously of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced in federal court to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and July 2016, the defendant arranged with others to distribute cocaine to a cooperating individual in transactions that were audio and video-recorded. 

            Salinas-Reardon, who previously pleaded guilty on January 3, 2018, will be on supervised release after serving her sentence.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose hard work led to this successful prosecution.”

             “Ms. Salinas-Roldan dealt cocaine in her own backyard, profiting from the addiction of others.  Her case is just one example of our ongoing efforts to rid communities across the Granite State of drug trafficking enterprises.  Today’s sentence should send a message to others who are thinking about getting into the drug trafficking business.  Don’t do it!” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force will be relentless in hunting down anyone who chooses to engage in the distribution of illegal narcotics, and the violence that comes along with it.”

            This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which consists of FBI Special Agents and members of the Manchester Police Department, the Hudson Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Nashua Police Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections Probation and Parole.  It was also 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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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             CONCORD – Yossi Rafael Rincon Ramirez, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a drug 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 delivered fentanyl to the customers on behalf of a drug dealer based in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  On four separate occasions, the defendant sold fentanyl to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agent in Nashua, New Hampshire, and on May 2, 2017, law enforcement arrested Rincon Ramirez as he travelled to Nashua for another drug delivery.

            Rincon Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and four counts of distribution of a controlled substance.  A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 1, 2018.

            “Fentanyl distribution continues to pose a serious danger to the safety of our community and the health of our citizens.” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who attempt to profit from the sale of this deadly substance.”

            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.

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          CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John McLaurin, 28, an inmate at FCI-Berlin pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to possess a prohibited object within a federal prison.  McLaurin admitted that he was attempting to possess a synthetic cannabinoid, commonly referred to as K2.   

          According to documents filed with the court and statements made at the change of plea hearing, in September 2017, McLaurin placed a greeting card in the mail at the prison.  Prison staff intercepted the card and found a note hidden in the card.  The note provided instructions for obtaining K2 and smuggling it into the prison.  

          A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 31, 2018.

          The Bureau of Prisons investigated this case.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Miguel Vasquez, 23, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least January of 2017 through July of 2017, Vasquez made deliveries of heroin and fentanyl to customers of a drug organization working out of a residence on Water Street in Lawrence.  Customers, including customers from New Hampshire, would call to order drugs and Vasquez and others would drive to locations in Methuen and Salisbury, Massachusetts to deliver the drugs. 

            Vasquez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl.  A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2018.

            “Those who choose to distribute heroin and fentanyl endanger their customers as well as the general public. Maintaining public safety requires that they be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to target those who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly substances.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, the Massachusetts State Police, the United States Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Lawrence Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that John Hayes, 53, and his wife, Plabpleung Hayes, 50, of New Ipswich were sentenced today for participating in a scheme to distribute misbranded prescription drugs that they obtained from India.  

            John Hayes was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison and to pay a $2,500 fine.  Plabpleung Hayes was sentenced to serve a year and a day in prison.  Both previously pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute misbranded prescription drugs into interstate commerce.  Plabpleung Hayes faces possible deportation to Thailand following the completion of her sentence.

            According to court documents and statements in court, the defendants conspired with others, including John Hayes’ brother (James Hayes) and sister-in-law (Shannon Hayes) in North Carolina, to receive shipments of pills from India.  During the course of the conspiracy, John and Plabpleung Hayes, along with their co-conspirators in North Carolina, received over 2.4 million prescription drugs from India, many of which were controlled substances.  The defendants attempted to conceal their scheme by having the drugs shipped to numerous Post Office boxes, including boxes in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.

            In addition, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized more than 60 shipments from India destined for locations controlled by John Hayes that were found to contain more than  100,000 additional pills.  The pills were packaged in blister packs, with no packaging that a person would recognize as retail-type packaging, and with no directions for use.  CBP sent numerous letters to John Hayes advising him that the seizures occurred because the drugs were imported contrary to federal regulations that prohibit the importation of controlled substances without the express authorization of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

            The defendants sent more than 5,000 packages to locations throughout the United States, including outside of New Hampshire, between February 2012 and September 2013.  The defendants used an email account to manage and confirm the receipt of drugs from India, to receive and track customer orders for drugs, and to coordinate payments.

            When a search warrant was executed at the Hayes residence in New Ipswich, investigators found more than 100,000 pills, including prescription drugs and controlled substances, as well as shipping labels, empty shipping containers, and other documents.  Among those documents were two letters from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informing John Hayes that Tramadol tablets shipped to him were being refused entry into the United States because the drugs appeared to be unapproved and misbranded.

            The drugs distributed by the defendants were not approved by the FDA and included foreign versions of Hydrocodone, Percocet, Valium, Xanax, Adderall, Ritalin, Ativan, Ambien, Tramadol, Soma, Sildenafil, and Tadalafil.

            James Hayes, Shannon Hayes, and two additional co-conspirators were convicted of related charges in North Carolina.

            “Misbranded drugs present a danger to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The millions of pills that the defendants were distributing were not approved by the FDA and had the potential to harm, rather than heal, those who took them.  The defendants placed their interests in profits over patient safety.  I commend the law enforcement agents whose hard work dismantled this criminal scheme.”

            “The FDA's requirements are designed to ensure that American consumers receive drugs that are safe and effective. When criminals import and sell misbranded prescription drugs, they risk patients’ safety and health,” said Catherine Hermsen, Acting Director of FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. “The work that’s done by CBP, FDA and our other partner agencies at the International Mail Facilities, where international mail entering the U.S. is received and processed, provides a front line defense against illegal, illicit, unapproved, counterfeit and potentially dangerous drugs from entering the United States. We are committed to pursuing those who jeopardize the public health by importing and distributing these dangerous products.”

            “The Postal Service has no interest in being the unwitting accomplice to anyone using the U.S. Mail to distribute misbranded drugs.  By using the mail system for a criminal purpose, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes put our customers’ health at risk.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to preserve the integrity of the mail by investigating those who use it illegally.” said Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division.

            “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes ran a dangerous operation, distributing unsafe drugs that endangered the public’s health. Their illicit pill mill was a family affair and now they are finally being held accountable,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to do everything we can to curtail this illegal activity and ensure that our communities remain safe.

            “This case shows how vital effective federal law enforcement cooperation is to the safety of Americans,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston.  “Through close law enforcement coordination, thousands of Americans were protected from the reckless actions of these individuals, who cared about nothing but enriching themselves at the expense of a serious life-threatening risk to the unwitting American consumer.”

            This case was investigated by FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hawkins, who is Senior Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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          CONCORD – David Maclean, 71, of Swanzey, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation began in July of 2017 with the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Department Cyber Crimes Unit in Phoenix, Arizona.  Maclean previously resided in Arizona.  In September of 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residence showed that they contained images and videos of child pornography. 

          Maclean is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2018.

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

          “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is dedicated to working together with our law enforcement partners to bring about justice in child exploitation cases like this one,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI, Boston.  “We will continue to take a coordinated team effort and ensure that child predators, whether they produce or distribute these vile, disturbing images be held accountable for their offenses.” 

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

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Peter Dauphin, 45, of Laconia, pleaded guilty in federal court to five counts of distributing “ice” methamphetamine, 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 transactions took place at Dauphin’s automotive repair shop in Gilford, New Hampshire. 

          Dauphin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2018.

          “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that can be deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are distributing methamphetamine and other drugs that jeopardize the safety of our community.”

          “More New Hampshire residents are dying from drug overdoses than ever before. By taking individuals like Mr. Dauphin, who deal dangerous drugs off the street, we’re trying to keep addiction from spreading,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and disrupt drug traffickers, decrease associated violence, and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

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

###

            CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Bashir Masaoud, 31, an inmate at FCI-Berlin pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting staff at the prison while the staff were performing their official duties.

            Documents filed with the court and statements made at the today’s hearing established that 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.

            A sentencing hearing is scheduled for  July 17, 2018.

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

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            CONCORD - Timothy Raxter, 53, of Laconia, was sentenced in federal court to serve 57 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and firearm offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 23, 2017, Laconia Police executed a search warrant on Raxter’s vehicle, seizing a .40 caliber pistol and approximately 10 grams of “ice” methamphetamine.  As a previously convicted felon, Raxter is prohibited from possessing firearms.      

            Raxter pleaded guilty on November 7, 2017, to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            “Drugs and guns are a potentially lethal combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with our law enforcement partners to target drug traffickers, particularly those who use firearms or violence to further their unlawful activities. Those who commit these crimes will be prosecuted aggressively in order to protect the safety of our community.”

          "As a convicted felon, Mr. Raxter should have known better than to possess a firearm and engage in drug trafficking.  It's a dangerous combination, and the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, detect, and disrupt those who try to poison our neighborhoods and threaten them with violence," 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.

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

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Anthony Swift, 33, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

            Court documents and statements in court showed that on May 23, 2016, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by another individual as it traveled north on Interstate 95.  Swift was the sole passenger in the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 14.46 grams of fentanyl and 120.4 grams of heroin from a duffel bag in the trunk of the vehicle.  Swift acknowledged that he purchased the drugs in Hartford, Connecticut and that the drugs would be distributed in the Presque Isle, Maine area.

            Swift pleaded guilty to the charges on November 9, 2017.

            “I commend the State Police for their work in preventing this substantial amount of drugs from being distributed,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the sales of heroin and fentanyl in New England.”

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

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            CONCORD - Robert Saint John, 31, of Laconia 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 May 31, 2017, the defendant and two other men pooled their money for the purpose of buying drugs.  They drove together from Belmont, New Hampshire, to Lawrence, Massachusetts.  In Lawrence, the men met with their drug supplier, purchased a quantity of fentanyl, and began to drive back to New Hampshire.  On the highway near Derry, New Hampshire, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop and seized a package containing approximately 111 grams of fentanyl.    

           Saint John pleaded guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17, 2018.

            “Stopping the deadly flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Fentanyl has caused many overdose deaths in New Hampshire.  In order to protect our community, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing opioids in the Granite State.”

           “With today’s guilty plea, Mr. Saint John is accepting responsibility for peddling this deadly synthetic opioid, responsible for killing so many - at an alarming rate - across New Hampshire. However, there’s much more work to be done,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.“  Mr. Saint John is only one of many, fueling the flow of illegal drugs into our neighborhoods.  Together, with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to do everything we possibly can to root out drug traffickers who seek to exploit vulnerable people suffering from addiction.”

           This matter was investigated by the FBI, 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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Justin Gauthier, 39, formerly of Northfield, was sentenced to serve 106 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms crimes.

            According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed two search warrants on Gauthier’s Northfield residence. During the first search on August 5, 2016, law enforcement officers seized quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple firearms, and $13,980 in cash.  During the second search on March 10, 2017, quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, carfentanil, additional firearms, and $6,791 in cash were seized.

            Gauthier previously pleaded guilty on December 15, 2017, to charges that he unlawfully possessed methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil with the intent to distribute and that he unlawfully possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.  As part of his plea agreement, Gauthier forfeited 11 firearms to the United States.  Over $20,000 in cash seized from Gauthier previously was forfeited by the State of New Hampshire.

            “Guns and drugs are a deadly combination and those who use guns as part of the drug trade present a substantial threat to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The defendant’s conduct in this case was especially troubling due to his involvement in distributing carfentanil, an extremely dangerous and deadly drug.  In order to protect the public, we will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, disarm, and prosecute those who seek to profit from the sales of illegal drugs.”

            This case was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tilton and Northfield, New Hampshire Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that two employees of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) have been charged with stealing money from federal research grants.

            One Indictment alleges that Hailong Zhang, 44, of Nottingham, was a Research Project Manager for the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture.  The Indictment alleges that he was authorized to use a credit card provided by UNH for expenses covered by federal research grants that were awarded to UNH, as a prime-grantee or sub-grantee, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (“NIH”).  The Indictment alleges that on 31 separate occasions from approximately December 2013 to January 2018, Zhang used his business credit card to purchase gift cards from Amazon.com that totaled more than $82,000, which Zhang used to purchase items for his personal use.  The Indictment also alleges that Zhang concealed his unauthorized use of the credit card by submitting a fictitious receipt and a fraudulent written justification for each expense to the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture’s Business Service Center, which caused the University System of New Hampshire to make payments for the unauthorized purchases to Zhang’s credit card account and UNH to obtain reimbursements for the expenses from the NIH grants.

            The other Indictment alleges that Jichun Zhang, 45, of Durham, was a Research Assistant Professor for the UNH Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space.  The Indictment alleges that he was authorized to use a credit card provided by UNH for expenses covered by federal research grants that were awarded to UNH, as the prime-grantee, by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (“NASA”).  The Indictment alleges that on 31 different occasions from approximately January 2016 to December 2017, Zhang used his business credit card to purchase personal items totaling more than $6,900 from Amazon.com, PayPal, and Apple, Inc.  This Indictment further alleges that Zhang concealed the unauthorized use of the credit card by submitting a fictitious receipt and a fraudulent written justification for each expense to the UNH Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space’s Business Service Center, which caused the University System of New Hampshire to make payments for the unauthorized purchases to Zhang’s credit card account and UNH to seek and obtain reimbursements for each expense from the NASA grants.

            Both defendants were arrested on Friday and are scheduled to make their initial appearances in federal court on Friday afternoon.

            The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the University of New Hampshire Police Department, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Police Departments in Durham, Nottingham, and Newmarket, New Hampshire.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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

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           CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced on Thursday to serve three years in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

           Documents filed with the court established that Garcia Mendez participated in a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) between April 2016 and September 2016 during which time he delivered drugs to runners who were distributing the drugs to customers of the DTO. 

           Garcia Mendez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin on November 1, 2017.  After completing his sentence, he faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic.          

           “The law enforcement community in New Hampshire is working together each day to stop the deadly flow of heroin and other drugs into the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who seek to profit from the selling these deadly drugs in our state will be prosecuted aggressively.”

           “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”

           The investigation and prosecution of this defendant were part of a DEA effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to the prosecution of Garcia Mendez, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years, Toribio Guerrero Marte, 34, was sentenced to 10 years, Jose De La Altagracia Pimentel Lara, 26, was sentenced to 63 months, Allan Raymond Pimentel, 22, was sentenced to 57 months, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, was sentenced to 54 months, Maria Miguelina Lara, 33, was sentenced to 36 months, Allison DeJesus, 19, was sentenced to five years of probation, and Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release.  In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months.  Michell DeJesus, 34, is awaiting sentencing. 

           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. 

            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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.

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          CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Robert J. Golden, 38, of Laconia was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

          According to court documents, on November 3, 2016, U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted a mail parcel intended for delivery to Golden.  A state police canine unit alerted to the package.  When investigators later opened the package pursuant to a federal search warrant, they found approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine.  Investigators removed most of the drugs, re-wrapped the parcel and notified Golden that the package was available for him to pick up at the post office.  Postal Inspectors arrested Golden at the post office immediately after he took possession of the parcel.  Following his arrest, Golden admitted that he knew that the package contained a quantity of methamphetamine that had been sent from California and that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine in New Hampshire.  Golden further acknowledged that he previously had received four to six similar packages from California. 

          Golden pleaded guilty to the charge October 25, 2017.  He will be on supervised release for three years following his release from prison.

          “Even as our state faces the serious challenge of the opioid crisis, methamphetamine continues to pose a threat to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Using this dangerous drug can cause significant harm or death.  I commend the law enforcement officers in this case for their quick actions that prevented this substantial quantity of methamphetamine from being distributed in New Hampshire.”

          “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service proactively seeks to identify and remove illegal drug shipments in the mail,” said Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division.  “Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort of our local and state law enforcement partners to keep methamphetamine and other drugs out of our communities.”

          This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with help from the New Hampshire State Police and the Laconia Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD - Ryan Faulconer, 25, of Nashua, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for illegal possessing firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Faulconer purchased eight firearms in a two-week period between April and May of 2016.  At the time he purchased the firearms, Faulconer was prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law due to an ongoing addiction to opioids.  However, when making the purchases, he falsely stated that he was not addicted to any controlled substances.  When interviewed by investigators in May of 2016, Faulconer admitted his addiction and could produce only one of the eight firearms, claiming the others had been stolen.           

            Faulconer pleaded guilty on October 4, 2017.   Following the completion of his term of imprisonment, Faulconer will serve a term of three years of supervised release.

            “In order to combat violent crime, we must ensure that guns do not fall into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.    “We will work closely with our law enforcement partners to enforce federal gun laws in order to keep our communities safe.”

            “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is committed to targeting prohibited individuals from possessing and trafficking in firearms”, said Mickey Leadingham, ATF Special Agent in Charge Field of the Boston Field Division.  “ATF will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to eliminate these type of crimes and remove firearms from illegal commerce.”

            This matter was investigated by the ATF.  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.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Jacome, 35, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to oxycodone trafficking charges.

            Court documents and statements in court showed that on four separate occasions from January to May of 2017, Jacome sold quantities of oxycodone pills to undercover agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at a location in Kingston. On June 19, 2017, Jacome was arrested by the New Hampshire State Police during a traffic stop after Jacome was found to be in possession of 500 oxycodone pills. In total, Jacome distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 1,513 oxycodone pills.

            Jacome pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing oxycodone and one count of possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.  He is scheduled to be sentence on June 27, 2018.

            “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in opiate pill trafficking in New Hampshire remains a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who are responsible for distributing these dangerous drugs in our state.”

            This investigation was conducted by the DEA with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Eris Manuel Paulino Guerrero, also known as Edward Garcia, 28, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced on Monday to serve 87 months in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses.

             Documents filed with the court established that the defendant participated in a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) distributing heroin between June 2013 and October 2014.  Evidence showed that he delivered drugs to customers of the DTO.   In approximately October 2014, the defendant also began selling fentanyl to customers as part of a separate drug distribution network.

            The defendant previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin and distribution of fentanyl.  He faces likely deportation after he serves his sentence.

            The investigation and prosecution of this defendant was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to Guerrero’s prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years, Toribio Guerrero Marte, 34, was sentenced to 10 years, Maria Miguelina Lara, 33, was sentenced to 36 months, Allan Raymond Pimentel, 22, was sentenced to 57 months, Jose De La Altagracia Pimentel Lara, 26, was sentenced to 63 months, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, was sentenced to 54 months, Allison DeJesus, 19, was sentenced to five years of probation, and Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release.  In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months.  Michell DeJesus, 34, and Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, are awaiting sentencing. 

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to combat the threats posed by fentanyl and heroin,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who seek to profit from the sales of these deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.”

            “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “But those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county and state law enforcement partners to bring to justice those that distribute 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. 

            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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Leonard Johnson and Robert Dales, both inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution FCI-Berlin, pleaded guilty to assaulting another inmate on May 23, 2017.  A sentencing hearing for Leonard Johnson and for Robert Dales will be held on June 27th, 2018.                .

          According to documents filed with the court and statements made during the change of plea 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.

          The staff at FCI-Berlin conducted the investigation of this case.

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          CONCORD –United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Antonio Priester, 37, an inmate at FCI-Berlin pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to possess prohibited objects within a federal prison.  Priester admitted the prohibited objects he 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 websites through which the controlled substances could be obtained.  He directed one individual to purchase jwh-018 from a particular website. Priester also provided directions for sneaking the substances into the prison.

            A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 15th, 2018 at the United States District Court.  According to federal law, any sentence imposed in connection with this charge must be served consecutively to any sentence currently be 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 Ian Chase, 28, of Littleton, New Hampshire was sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for unlawfully manufacturing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

            Court documents and statements in court showed that on April 8, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Chase at his former residence located in Bethlehem after discovering Chase was actively manufacturing methamphetamine in a shed located on the property.  At the time of his arrest, Chase was in possession of a .25 caliber pistol.  A search of the property resulted in the seizure of 77.98 grams of methamphetamine, five additional firearms, and numerous chemicals Chase utilized to manufacture methamphetamine.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Chase forfeited the firearms to the United States.

            Chase was arrested on July 21, 2016 and pleaded guilty to the charges on December 1, 2016.

            “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to target individuals who are manufacturing illegal drugs in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “While those who suffer from addiction need access to treatment, those who seek to manufacture methamphetamine and other deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively. 

            “This sentence reflects DEA’s strong commitment to bring to justice those that manufacture methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “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 efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue anyone who manufactures this poison.”

            The investigation was conducted by the: (1) DEA; (2) New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force; (3) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; (4) Littleton Police Department; and (5) Bethlehem Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.

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             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Wilkin Andre Beltre Arias, 39, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Monday to serve 54 months in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed substantial quantities of heroin.

            Documents filed with the court established that the defendant participated in a drug trafficking organization between June 2016 and October 2016.  He received drugs from this organization and delivered drugs to his customers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.   The defendant worked at a barbershop in Lawrence and used the shop as a delivery point for his customers.

            The defendant pleaded guilty on September 21, 2017, to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin.  Court records show that he faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic following his prison sentence.

            The investigation and prosecution of this defendant were part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to this prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years; Toribio Guerrero Marte, 34, was sentenced to 10 years; Maria Miguelina Lara, 33, was sentenced to 36 months; Allan Raymond Pimentel, 22, was sentenced to 57 months; Jose De La Altagracia Pimentel Lara, 26, was sentenced to 63 months; Allison DeJesus, age 19, was sentenced to five years of probation; and Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release.  In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, and Edward Garcia, 31, are awaiting sentencing. 

            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. 

            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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

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            CONCORD – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire announced that the Honorable Scott W. Murray was sworn in today as the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire.  Chief U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante administered the oath of office at the federal courthouse in Concord.

            U.S. Attorney Murray is the 57th U.S. Attorney for the District.  He was nominated by the President on December 1, 2017, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 15, 2018.  As the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Murray is the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Hampshire.

            U.S. Attorney Murray has been a prosecutor throughout his legal career.  He was elected County Attorney for Merrimack County in 2010.  He began serving as County Attorney in 2011 and was serving his fourth consecutive two-year term in that position.  Prior to becoming County Attorney, he served as the Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Concord from 1983 to 2011.  

            U.S. Attorney Murray received his B.A. and M.P.A. from the University of New Hampshire and his J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now known as the University of New Hampshire School of Law).

            “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the United States Attorney,” U.S. Attorney Murray said.  “As a career prosecutor, I look forward to working with my federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking, violence, and other threats to the safety of the residents of the Granite State.  Close cooperation is absolutely critical if we are to effectively address crime associated with the current opioid crisis.”  

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            CONCORD - Eric Collins, 44, of Epsom, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison for firearms and drug trafficking offenses, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2017, Concord police officers executed a search warrant for the defendant’s vehicle and recovered two firearms, over $7,500 in cash and various controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of the defendant’s plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit his interest in the cash and firearms.

            Collins previously pleaded guilty on November 21, 2017, to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

           This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Nicole Roskos, 30, of Epsom, pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation of the defendant began in 2017 when she 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 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 11, 2018.

          “Opioids are killing hundreds of residents of New Hampshire each year,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The danger posed by drug trafficking is further increased when drug dealers use firearms to further their unlawful activities.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target drug trafficking and violent crime.  I commend the law enforcement officers for protecting the community from the dangers posed by the fentanyl and firearms in this case.” 

          This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana Konesky.

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            CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Joseph Norko, 50, of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to two counts of attempted online enticement and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

            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. 

            A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 1, 2018.

            “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the children of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This case is yet another example of the dangers that lurk on the Internet.  I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose work led to the conviction of this Internet predator.”

            “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 Michael Shea, Acting 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, 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana 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 – Peter Morency, 34, of Derry was sentenced in federal court to serve 35 years in prison for producing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Morency filmed and photographed himself performing sexual acts on two children. The children, who were known to Morency, appeared to be sleeping at the time. A forensic examination of devices possessed by Morency uncovered over 5,000 still images and over 2,000 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, of which approximately 30 still images and 37 videos were created by the defendant. The defendant admitted to possessing and to producing the images.

            Morency pleaded guilty to three counts of producing child pornography on November 13, 2017.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

            “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the children of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who sexually exploit children cause untold amounts of harm to their victims and our entire community.  We are grateful that this defendant will not be able to harm any additional children and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute other individuals who commit crimes against children.”

          "The sexual exploitation of children is a heinous crime that causes irreparable harm to its young victims," said Michael Shea, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. "To rescue these innocent victims, HSI works closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from child predators."

           This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Derry 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 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, N.H. – Brett Gessay, 55, of Exeter, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in order to obtain Social Security benefits, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            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 would not have received if he had disclosed his self-employment income.

            Gessay is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30, 2018.

            “Social Security disability benefits provide important financial support for those deserving individuals who are unable to work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to partner with the SSA’s Office of Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who use fraudulent means to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive.  This will ensure that benefits only go to those who truly deserve them.”

            Scott Antolik, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, said “Mr. Gessay’s material omission of key facts resulted in him receiving thousands of dollars in disability benefits he was not entitled to.  Protecting the Social Security Trust Fund from those who conceal their work activity 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”. 

            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, N.H. - Robert A. Ruggiero, 24, of New Boston, was sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison for bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 8, 2017, Ruggiero walked into a Citizens Bank branch in Goffstown, New Hampshire, and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller gave Ruggiero a quantity of United States currency. Surveillance cameras captured images of the robbery, which were broadcast on local news outlets and distributed via social media. Numerous individuals identified Ruggiero from the photographs and he was apprehended later that day. 

            Ruggiero pleaded guilty to the offense on November 9, 2017.  After serving his sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.

            “Bank robbery is a violent crime that endangers both bank employees and members of the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies and other violent offenses so that we can improve the safety of our community.”

          “Mr. Ruggiero's unlawful behavior brought fear and concern to bank employees," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Division. "The FBI is grateful for the public's assistance in helping us identify him, and we are fully committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and improve the safety of our communities."

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Michael Dube, 48, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, was sentenced to five years of probation and a $16,500 fine for mailing threatening communications, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, between March 2, 2016 and June 2, 2016, Dube sent three letters to victims located in New Hampshire, which contained threats to break the addressee’s legs, sexually assault his daughter, and to kill his son.  The letters were postmarked in Boston and delivered to a residence in Sandown, New Hampshire.        

            Dube previously pleaded guilty to three counts of mailing threatening communications.

            “By sending these threatening communications to the victim, the defendant attempted to create a climate of fear and intimidation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Such conduct cannot be tolerated.  I commend the law enforcement officers whose work led to the successful identification and prosecution of this defendant.”

          “Mr. Dube was blinded by his obsession and oblivious to the impact of his crimes. He carried out a relentless stalking campaign whereby he violated his victim’s privacy and threatened those around him,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. (FBI)  “Violence through words or actions cannot be tolerated and the FBI will continue to do everything it can to identify, arrest, and bring those to justice who engage in similar criminal conduct.”

            This Sandown Police Department initiated the investigation of the case.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Derry Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the Raymond Police Department, and the Tewksbury Police Department assisted in the investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Helen Fitzgibbon and Donald Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Sara Johnson, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

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

          Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2018.

            “Protecting the community from violent crime is a high priority of the United States Department of Justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who purchase guns for criminals are contributing to the violent crime problem.  Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to use the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative to take guns out of the hands of criminals and to protect the safety of our communities.”

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

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Derrick Jennings, 48, formerly of Manchester, pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges.

          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 was cooperating with the Rochester Police Department.  On April 6, 2016, two individuals were arrested by the Manchester Police Department during a traffic stop after a search of the vehicle 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, 57.7 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, multiple cellphones, and $6,100 in cash were recovered when a search warrant was executed at Jennings’ apartment in Manchester.  Jennings became a fugitive, but was arrested in November of 2016.  The cash was forfeited to the United States.

            Jennings pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.  He will be sentenced on May 31, 2018.

          “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of fentanyl trafficking is a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Individuals like this defendant who seek to profit from the sale of this deadly drug are causing grave damage to our community.  We will work tirelessly to stop fentanyl trafficking and to protect the citizens of the Granite State from its deadly effects.”

          “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “But those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county and state law enforcement partners to bring to justice those that distribute this poison.”

            This investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Strafford County Drug Task Force, and the Manchester and Rochester, New Hampshire Police Departments.  The United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force also provided valuable assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that John Furber, 45, formerly of  Rochester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to fentanyl and carfentanil trafficking charges.

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

          Furber pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Furber will forfeit $2,105 in drug proceeds to the United States.  Furber’s sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2018. 

          “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil trafficking in New Hampshire remains a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The recent presence of carfentanil in New Hampshire, a drug that is hundreds of times more powerful than fentanyl, will result in an even greater number of overdose deaths and presents unprecedented public safety concerns for law enforcement and first responders.  The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who are responsible for distributing these dangerous drugs in our state.”

            This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, and the Rochester and Conway Police Departments.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Eric Judkins, 34, formerly of Nashua, has been sentenced to serve 14 months in prison for escaping from the Hampshire House Residential Reentry Center in Manchester, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Judkins received a 210-month federal prison sentence in 2000 for a bank robbery he committed in New Hampshire.  While serving the sentence in a federal prison in Pennsylvania, Judkins pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate and received an additional 27-month prison sentence.

          On June 13, 2017, Judkins was transferred from a federal prison in Kentucky to the Hampshire House, with an expected release date of April 8, 2018.  With permission from the Hampshire House staff, Judkins left the facility on August 28, 2017, and was required to return before 4:30 p.m.  He failed to return as required.  On August 31, 2017, Judkins was arrested by Deputy United States Marshals and local law enforcement officers in Howard, Pennsylvania.

          Judkins pled guilty to escaping from the Hampshire House on November 3, 2017.

          The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

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             CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Maria Miguelina Lara Lara, a/k/a Maribel Santiago-Ramos, a/k/a La Cuna, a/k/a Miguelina, 33, of the Dominican Republic was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            Documents filed with the court established that Lara Lara participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) between October 2015 and October 2016 during which time she delivered drugs to customers of the DTO on a daily basis.  The Lawrence-based organization distributed heroin to customers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

           The defendant pleaded guilty on July 24, 2017, to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin. 

           The investigation and prosecution of Lara Lara was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to Lara Lara’s prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, his brother Toribio Guerrero Marte was sentenced to 10 years in prison, Allison DeJesus, 19, was sentenced to five years of probation, Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release, Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and Jose De la Altagracia Pimental Lara a/k/a Luis Colon, 26, was sentenced to 63 months in prison.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, and Edward Garcia, 31, are all awaiting sentencing.    In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months.

           “Members of the law enforcement community are working together to stop the flow of heroin and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While we strongly support access to treatment for those suffering from addiction, those who profit from the distribution of these substances will be prosecuted aggressively.”

           "The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl and heroin crisis unlike ever before," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  "Those suffering from fentanyl and heroin addiction need treatment and recovery, but those that distribute and profit from spreading this misery need to be held accountable.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal partners and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney's Office."

           “This case is a great example of how close cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement can successfully complement the overall fight against the devastating opioid epidemic which has tragically destroyed so many lives nationwide and throughout our region,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shea, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

           This matter was investigated by the DEA; HSI; 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 is being 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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