District of New Hampshire

Concord, N.H. -  Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Thomas William Hickey, 34, of Nashua pled guilty today to failing to register as a sex offender.

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

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

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

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

            “When those who are required to register as sex offenders fail to comply with their obligation to do so, they will be prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the work of the United States Marshals Service and the Nashua Police Department for their efforts to protect the community.”

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

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Arthur Nunes, III, 41, formerly of Dover, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 13 months in federal prison for making a false statement to obtain Social Security benefits, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2012, Nunes submitted an application for Child’s Insurance Benefits to the Social Security Administration (SSA) on behalf of his two children based on the earnings record of their mother, who had passed away in January of 2012.  On the application, he indicated that the children resided with him.  The application was approved and Nunes, as the children’s representative payee, began receiving monthly benefits in March of 2012.  As their representative payee, Nunes was responsible for using the benefits he received on behalf of his children for their current needs, such as food, clothing, housing, and medical care.

          In reality, however, after the death of their mother in January 2012, Nunes’s children lived with another relative and Nunes used his children’s benefits for his own use.  Nunes’s concealment of his children’s true residency and his failure to use the benefits for their needs caused him to get $36,526 in Child’s Insurance Benefits payments that he was not entitled to receive.

          Nunes, who pleaded guilty on October 27, 2017, also was ordered to pay $36,526 in restitution.

          “Federal benefit programs provide an important source of support for many deserving families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Unfortunately, there are some individuals who attempt to defraud the system and obtain money that they are not entitled to receive.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General to ensure that those who attempt to defraud the SSA are identified and prosecuted so that government funds are available for those who should be receiving them.” 

          “As this sentence demonstrates, the SSA OIG is committed to investigating cases of representative payee fraud, which involves the theft of government funds and harm to innocent children who are deserving of Social Security benefits,” said Scott Antolik, Special Agent-in-Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General Boston Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate and prosecute all forms of Social Security fraud.”

          This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Berwick, Maine Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Karen B. Burzycki.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Kenneth Bailey, 53, of Weare, New Hampshire was sentenced in federal court to serve 18 months in prison for drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on five occasions in 2013 and once in 2014, a cooperating individual purchased methamphetamine or a combination of cocaine and methamphetamine from Bailey at his residence.       

          Bailey pleaded guilty to six counts of distributing controlled substances on October 25, 2017.  In addition to his prison sentence, the defendant was fined $1,000 and will be on supervised release for three years.

          “The law enforcement community is united in the effort to stop the distribution of dangerous drugs in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to identify and prosecute drug traffickers in order to protect the safety of our community.” 

           “Mr. Bailey will now pay the price for distributing dangerous drugs that pose a serious threat to our community,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Together, with our law enforcement partners, the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to do everything we can to crack down on illegal drug distributors and the violence that is associated with them.”

          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.  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, N.H. - David Morris, 57, of Columbia, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 99 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court documents and statements in court, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at two residences associated with the defendant on July 20, 2016.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residences showed that they contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.

          Morris pleaded guilty on October 25, 2017.  After serving his 99-month sentence, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

          “Child pornography offenses are terrible crimes that have, at their core, the abuse of the children depicted in the images,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting children from predators and pornographers.  Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify and prosecute those who possess, distribute or produce child pornography in order to protect our children and our community.”

          The case was investigated by the New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Task Force in conjunction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Manchester, as well as the Lincoln, Littleton, and Columbia police departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Aframe and 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. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that late Tuesday afternoon, a federal jury found Edward McLarnon, 69, of Malden, Massachusetts, guilty of receiving firearms with intent to commit murder, as well as three related weapons and explosive charges, after a six-day trial.           

            Evidence presented at trial showed that in October of 2015, McLarnon made contact with a person he believed to be an arms dealer (who was actually an undercover FBI agent) for the purpose of buying illegal weapons.  McLarnon negotiated with the undercover agent at a store in Chichester, New Hampshire and paid a total of $700 in cash to obtain the weapons.  On November 6, 2015, the defendant took possession of a .22 caliber pistol with a silencer, an AK-47-style semi-automatic rifle, ammunition, and two hand grenades containing high explosives at a rest stop in Seabrook.  He was taken into custody shortly after taking possession of these items.  The evidence further showed that McLarnon intended to use the weapons to kill his ex-wife's husband, as well as a Boston federal judge, and a former Massachusetts Attorney General.      

            The jury found the defendant guilty of: (1) receiving an unregistered silencer; (2) receiving firearms with the intent to commit murder; (3) receiving explosive materials; and (4) receiving an explosive with the intent to harm persons or property.  He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison for each count of conviction.  He will be sentenced on May 10, 2018.

            “I am grateful to the jury for rendering this swift and just verdict,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendant devised a frightening plan to use weapons to kill several individuals to express his frustration with the legal system.  Thanks to the hard work of the brave law enforcement officers who participated in this investigation, the defendant’s violent plan was stopped before anyone was hurt.”

            “Edward McLarnon purchased an AK-47, grenades, a silencer, and ammunition with the sole intent of killing the former Massachusetts Attorney General, a sitting federal judge, and other government officials. Today’s conviction ensures that Mr. McLarnon will not be able to further endanger innocent lives,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Boston Division. “This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where the close coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement led to the successful disruption of McLarnon’s plot.  Each and every day, the Joint Terrorism Task Force strives for a perfect record, and we’d like to thank all of our partners for their dedication and hard work in bringing this case to a safe and successful conclusion.”

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Matthew Riehl, 25, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

            According to court documents and statements in court, Riehl coached youth sports teams in Goffstown.  Between July of 2015 and August of 2016, while posing as a teenage girl, he contacted his victims using social media accounts, including Instagram, Snapchat and KIK Messenger, and persuaded his victims to take sexually explicit photographs of themselves and send the photographs to him.  When some of the victims sent pictures that were not sexually explicit, Riehl worked to convince them to take photographs showing more sexually explicit conduct.  In some instances, Riehl was able to coerce the victims to send explicit photographs by threatening to post on social media photographs that the victims previously had sent to him. 

            On August 31, 2016, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence in Goffstown and Riehl’s cell phone was seized.  A forensic examination of the phone by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force revealed approximately 500 photographs of minor boys, in various states of dress, including examples of child pornography.  Numerous photographs depicted individuals who were members of teams that Riehl had coached.

            Riehl, who previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.  He will also have to register as a sex offender for life. 

            “This 25-year sentence demonstrates that those who use the Internet to prey on young victims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “It is a sad fact of modern life that some individuals adopt false identities on the Internet in order to manipulate and exploit their young victims.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who create child pornography.  I commend the bravery of the victims and their families who cooperated with this investigation and encourage all parents to speak to their children about the dangers that lurk on the Internet.”

            “This case involves an egregious breach of public trust, given Mr. Riehl’s former position in the community, and today’s significant sentencing ensures that he no longer has access to children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Shea of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston.  “HSI is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our law enforcement partners and other stakeholders aggressively engaged in the effort against child predators.”  

            “This investigation is another fine example of the collaborative efforts of state, local and federal law enforcement agencies working to bring to justice those who prey on society's most innocent victims,” said Detective Sergeant Thomas A. Grella, Commander, New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 

            The Goffstown Police Department would like to thank everyone involved in this case for coming forward and providing crucial information that has been instrumental in seeing this case come to a successful conclusion.

            This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Goffstown and Bedford Police Departments, the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, 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. Attorneys Arnold Huftalen and 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. –Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Ross Gould, 30, formerly of Winchester, New Hampshire was sentenced to 8.5 years in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

           Court documents and statements in court showed that beginning in 2011 and continuing through mid-March 2015, Gould distributed quantities of heroin throughout the Keene, New Hampshire, area.  Investigators determined that Gould initially sold gram quantities of heroin, but later started selling larger quantities of heroin to individuals in Keene and the surrounding towns.  From mid-2014 through Gould’s arrest in March of 2015, Gould’s drug trafficking increased substantially.  He obtained approximately two kilograms of heroin every four or five weeks from a heroin source in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Gould used a drug courier to obtain the heroin from the source and transport the drugs back to the Keene area where the drugs were distributed by Gould and other drug couriers. 

           After the lengthy investigation, Gould was arrested in March, 2015.  A search of Gould’s Winchester residence resulted in the seizure of approximately five grams of heroin, $11,000 cash and 14 firearms. A subsequent search of a safe that Gould kept at another residence resulted in the seizure of 1.7 kilograms of heroin, 392 grams of cocaine and a small quantity of miscellaneous pills.

           Gould pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over one kilogram of heroin on October 5, 2017.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Gould consented to liquidate personal property purchased with drug proceeds that resulted in the forfeiture by the United States of approximately $ 28,000.  Gould also forfeited to the United States 14 firearms that he purchased with drug proceeds. The United States previously forfeited the $11,000 cash seized from Gould’s residence.

           Three of Gould’s drug couriers have been sentenced to federal prison as a result of their participation in this drug trafficking organization. Jamie Hilow, 29, formerly of Winchester, is serving an 11-year prison sentence. Hilow’s wife, Jaclyn Hilow, 31, also formerly of Winchester, is serving a 10-year prison sentence.  Jason Daigle, 40, formerly of Nelson, is serving an eight-year prison sentence.

           Two of Gould’s sources from Lawrence also have been convicted on drug trafficking charges.  Jonathan Cruz-Marte, 34, was sentenced to 55 months in prison and Felix Portes, 56, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.

           “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to target individuals who are distributing illegal drugs in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “While those who suffer from addiction need access to treatment, those who seek to profit from the distribution of heroin and other deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.  I commend the work of the law enforcement officers who worked together during this long-term investigation to disrupt and dismantle a major drug trafficking organization that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of heroin in the Keene area.”

            The investigation was conducted by the: (1) Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; (2) New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force; (3) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; (4) New Hampshire State Police; (5) Keene, New Hampshire Police Department; (6) Richmond, New Hampshire Police Department; and (7) Salem, New Hampshire Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Anthony Barth, 26, of Derry, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking.

            According to statements made in court, Barth sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual on two occasions in July and August of 2016. On August 17, 2016, the individual placed an order for 50 “fingers” or approximately 500 grams of fentanyl. The defendant arrived at the predetermined meeting location in Derry, New Hampshire where officers attempted to arrest him. Barth tried to flee, hitting a police car and eventually abandoning his own vehicle behind a nearby business. He ran into a wooded area where he attempted to discard the drugs, but he was apprehended shortly thereafter. Officers searched the wooded area and found the drugs, which contained approximately 490 grams of fentanyl.  

            On June 5, 2017, Barth pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

            “Most overdose deaths in the Granite State are being caused by fentanyl,” Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said.  “The substantial amount of fentanyl that this defendant was distributing could have placed many lives at risk.  While the law enforcement community recognizes that those who suffer from addiction require treatment, those who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly products are damaging the fabric of our communities.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to seek substantial penalties for those who threaten our state by selling fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”

           “The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “Those suffering from opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery, but those that distribute and profit from lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire 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 was investigated by the DEA and the Manchester and Derry Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Kaisle J. Raikes, 25, of Manchester, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on three separate occasions in May of 2017, Raikes sold methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the Manchester Police Department.  Raikes displayed firearms during two of the drug transactions.  At the time of his arrest, Raikes possessed cocaine and methamphetamine.  He also had a loaded firearm in his sock.  After the police found the firearm on Raikes, he stated, “I’m no fool, you have to be ready. I would never turn it on one of you guys though.”  Members of the Manchester Police Department also executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment and seized two loaded firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cocaine, Suboxone, a digital scale, and baggies.  

            Raikes previously pleaded guilty on October 26, 2017, to three counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  He will be on supervised release for five years after serving his prison sentence.  The firearms have been forfeited to the United States.

            “Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination that can threaten the safety of our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When drug dealers arm themselves, there is a great risk that they will commit acts of violence.  Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target those who use guns to commit crimes so that we can protect our citizens from violent crime.  Those who choose to use firearms to commit crimes in New Hampshire should expect to spend many years behind bars.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted the case.

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. - James Cunningham, 61, of Laconia, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to four counts of distributing methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.

            “Drug trafficking crimes cause tremendous damage to our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “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.”

               "We're pleased to see Mr. Cunningham, a member of one of the most violent and notorious gangs in the United States, finally accepting responsibility for trafficking illegal narcotics," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Boston Division. “The FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force is fully committed to eradicating gang violence, and the flow of illegal drugs that comes with it. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we're going to take back our communities from violent offenders who are inhibiting the safety and growth of our neighborhoods."

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. -   Jody Swett, 38, of Weare, New Hampshire, has been sentenced to an 18- month term of imprisonment for possessing multiple firearms and ammunition following convictions for crimes of domestic violence, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court records, on April 30, 2015, Swett pleaded guilty to a crime that involved domestic violence in Nashua District Court.  On October 14, 2016, Swett pleaded guilty in the same court to another crime that involved domestic violence.  As a result of the convictions, it was unlawful under federal law for Swett possess firearms and ammunition.

            Nevertheless, in a private transaction that occurred in Manchester in July 2016, Swett bought a Ruger pistol for $375.  In another private transaction that occurred in Hillsborough in October 2016, Swett bought a shotgun for $250 and a bulletproof vest. Additionally, during a search of Swett’s residence in Weare on February 10, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized two .22 caliber rifles, a 9 millimeter pistol, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.

            On July 17, 2017, Swett pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing firearms following a conviction for a crime of domestic violence.  After serving his sentence, Swett will be on supervised release for a period of 3 years.  The firearms and ammunition were forfeited to the United States.

            “It is vital to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals who present a risk of violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who have committed acts of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing guns.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who possess firearms unlawfully and to protect the safety of the community.”

            “This case is a testament to the priority we place on addressing violent crimes to keep our communities safe. Mr. Swett's actions in illegally possessing firearms shortly after his convictions for domestic crimes is a clear violation of the law,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI), Boston Division.  “The FBI will continue to collaborate with the ATF to prevent gun offenses and protect the public from dangerous criminals.” 

            The FBI and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Rahshim Carter, an inmate at the federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months after pleading guilty to possessing Suboxone and a homemade weapon known as a shank.  The sentence will run consecutive to his current sentence for being a felon in possession of a weapon.

            Pleadings filed with the court and statements made at the sentencing hearing established that staff at FCI-Berlin were conducting a health and sanitation check at the prison on November 24, 2016.  When they opened Carter’s cell, the staff smelled smoke.  Carter exited his cell and immediately tried to evade the prison staff by running around the second tier of the unit and jumping to the first tier.  Prison staff eventually subdued Carter and a search found the homemade weapon and a quantity of Suboxone, which is a controlled substance.

            The case was investigated by the staff at the Bureau of Prisons, FCI-Berlin.  Assistant United States Attorney Donald Feith prosecuted the case.

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             CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Jose De La Altagracia Pimentel Lara, a/k/a Luis Colon. a/k/a Jose Pimentel, a/k/a Todolindo, a/k/a El Lindon. a/k/a Lindy, 26, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to serve 63 months in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            Documents filed with the court established that Pimentel Lara participated in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin in Massachusetts and New Hampshire between July 2016 and September 2016.  While participating in the conspiracy, the defendant obtained heroin from the drug trafficking organization and delivered it to his customers. 

            The defendant previously pleaded guilty on September 8, 2017, to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin.   

            “The drug problem in New Hampshire is worsened by those who seek to profit from the addictions of others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing the drugs that are endangering our community.”

            “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (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 prosecution of Pimentel Lara was part of a larger DEA investigation seeking to combat heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  Other defendants also have been convicted for their involvement in this drug trafficking organization.  Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, received a 15-year sentence, Toribio Guerrero Marte, 32, received a 10-year sentence, Allison DeJesus, 19, received a sentence of five years of probation, Jonaly DeJesus, 22, received a sentence of time served and five years of supervised release, and Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, received a sentence of 57 months in prison.  Alfredo Gonzalez, 51, Michell DeJesus, 34, Maria Miguelina Lara Lara, 33, 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 in prison.

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

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Aaron Pelchat, 36, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 23, 2017, Pelchat walked into a Northway Bank in Manchester, New Hampshire, 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2018.

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

               “The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) would like to thank the concerned citizens who came forward with information to help identify Mr. Pelchat.  Robbing banks can put innocent lives at risk and we’re lucky Mr. Pelchat was arrested before anyone got hurt,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to do everything we can to make our communities safer.”

            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, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Brad Smith, 33, of Franklin, New Hampshire was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.  A jury previously found Smith guilty of six counts of producing child pornography after a three-day trial in April 2017.

            Evidence presented at trial showed that in January of 2016, law enforcement officers in Lafayette, Louisiana received a tip that an email address associated with the defendant was distributing child pornography. Officers traced the email address to a farm in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, where the defendant was living at the time. With the defendant’s consent, officers conducted an analysis of a hard drive owned by the defendant and uncovered a series of videos apparently created by the defendant. The investigation determined that the defendant had filmed himself engaging in multiple sexual acts with a three-and-half-year-old child in Loudon, New Hampshire. The defendant saved the videos to a hard drive and took them with him to Louisiana.

         “Today's sentence demonstrates that this community will not tolerate the horrific acts that the defendant committed against a defenseless young child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to prosecute individuals who steal the innocence of young victims.  I commend the performance of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors whose work secured this very substantial sentence.  I hope that the sentence provides some comfort to the victim’s family.”

          “This case, which involved dedicated work from Homeland Security Investigations  (HSI) both in Louisiana and in New Hampshire, as well as local, state and other federal law enforcement, serves as a testament to what persistent, professional investigative work can achieve,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent–In -Charge, HSI, Boston. “HSI is proud to be part of the team that helped bring about justice in this truly disturbing case of child victimization.”

            The investigation in this case was led by Homeland Security Investigations in Lafayette, Louisiana and Manchester, New Hampshire, the Louisiana State Police, and the Concord, New Hampshire Police Department with the assistance of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Aframe and 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - David Frediani, 28, of Epsom, pleaded guilty on Thursday in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

           The defendant’s plea agreement includes a binding stipulated sentence of 150 months’ imprisonment. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 14, 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.  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, N.H.—Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Jose Serrano Ayuso, 31, and Lilian Zapata, a/k/a Marta Arus, 52, both previously of Manchester, New Hampshire, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in 2016.

            According to court records and statements in court, on several occasions between August and October of 2016, investigators used a cooperating individual to make purchases of heroin from Ayuso.  On two occasions when Ayuso was unavailable, Zapata delivered the requested drugs.  Laboratory analyses later showed that the defendants actually were distributing fentanyl.

            During the execution of a search warrant at the defendants’ shared residence in Manchester in October 2016, investigators found more than 230 grams of fentanyl, a handgun, drug ledgers, over $5,000 of U.S. currency, and identifying documents in Ayuso’s bedroom.  In the apartment kitchen, investigators found an iced tea container containing over 640 grams of fentanyl.  Investigators also located a scale and a press for forming “fingers” of fentanyl for distribution in other areas of the apartment. In total, this investigation led to the seizure of more than one kilogram of fentanyl. 

            Both Zapata and Ayuso pleaded guilty in fall 2017.  On January 5, 2018, Zapata received a sentence of 54 months in prison.  On January 18, 2018, Ayuso received a sentence of 144 months in prison.

            “As our state grapples with the challenges of the opioid crisis, there are still those who seek to profit from the sale of fentanyl and other deadly drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Far too many lives in New Hampshire have been lost to drug overdoses.  Those who choose to sell fentanyl and other deadly drugs are endangering their customers and causing great damage to our community.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State and to protect our community from further harm.”

            “Mr. Ayuso and Ms. Zapata will now pay the price for their roles in a large scale drug operation that distributed more than a kilo of fentanyl, the top cause of drug related deaths in New Hampshire,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Boston Division.  “Each and every day, the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force is hard at work targeting distributors and their supply chains, who are blatantly contributing to the tragic opioid crisis that is wreaking havoc in communities all over our state.” 

            The matter was investigated by the FBI 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 New Hampshire HIDTA.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Matthew Felton, 38, of Somersworth, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

            Felton is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2018.

            “Those who produce child pornography cause untold amounts of damage to their youthful victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Unfortunately, the widespread use of social media has increased the opportunities for young people to be victimized.  While we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who rob children of their innocence by committing crimes like this, we also encourage parents to speak to their children about the need to be extremely cautious when communicating on social media.”

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

            This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and law enforcement authorities in Canada.  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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Cory Danis, 29, of Rochester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) was contacted by a New York firm that was in the business of producing canvas prints from photographs.  The firm had received a photograph of a minor in a sexually explicit pose as part of an order for a canvas print of the image.  The firm provided the FBI with contact information for the customer.  Further investigation by the FBI resulted in the identification of Danis as the customer who possessed the image that was sent to the New York business and who ordered the canvas print.

            Danis, who pleaded guilty on August 22, 2017, was also sentenced to 5 years of supervised release, which will begin after he is released from prison.

            “The protection of children is one of the most important missions of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to combat child pornography and other crimes that exploit children.”

            “When children are sexually assaulted to produce photos, they are not just victimized once, but repeatedly re-victimized through the on-line trading of their images,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “It takes an engaged and attentive community to counter these threats to our most vulnerable, and the FBI would like to thank the concerned citizen who came forward to report these egregious acts and remind others of the importance of reporting these crimes to law enforcement.”

            The FBI conducted the investigation of this case with assistance from the Rochester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon and Assistant United States Attorney Donald Feith.

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Chaka Meredith, 42, previously of Laconia, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to the robberies of seven banks in late 2016 and early 2017, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Meredith pleaded guilty to the following crimes:  (1) the December 29, 2016, robbery of a Bank of America branch location in Boston, Massachusetts;  (2) the January 3, 2017, robbery of an East Boston Savings Bank branch location in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; (3) the January 11, 2017 robbery of a Meredith Village Savings Bank branch location in Laconia, New Hampshire; (4) the January 17, 2017, robbery of a  Santander Bank branch location in Lawrence, Massachusetts; (5) the January 24, 2017 robbery of a TD Bank branch location in Lawrence, Massachusetts; (6) the January 25, 2017 robbery of a Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank branch location in Pepperell, Massachusetts; and (7) the January 30, 2017, robbery of a Santander Bank branch location in Plaistow, New Hampshire.   Meredith has been in custody since his arrest by the Lawrence, Massachusetts Police on February 1, 2017. 

            Meredith was originally indicted for a robbery in Plaistow on March 8, 2017, and his guilty plea today resolves all of his pending charges in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire resulting from the month-long bank robbery spree. 

Meredith is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.  As part of his plea agreement, he will be required to pay restitution to the financial institutions he robbed. 

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant’s crime spree is the type of conduct that creates fear in our communities.  Those who engage in such criminal activities will be prosecuted aggressively in order to protect the safety of the citizens of the Granite State.”

            “Mr. Meredith is finally accepting responsibility for his multi-state crime spree, where very fortunately, no one was harmed.   Due to the close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we were able to track him down and safely get him off the streets,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division (FBI). “This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force in bringing to justice those who break the law and intimidate hard-working citizens.”

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

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             CONCORD, N.H. – A former corrections officer at the Federal Corrections Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire, Latoya Sebree, 37, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for accepting bribes from inmates, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced.

               According to court documents, the criminal investigation began when law enforcement agents received information that Sebree was providing marijuana and other controlled substances, cell phones, tobacco and other contraband to inmates in exchange for cash payments. Thereafter, during communications that were monitored by the law enforcement agents, Sebree agreed to deliver a cell phone and a quantity of tobacco to in an inmate in exchange for $2,000.  The items were shipped in a package to Sebree’s post office box.  Sebree removed the package from the post office and then drove to her former residence in Milan, New Hampshire.  When investigators went to Sebree’s home to execute a search warrant, she gave them the $2,000 and the cell phone. While being questioned by law enforcement agents, Sebree admitted that she had provided controlled substances, cell phones, and other prohibited items to inmates over a several week period, in exchange for cash.  During the search of Sebree’s home, investigators seized Suboxone strips, a heat sealer, tobacco in various stages of packaging, as well as other evidence.

            Sebree pleaded guilty on September 5, 2017 to accepting bribes.  After serving her sentence, Sebree will be on supervised release for one year.

            “The public deserves honest service from its civil servants,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This officer betrayed the public trust and undermined the safety and integrity of a federal prison facility by taking bribes to smuggle contraband into a prison.  This type of conduct cannot be tolerated.  Those who attempt to profit from their public positions will be prosecuted aggressively.”

            “The smuggling of cell phones and drugs into our federal prison system puts correctional officers and staff, inmates, and the community at risk,” stated Ronald G. Gardella, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), Office of the Inspector General’s New York Field Office.  “The OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice any DOJ employee involved in prison contraband smuggling.”

            “It’s very troubling that Ms. Sebree sought to profit from her position by accepting bribes from inmates and providing contraband for cash,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division (FBI).  “Greed and corruption have no place in our criminal justice system, and the FBI is committed to identifying corrupt public employees like Sebree, who undermine the confidence and trust expected from those in public service.”

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with support from FCI-Berlin’s Office of the Special Investigative Supervisor.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Audie Cruz-De Los Santos, 40, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve an additional 24 months in federal for assaulting another inmate with a box cutter. 

            According to statements made in court and documents filed with the court, Cruz-De Los Santos assaulted another inmate from behind and slashed the neck of the inmate using a box cutter.  The video surveillance system at FCI-Berlin captured Cruz-De Los Santos placing an object in a recycling container located within the unit where the assault took place.  Prison staff retrieved a blood stained box cutter from the container immediately after the assault.  The assaulted inmate was treated at Androscoggin Valley Hospital and then transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock for surgery to treat the wound.

            The defendant previously pleaded guilty on September 26, 2017.  The sentence will run consecutive to the defendant’s current federal prison sentence for possessing a firearm.

            The case was investigated by the staff at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant United States Attorney Donald Feith prosecuted the case.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Jason Stone, 39, of Greenland, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence in October 2016.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residences showed that they contained more than 100 images and videos of child pornography.     

            Stone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2018.

            “Child pornography crimes jeopardize the innocence of young people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.   “Through the Project Safe Childhood initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess child pornography, as well as those who produce or distribute this material.”

               This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

            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. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Toribio Guerrero Marte, a/k/a Luis Rodriguez Lugo, a/k/a Boss, 32 of the Dominican Republic was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for heroin trafficking.

            Documents filed with the court established that Guerrero Marte participated in a drug trafficking organization between June 2015 and October 2016.  This organization distributed heroin to customers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  The defendant admitted that he delivered drugs to customers of the organization on a daily basis. 

            The defendant pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin on August 7, 2017.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for 3 years.   He also faces possible deportation to the Dominican Republic after he has served his sentence.

            The investigation and prosecution of Guerrero Marte was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to Toribio Guerrero Marte’s prosecution, his brother Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, received a 15-year sentence, Allison DeJesus, age 19, received a sentence of five years of probation.  Jonaly DeJesus, 22, received a sentence of time served and five years of supervised release, and Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, received a sentence of 57 months in prison.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Maria Miguelina Lara Lara, 33, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, Edward Garcia, 31, and Luis Colon, 30, are all awaiting sentencing.    In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

           “Members of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire are united in our effort to stop the flow the flow of heroin and other deadly drugs into the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who attempt to profit from the sale of these drugs will be identified and prosecuted.  I salute the law enforcement agencies whose teamwork made this prosecution possible.”

           “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 pledges to aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations or individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  This investigation would not have been a success without the continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

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

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that  Paul Channel, 27, of Belmont, was sentenced to  41 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and possession of a controlled substance – fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2017, after a telephone call from a concerned citizen, an officer with the Manchester Police Department stopped Channel while he was driving a vehicle on Elm Street.  The officer conducted a pat- frisk of Channel and located three syringes and a clear plastic baggie containing a controlled substance that subsequently tested positive for fentanyl.  Channel did not have a prescription for the fentanyl.  The police also located a firearm with an obliterated serial number in Channel’s vehicle.  Channel is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is a convicted felon.

            Channel previously pleaded guilty on October 2, 2017.  In addition to the 41 month prison sentence, the Court ordered Channel to serve 3 years of supervised release.

            “Stopping violent crime is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, we work with our law enforcement partners to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.  By prosecuting those who possess guns illegally, we will reduce the risk of violent crime and make our communities safer.”

               This case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted the case.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Thomas Kellermann, 65, of Bedford, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.   

          According to court documents and statements in court, Kellerman 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 relievers.  In March of 2012, Kellermann took medical leave from his position.  While on medical leave in March and April 2012, Kellerman 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 pharmacy stock.  This made it appear that the vials were unused.  Kellermann also accessed hydromorphone that had been prepared for delivery to a patient, but which had been returned to the pharmacy and wasted. 

          The tampering was discovered when an employee of the pharmacy detected irregularities in certain vials of drugs.  After the tampering was discovered, some of the vials were analyzed by an independent laboratory and found to be substantially below their labeled strength.

          Kellermann pleaded guilty 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.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.

          “Tampering with controlled substances by health care workers is a very serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This type of activity is a betrayal of the trust that patients place in the health care system.  Tampering and diversion not only can deprive patients of needed medicine but also can expose patients to other substantial health risks. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute health care workers who engage in this very dangerous conduct.”

          “Patients deserve to have confidence that they are receiving the proper treatment from those entrusted with providing their medical care,” said Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ New York Field Office. “We must hold medical personnel accountable when they take advantage of their unique position and tamper with drugs needed by their patients. Tampering can not only endanger the health of patients by exposing them to contaminated products but also may deny them access to the treatments they need.”

          “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 Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA’s obligation is to improve public safety and public health, and we are 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, N.H. – Einstin Antonio Cantos, 40, a citizen of Ecuador who was residing in California, has been sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for making false statements on an application for a United States passport, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court documents, in December 2005, Cantos completed an application for a U.S. passport using the name, date of birth, social security number, and other personal identifying information that belong to a United States citizen, “J.S.”  The application was submitted to the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with passport-sized photographs of Cantos and a certified copy of J.S.’s birth certificate.  Relying on the information in the application and the supporting documentation, the Passport Center issued a U.S. passport to Cantos in J.S.’s name.  In 2013, Cantos applied for a U.S. passport card in the name of J.S.  He later obtained a passport card based upon his false representation that he was J.S. 

            Cantos pleaded guilty on September 1, 2017 to making false statements.  After serving his time in prison, he will be deported back to Ecuador.

            “It is vital to ensure that United States passports are not issued to individuals who are not entitled to receive them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect the integrity of the passport process, those who use fraud or false statements in order to obtain passports will be identified and prosecuted.”

             “The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice and our other law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of crime related to passport and visa fraud and to bring those who commit these crimes to justice,” said Michael Bishop, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

            The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD, N.H. – Kenneth Feliz, 53, of Manchester and the former owner of the Smug Peach check cashing business in Nashua, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a fraudulent federal income tax scheme, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2012 to December 2013, Gladys Pena, a resident of Bronx, New York, couriered 161 U.S. Treasury tax refund checks, totaling more than $1.1 million, from New York New York, to Feliz in New Hampshire.  As Pena knew, the checks were obtained from the Internal Revenue Service by conspirators who filed fraudulent income tax returns using legitimate taxpayers’ stolen social security numbers and other personal identifying information.  Feliz knowingly cashed the checks in exchange for fees that were equal to 10 percent of the value of each check.

           Feliz previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal public money, theft of public, money and aggravated identity theft. 

           On May 22, 2017, Pena was sentenced to a 54-month term of incarceration for her role in the scheme.  Feliz and Pena are also required to make restitution payments totaling $1,095,879.44 to the United States Treasury.

            “Tax refund schemes such as this not only steal money from taxpayers but also cause serious harm to the individuals who have their identification information stolen,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work closely with the IRS to protect the integrity of the tax system and to protect the public from identity theft crimes.”

            “Investigating identity theft and tax refund fraud is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Joel P. Garland.  “Each phase of this crime is a serious offense, from stealing innocent victims’ identities, to filing false tax returns, and cashing fraudulently-obtained refund checks as Mr. Feliz did.  This sentence highlights our commitment, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to eradicate identity theft, safeguard honest taxpayers and protect the integrity of our Nation’s tax system.”

           The case was by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Manchester, with assistance from the IRS/CI office in New York, N.Y.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bill Morse and Bob Kinsella.

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             CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for his participation in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            Court filings and statements made in court established that Pimentel participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) between June 2016 and October 2016 during which time he delivered drugs to his own customers while being supplied by the DTO.  Pimentel also delivered drugs to customers of the DTO. 

            Pimental, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, will serve three years of supervised release after serving his prison sentence.

           The investigation and prosecution of Pimentel a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to DeJesus’s prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Luis Rodriguez Lugo, 34, Maria Miguelina Lara, 33, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, Edward Garcia, 31, and Luis Colon, 30, all entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.  Allison DeJesus, age 19, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years of probation.  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 in prison.

           “The law enforcement community is united in its effort to stop the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs into our state,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant and his associates were responsible for the distribution of significant amounts of heroin.  Those like this defendant who choose to profit from the sale of deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.” 

           “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in the Granite State and those suffering from heroin and fentanyl 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 is committed to aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations or individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

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

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Elizabeth Salinas-Roldan, 42, previously of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley 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.   The defendant was arrested in December of 2016.

          Salinas-Roldan will be sentenced on April 12, 2018.  She has been in custody since her arrest.

          “The U.S. Attorney’s Office works each day with our law enforcement partners to stop drug trafficking in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the hard work of the law enforcement officers whose efforts resulted in this conviction.”

          “This guilty plea not only exemplifies Ms. Salinas-Roldan's full acceptance of her criminal activity, but her role in fueling the flow of illegal narcotics right here in Manchester,” said Special Agent in Charge, Harold H. Shaw, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division (FBI).  “The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue do everything in its power to address violence and gang activity within our communities, as well as stop the sale of illegal drugs and dangerous substances impacting our neighbors, families, and friends across the region.”

          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, N.H. - Nicole Perry, 22, of Berwick, Maine, was sentenced in federal court to 57 months’ in prison for fentanyl trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 20, 2016, members of the Strafford County Drug Task Force conducted surveillance on a vehicle in which Perry was a passenger as it travelled from Gonic, New Hampshire to Lawrence, Massachusetts.  As the car returned to New Hampshire, law enforcement officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 16, just beyond the Dover tolls.  Perry admitted that she had purchased drugs, which were concealed in her clothing.  A later search revealed that Perry was in possession of approximately 116 grams of fentanyl.           

               In September of 2017, Perry pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.  Upon her release from federal prison, Perry will serve a period of three years of supervised release. 

            “Fentanyl continues to be the primary cause of the large number of deadly overdose deaths that are plaguing the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the work of the law enforcement officers in this case who successfully prevented the distribution of a large quantity of this deadly drug.  We will continue to work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our state.”

               This matter was investigated by the Strafford County Drug Task Force, including officers from the police departments of Dover and Rochester, NH, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Department, and the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that

Brian O’Rourke, 54, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 

          According to court documents and statements made during today’s plea hearing, on or about April 19, 2017, U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted a suspicious package mailed to O’Rourke from Las Vegas, Nevada, that they opened pursuant to a federal search warrant.  Inside, they found 5.349 kilograms – approximately 12 pounds -- of highly potent methamphetamine.  After removing the methamphetamine and substituting a “dummy” substance to restore the package to its original weight, Postal Inspectors arranged for the delivery of the package to O’Rourke.  Surveilling law enforcement officers then watched O’Rourke as he drove to an area behind a Manchester furniture store, where O’Rourke met with Dustin Moss, and transferred the package to Moss.  Four days later, O’Rourke received another package, which Postal Inspectors opened with O’Rourke’s consent.  Inside was an additional 3.571 kilograms – or eight pounds -- of highly potent methamphetamine. 

          Dustin Moss, 29, of Manchester, Katrina Jones, 39, of Goffstown, and Sabrina Moss, 31, of Manchester, also face federal charges related to this methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.  Dustin Moss and Katrina Jones are scheduled for trial on March 6, 2018.  Sabrina Moss is scheduled for trial on January 23, 2018.

          O’Rourke’s sentencing has been scheduled for March 30, 2018. 

          “Although our state is facing a significant opioid crisis, other dangerous drugs continue to present a threat to the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Methamphetamine is a deadly drug that has been linked to overdoses in New Hampshire.  I commend the law enforcement officers for their work in this case, which prevented a very substantial amount of methamphetamine from being distributed in our community.”

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

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          CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Casey Jones, 41, formerly of Rochester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking.

          Statements made in court and court filings established that during the late evening hours of March 31, 2016, a New Hampshire State Police Trooper on patrol in Dover, New Hampshire observed the defendant driving his vehicle erratically. As a result, the trooper conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, $2,266 in cash was located on the defendant’s person. A search of the defendant’s vehicle at the scene resulted in the seizure of a digital scale, cell phone, plastic baggies commonly used for packaging narcotics, and hypodermic needles.  The vehicle was towed to the New Hampshire State Police barracks and a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle.  During the search, over 77 grams of fentanyl were found in a duffle bag within the vehicle.

          In September of 2017, Jones pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute.  Upon his release from federal prison, Jones will serve a period of three years of supervised release.

          “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to address the significant presence of heroin and fentanyl in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to target those who are distributing these deadly drugs in the streets of New Hampshire and to prosecute drug trafficking offenses aggressively.  I commend the Trooper whose work prevented a significant amount of fentanyl from being distributed in New Hampshire.”

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

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         CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Matthew Adey, 47, of Malden Massachusetts was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

         According to statements in court and court documents, on February 26, 2017, the defendant met a 14-year-old boy in an online local interest chat group. The defendant, aware of the child’s age, requested a photograph of the child engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which the child took and sent to the defendant. The defendant continued to communicate with the child over the Internet.  On March 4, 2017, the defendant traveled from Massachusetts to the child’s residence in New Hampshire. On March 4 and March 5, 2017, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with the child multiple times. A subsequent forensic analysis of the defendant’s computers indicated that he possessed various images and videos containing additional child pornography.

         Adey, who previously pleaded guilty, will be on supervised release for ten years following his release from prison.

          “Those who produce child pornography rob children of their innocence and cause immeasurable harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who prey on minors.  Lengthy sentences like this should send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in our community.” 

          The investigation in this case was led by the Londonderry, New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Massachusetts Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Cassandra Chandler, 25, of Franconia, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley of the announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2017, after an investigation of Chandler's possession of drugs, law enforcement officers from the Franconia, Littleton, and Sugar Hill, New Hampshire police departments executed a search warrant for Chandler's apartment in Franconia, New Hampshire. In Chandler’s bedroom, within arm's reach of her bed, officers found approximately 48 grams of fentanyl.

          Chandler is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29, 2018.

          “Fentanyl and other deadly drugs are causing tremendous harm in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the work of the police officers in this case.  By getting this fentanyl off the streets, they may have saved several lives.”

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Felicia Jordan, 28, of Concord, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Concord police offices conducted several undercover drug buys from Jordan in March 2016.  On May 19, 2016, police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, resulting in the seizure of almost 100 grams of fentanyl. 

          On September 13, 2017, Jordan pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

          “As the large number of fatal fentanyl-related overdoses in our state show, fentanyl is a deadly drug,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The law enforcement community in New Hampshire is working hard each day to stop the flow of this deadly drug into our state.  While those suffering from addiction need access to treatment, those who choose to distribute fentanyl in the Granite State will be prosecuted aggressively.”

          This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shane B. Kelbley and Georgiana L. Konesky.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for possessing heroin with intent to distribute.

            Gagnon was convicted at a jury trial on August 2, 2017.  Testimony during the trial showed that on July 10, 2016, Gagnon and Alfredo Gonzalez traveled from Manchester, New Hampshire to Lawrence, Massachusetts to acquire approximately 500 grams of heroin from a drug trafficking organization led by Alberto Guerrero Marte.  Gagnon and Gonzalez met with Marte at a restaurant in Lawrence at approximately 10:00 p.m. on July 10, 2016.  Gagnon retrieved a shopping bag containing three cans of tomato sauce from Marte’s vehicle.  Gagnon placed the cans in his own vehicle and drove to New Hampshire.  During a traffic stop of Gagnon’s vehicle, a drug detection dog alerted officers that the vehicle contained drugs.  After obtaining a search warrant on the following day, law enforcement officers searched the vehicle and found that the three cans of tomato sauce contained over 500 grams of heroin.

            After serving his prison sentence, Gagnon will be on supervised release for a period of three years.

            Alberto Guerrero Marte is serving a 15-year prison sentence.  Gonzalez was convicted at trial on November 10, 2017.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2018.

            “This case is an example of how federal, state, and local law enforcement officers continue to work together to stop the flow of heroin and other drugs into New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The investigators in this case prevented a large quantity of heroin from being sold in the Granite State.  While we support access to treatment for those who suffer from addiction, individuals like Mr. Gagnon who participate in the distribution of deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.” 

         “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire and across the North East,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “Fentanyl and heroin are causing overdose deaths across the Granite State, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue and hold accountable anyone who distributes and profits from spreading this misery.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

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

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. -   Acting United States Attorney John Farley announced today that Judith Morale (formerly known as Judith Remo), 54, currently a resident of Webster, New York, has pleaded guilty to health care fraud.

          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 is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Court Judge Joseph DiClerico on March 27, 2018.

          “Fraud against federal health care programs such as Medicare is a very a serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When health care providers fraudulently obtain money from the Medicare program, they will be held accountable for their actions.  I commend the efforts of the law enforcement agents whose work led to this conviction.”

         “By literally using the Medicare system as her own personal ATM, Ms. Morale violated the basic trust that taxpayers extend to healthcare providers.” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “Fraudulently billing the government defrauds every American taxpayer, and the FBI is committed to finding those who abuse public health care programs to which we all contribute and depend on.”

         “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.”

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

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            CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Justin Gauthier, 39, formerly of Northfield, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty 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.

Court documents and statements in court showed that law enforcement officers executed two search warrants on Gauthier’s Northwood 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, multiple firearms, and $6,791 in cash were seized.

“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 Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This case is particularly notable because the defendant was distributing carfentanil.  Carfentanil is far more powerful than fentanyl and presents a serious public safety concern.  In order to protect the public, we will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who seek to profit from the distribution of carfentanil and other deadly substances.”

"ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts, to aggressively combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade," said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF  Boston Field Division.

Gauthier’s sentencing is scheduled for March 27, 2018. 

            This case is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD, N.H. -  Kevin Corriveau, 42, of Nashua, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of obstruction of justice in connection with an investigation and litigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley of the District of New Hampshire announced today.

According to court documents, Corriveau owned and operated a painting company, Kevin Corriveau Painting, Inc.  Corriveau admitted that he caused an employee of his company to provide false information to investigators from the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division in 2009 and 2011 regarding the extent of overtime hours worked by employees of the company.

From 2007 through April 2011, Corriveau had been directing employees to report only non-overtime work payroll and time records to conceal Fair Labor Standards Act overtime violations from being found in those records. In 2011, Corriveau himself also falsely stated to investigators that his employees did not work overtime on a Needham, Massachusetts, construction project. 

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

Corriveau is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2018.

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 Wage and Hour Division and Office of the Inspector General investigated the case with assistance from the Department’s Office of the Solicitor and Employee Benefits Security Administration.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Miller.  Scott Miller is also a Senior Trial Attorney at the Labor Department’s Office of the Solicitor in Boston, Massachusetts. 

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            CONCORD, N.H. -  Gary Peter Borak, 50, formerly of the Pelham, New Hampshire area, was sentenced to two years in prison for participating in a tax evasion scheme, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Borak filed a legitimate federal income tax return for 2007 – prepared by his accountant -- that established that he had an outstanding tax debt of more than $50,000.  In response to IRS efforts to collect that debt after Borak failed to pay it, Borak engaged in a series of ploys in an attempt to defeat the payment of the tax and the assessment of new income taxes for future tax years. 

        Among other things, in 2011, Borak filed an amended return for 2007 and an original, but delinquent, tax return for 2008 in which he made bogus claims that he had large amounts of Original Issue Discount (often abbreviated “OID”) income and large amounts of corresponding withholding from a so-called non-existent “straw man” financial account.  He claimed that the withholding not only satisfied his outstanding tax debt from 2007, but also qualified him for large tax refunds.  To support his false claims, Borak created fake IRS forms purportedly prepared and issued by a particular bank and sent the IRS volumes of correspondence and other documents containing highly unconventional and meritless claims about the tax laws.  Borak persisted in pressing his bogus claims even after the IRS and his accountant told him that they were frivolous.  He also attempted to satisfy his tax debt by submitting sham financial instruments to the IRS. 

        Finally, until about two weeks before entering his guilty plea, Borak failed to file any tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2016, even though he earned substantial amounts of income in at least several of those years.  Borak’s conduct resulted in an actual tax loss to the U.S. Treasury of about $168,147. 

        Borak previously had pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion two counts of making false statements on his tax returns.  After serving his two-year prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release.  He also was ordered to pay full restitution to the United States Treasury.

        “This case shows that there are substantial penalties for those who attempt to use fraudulent techniques to avoid their tax obligations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The defendant’s scheme of creating false documents in order to try to mislead the IRS was unlawful and he has been held accountable for his actions.”

        “Our voluntary system of self-reported tax liability depends upon people to honestly report their income and timely pay their taxes,” said Joel Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “Those who willfully file false tax returns and obstruct the IRS in their collection efforts damage our nation’s system of taxation.  Violators will be prosecuted, punished, and obligated to repay their taxes along with applicable penalties and interest, which are substantial.” 

        This matter was investigated by the Manchester office of Criminal Investigation of the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.  They were assisted by the Rockingham County and Hillsborough County Sheriff Departments and the Atkinson, Hudson, Salem, and Pelham police departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Aframe and Bill Morse.

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            CONCORD, N.H. -  Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Crystal Watson, 37, of Barrington, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses.

            According to documents filed in court and statements made during the sentencing hearing, after an investigation of Watson’s drug trafficking activities, law enforcement officers executed search warrants and arrested Watson at her home in Barrington on April 7, 2015.  During the search, officers seized $244,028 in United States currency, 570 grams of heroin, and three firearms. 

On February 25, 2016, Watson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, three counts of distribution of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.  As part of her plea agreement, Watson agreed to forfeit the seized cash and firearms, as well as real estate, two log cabin style park trailers, and a vehicle.

            “The law enforcement community is united in its effort to identify and prosecute those who are distributing heroin and other deadly drugs in the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Not only are drugs lethal, but those who possess firearms while trafficking in drugs present an added danger to the community.  We will continue to do our utmost to prevent the distribution of drugs, reduce the risk of gun violence, and seize assets so that drug traffickers do not profit from their unlawful activities.”

            “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 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 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 DEA; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Barrington Police Department; and the Rochester Police Department participated in the investigation of this case.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Brandon Gray, 22, of New Hampton, New Hampshire, was sentenced in federal court on Monday to 70 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography and cyberstalking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley of the District of New Hampshire announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant created a fake online identity pretending to be a teen pop star, and met a 14-year-old child on the Internet. From 2014 to 2016, the child took various sexually explicit pictures and videos of himself and sent them to the defendant. Eventually, the child discovered that the online persona was fake and attempted to stop communicating with the defendant. The defendant responded by sending him harassing texts, emails, and chats over various social media outlets including messages threatening to post pornographic images of the child online. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence and he was found to be in possession of various images and videos constituting child pornography. The defendant admitted to using the alias, to possessing sexually explicit images of the minor victim, and to threatening to post them online.  

            “Keeping the Internet safe for children is one of the highest priorities of my office,” said Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley. “I commend the collaboration between the Louisiana State Police and Homeland Security Investigations personnel in New Hampshire in locating and bringing this individual to justice. Cyber predators cannot hide behind a computer screen. When their actions cause real harm, there will be real consequences.”

            This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Manchester, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Michael Roman Burghardt, 33, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to illegal firearm possession, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley of the District of New Hampshire announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement agents began an investigation after receiving information from a reliable source that Burghardt was regularly carrying a .380 caliber handgun. At the time, Burghardt had a prior felony conviction, and could not legally possess any firearms.  After arresting Burghardt on an unrelated warrant, agents found in his coat pocket a handgun consistent with the information they had received.

          Burghardt is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2018.

          “Gun violence threatens the safety of our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “One important way to prevent gun violence is to enforce our firearms laws to ensure that criminals do not possess dangerous weapons.  This case is one example of how the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working closely with our law enforcement partners to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.”

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

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Vincent M. Torraco, 26, of Athol, Massachusetts, was sentenced to serve 43 months in federal prison for a series of bank robberies that occurred in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. 

          According to court documents and statements made during Torraco’s earlier plea hearing, Torraco robbed TD Bank branches in Gardner, Massachusetts, on September 16, 2016, in Rindge, on September 23, 2016, and in Winchester, Connecticut, on September 24, 2016.  In each robbery, Torraco passed a note to a bank teller demanding money.  In at least two of the robberies, the notes included warnings not to include dye packs with the money.  Torraco was identified as the robber in each instance through bank security images, which revealed distinctive clothing and physical characteristics common to Torraco, and in one case a fingerprint on the demand note.  Torraco was arrested on September 27, 2016, in Huntersville, North Carolina.

          Torraco previously pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery.  After serving his sentence, he will serve a three-year term of supervised release.

          “Bank robberies are inherently violent offenses that can jeopardize the lives of bank employees and customers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and to improve the safety of our communities.”

          Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division said, "Mr. Torraco not only took money from a federally insured bank, he also  intimidated the tellers, and  wasted taxpayer resources by requiring law enforcement officers to search for him.  This sentence imposed on the defendant reflects the serious nature of bank robbery. The FBI is proud of the relationship with its law enforcement partners and working together, we are able to make our community a safer place."

          The investigation of this matter was overseen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and conducted by the Rindge (N.H.) Police Department, the Gardner (Massachusetts) Police Department, the Winchester (Connecticut) Police Department and the Huntersville (North Carolina) Police Department.  The prosecution of the case is being coordinated with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, the Middle District (Massachusetts) Attorney’s Office, and the Litchfield County (Connecticut) State’s Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that, Rafael Delacruz, a/k/a “Simba,” 55, previously of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Friday to serve twelve years in federal prison for selling heroin and fentanyl in southern New Hampshire. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Delacruz sold heroin and fentanyl in hand-to-hand exchanges with cooperating individuals inside a retail store in Plaistow, New Hampshire on July 8, October 20, and November 19, 2015.  Delacruz also admitted to selling fentanyl to a cooperating individual on June 22, 2016, inside a retail store in Epping, New Hampshire.  Each of the transactions was surveilled and recorded by law enforcement officers and, in at least one instance, on a store’s security surveillance video. 

          Delacruz pleaded guilty on August 18, 2017, to three counts of distributing a controlled substance.  After his release from prison, Delacruz will be required to serve a six-year term of supervised release. 

          “Those who come to New Hampshire to distribute deadly drugs will be identified and prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers are working hard each day to stop the flow of fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs from coming into the Granite State.  I salute the teamwork of the officers who assisted in this investigation.  Thanks to their efforts, this drug trafficker will no longer be damaging our community.”

          “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels across New England and those suffering from 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 and fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA is committed to aggressively pursuing Drug Trafficking Organizations or individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute these poisons in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice anyone who distributes these drugs.”

          This matter was investigated by the Portsmouth (N.H.) Tactical Diversion Squad of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Berwick (Maine) Police Department with the help of the York (Maine) and Ogunquit (Maine) police departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley today announced that, after a four-day trial, a jury returned guilty verdicts late Wednesday afternoon against Valentin Delo Perez Soto, also known as Miguel Angel Sanchez Caraballo, 49, of Manchester, New Hampshire.

          Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that the defendant sold fentanyl and heroin to a cooperating individual on April 23, June 4, and October 2, 2015.  A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence on Pearl Street in Manchester on November 2, 2015, where quantities of cocaine, oxycodone, and over 100 grams of heroin were recovered.

          Perez Soto was convicted of one count of distributing fentanyl, two counts of distributing heroin, and one count of possessing cocaine, oxycodone and 100 grams of more of heroin with the intent to distribute. 

          Perez Soto, who is in custody, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and a maximum of life in prison.  His sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

          “This prosecution demonstrate the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to working with our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of drugs in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While we recognize that those who struggle with substance abuse require access to treatment, we will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing these deadly substances in the Granite State.” 

          The investigation that led to this prosecution was co-led by the New Hampshire State Police and the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force.  They were assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Northeast Laboratory, and the Hillsborough County House of Corrections.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Morse and Anna Dronzek.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Dana Michelle Lawrence, 43, of Nashua has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for using another person’s social security number.

          According to court documents and statements made during a lengthy hearing in U.S. District Court yesterday, in 2006, Lawrence completed consecutive one-year prison terms for fraud-related offenses she committed in New York and Rhode Island.  After Lawrence was released from a New York prison, she was required to serve a nine-year period of probation in connection with the Rhode Island case and pay restitution totaling more than $47,000 to the victims of that case.  However, shortly after Lawrence completed the prison sentence, she absconded from supervision and a warrant was ultimately issued for her arrest.

           Using an alias, “Genevieve Kaplan,” in November 2016, Lawrence began working as a volunteer for the City of Nashua, preparing grant applications. Last May, the Nashua Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation were told that “Kaplan” tried to obtain routing and account numbers for bank accounts that belonged to the City.  The NPD and FBI discovered Lawrence’s true identity and obtained a copy of a lease application that “Kaplan” used to rent an apartment in Nashua. On the application, “Kaplan” used a social security number assigned to another person.  She was arrested for that federal offense on May 11, 2017.  She pleaded guilty on August 11, 2017.

          During the 11-year period that Lawrence was a fugitive from justice, she used a number of aliases, social security numbers that belonged other people, falsely claimed to be a graduate of an Ivy League law school with access to substantial sums of money.  She moved to different states in order to steal money from people she befriended, businesses that employed her, charitable organizations, and other entities.

          The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Nashua Police Department investigated the case.

           The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Kinsella and Anna Dronzek.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Eric Collins, 43, of Epsom, pleaded guilty in federal court to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, 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 methamphetamine packaged for sale.

          Collins is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2018.

          “Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the law enforcement officers whose work on this case helped to improve the safety of our community.”

          This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being 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. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Judith Ardolino, 54, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 60 months in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            According to court records and statements in court, Ardolino was one of several individuals who obtained quantities of heroin from a drug trafficking organization operated by Alberto Guerrero Marte.  Ardolino and others operated “trap houses.”  Trap houses are residences where customers of the drug trafficking organization could meet individuals who were delivering heroin to the customers.  Drugs picked up at the trap houses were then sold to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

            Ardolino was one of nine individuals indicted in October of 2016 for their roles in this heroin distribution conspiracy.  All of the defendants, with the exception of one who passed away, have pleaded guilty.  One defendant, Eric Sederquest, 36, was sentenced to serve 92 months in prison.  The remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing.

            Ardolino previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin.  Guerrero Marte, who was charged in a separate indictment and pleaded guilty, is serving a 15-year federal prison sentence.     

“Stopping the distribution of heroin and other deadly drugs is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement colleagues, a substantial drug trafficking operation has been dismantled.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; 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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