District of New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. – Jessica Lord, 36, of Concord, pleaded guilty to drug distribution and conspiracy charges, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court documents and statements made during Lord’s plea hearing, an undercover Concord police detective bought 30 milligram pills containing oxycodone from Lord on five separate occasions in June and July 2016. During the transactions, Lord stated that she got the pills from Patrick J. Brooks, III, of Boscawen. On July 20, Lord was on her way to a sixth transaction with the undercover detective, when Concord police officers stopped her car. At the time of the stop, Lord possessed more 30 mg oxycodone pills. In addition, the execution of a search warrant at Brooks’ home the same day yielded nearly two thousand 30 mg oxycodone pills and approximately $20,000 in cash. The cash recovered from Brooks’ home included currency that the Concord police detective had used to buy oxycodone in an undercover transactions with Lord a week earlier.

          United States District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro accepted Lord’s guilty plea and scheduled her sentencing for November 30, 2017. Lord faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. The court will impose her actual sentence based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

          Brooks previously pleaded guilty to drug and conspiracy charges and was sentenced by 51 months in prison.

          This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department with important support from the Boscawen Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bill Morse.

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          CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Audi N. Sumilat, 37, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for participating in a scheme to illegally buy guns that were then smuggled to Indonesia by members of the security detail of the Indonesian President and the Vice President -- also known as the Presidential Guard of the Republic of Indonesia. Sumilat previously pleaded guilty to a charge that he conspired to make false statements in connection with the purchase of export controlled firearms and smuggling them out of the country.

          According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, Sumilat conspired to buy guns in Texas and New Hampshire for members of the Presidential Guard with the understanding that the guns then would be smuggled out of the U.S. Specifically, Sumilat – while on active duty with the U.S. Army – admitted that he and three members of the Presidential Guard came up with the plan in October 2014, when they were all stationed together for training in Fort Benning, Georgia. As part of the plan, in the summer of 2014 and in September and October 2015, Sumilat purchased guns in Georgia and Texas for members of the Indonesian Presidential Guard that they could not lawfully buy in the U.S. themselves. To facilitate those purchases, he falsely certified to the gun dealers that he was the actual buyer of the guns. Sumilat delivered some of the guns to co-conspirators in the New York City area and shipped others to a co-conspirator, Feky R. Sumual, in New Hampshire. Sumual, in turn, delivered the guns and other firearms he illegally purchased to members and representatives of members of the Presidential Guard, who were in the U.S. on official state visits in Washington, D.C., and with the U.N. General Assembly in New York, N.Y. Finally, Sumilat acknowledged that, he understood that the members of the Presidential Guard then would smuggle the illegally purchased guns from the U.S. to Indonesia on the Indonesian president’s official government airplane. The firearms were listed as defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List. To export them legally, an exporter’s license and a license covering the specific guns was required. No such licenses had been issued.

          Diplomatic negotiations between the Department of State and the Republic of Indonesia resulted in the recovery and destruction of twenty-three of the illegally purchased and exported firearms.

          Acting United States Attorney Farley noted, “Firearms exported illegally can easily end up in the wrong hands. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute international gun trafficking to protect innocents, both American and foreign, from the criminal use of U.S. weapons abroad.” Farley added, “The fact that the guns were bought for, and transferred to, members of another country’s security force presented some unique challenges in the investigation that led to this prosecution. The diligent work of our law enforcement partners allowed them to detect this scheme and develop the evidence needed to shut it down, in spite of those challenges.”

         United States District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro, who sentenced Sumilat, also ordered Sumilat to serve two years of supervised release upon completing his prison term.

         Sumilat’s co-conspirator, Feky R. Sumual, previously pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge and was also sentenced to 18 months in prison.

         This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in both Manchester, N.H., and in El Paso, Texas, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in Manchester, N.H., and the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. The Dover (N.H.) Police Department and the Indonesian National Police provided important support. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse

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          Concord, New Hampshire – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Lindsey Parziale-McDonald, 28, and Larry Delgado, 29, both of Manchester, New Hampshire, were arrested on charges that they participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in violation of federal law.

          According to the criminal complaint, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased a controlled substance from Delgado and Parziale-McDonald on four separate occasions between July 26, 2017 and August 7, 2017. Each time, the undercover officer entered a vehicle driven by Delgado or McDonald and exchanged money for drugs while inside the car. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the drug involved in two of the transactions was fentanyl. Laboratory analysis is pending with respect to the other transactions. On two occasions, Parziale-McDonald’s two-year-old son was also present in the vehicle.

          Chief Enoch “Nick” Willard is “extremely proud of the dedication and hard work by all involved, especially the undercover detective who worked this case.” Chief Willard also wanted to reiterate the fact that the “Manchester Police Department will continue its efforts to combat the drug epidemic plaguing New Hampshire by working with all state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.”

          The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Actual sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

          Farley stressed that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

          The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Bryan Franklin, 42, formerly of Penacook, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

          According to court documents and statements made in court proceedings, on September 24, 2016, the Tilton, New Hampshire Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Franklin that was found to contain multiple needles, cut plastic baggies, and other items associated with drug use. A subsequent search of another vehicle owned by Franklin resulted in the seizure of a lock box that contained approximately $15,958 in cash, approximately 750 grams of fentanyl, assorted prescription pills, a quantity of methamphetamine, a thumb drive, and two digital scales. Additionally, a backpack in the vehicle contained a tin box that contained an additional quantity of fentanyl, a drug ledger, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun that had been reported to law enforcement as stolen. Franklin pleaded guilty to the charges that resulted from this investigation on May 12, 2017.

          “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in fentanyl trafficking in New Hampshire remains a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “As New Hampshire continues to face an unprecedented number of overdose deaths directly caused by opioid use, we will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those who are responsible for distributing these dangerous drugs in our state. Most drug deaths in New Hampshire are associated with fentanyl use. The quick-thinking law enforcement officers who seized this large quantity of fentanyl and prevented it from being distributed may have saved several lives.”

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

          Franklin was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on the drug trafficking charge and a consecutive mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years on the firearms charge, for a total sentence of 120 months’ imprisonment.

          This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Tilton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force announced today that Rebecca Ayling has been selected as its new Project Director.

          Ayling has worked as a social worker for nine years. She started her career as a social worker with the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth, and Families. She then worked with children and families in need of social services and support in England. For the last two years she has focused on helping human trafficking victims and developing strategies to address human trafficking both globally and locally. Ayling previously worked for an international anti-trafficking organization in Bangkok, Thailand, where she worked to identify and assist victims of human trafficking. She currently serves as a Senior Intensive Case Manager at Child and Family Services, a private non-profit, where she has worked to develop plans to combat human trafficking in New Hampshire. Ayling holds a B.S. from North Central University and Master of Social Work degree from the University of New Hampshire.

          Ayling was selected after an extensive interview process conducted by the Manchester Police Department, Child and Family Services, and several other representatives of the Task Force.

          “Rebecca’s experience in combatting human trafficking both in New Hampshire and elsewhere will make her an excellent Project Director,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley. “The other Task Force members and I look forward to working with her to combat the terrible problem of human trafficking. We are confident that she will provide the leadership that the Task Force needs to coordinate our community’s effort to combat this troubling issue.”

          “Child and Family Services has the utmost confidence in Rebecca’s ability as the Project Director,” said Program Director Erin Kelly. “Rebecca has the passion and commitment it will take to succeed in this position and to lead the Task Force onto meeting its goals of combating all forms of human trafficking through services, prosecution, and prevention.”

          The Task Force is funded by a $1.3 million grant from the United States Department of Justice. Its goals are to ensure that comprehensive and specialized services are made available to victims of human trafficking through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach and that perpetrators of sex trafficking and forced labor are investigated and prosecuted.

          The core team members of the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Task Force are the Manchester Police Department, Child and Family Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Attorney’s Office.

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          Concord, N.H.— Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Christian Cherry, 33, previously of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

          According to court documents and statements made in court proceedings, on August 13, 2016, after receiving a 911 call, Manchester Police responded to a residence for a reported domestic dispute. Upon arrival, they encountered Cherry in his vehicle in the parking lot of the residence, and his then-girlfriend inside the apartment. Once in the apartment, officers observed visible signs of a struggle, and witnesses reported the presence of a firearm. Officers ultimately obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered two Smith & Wesson handguns in a bedroom belonging to Cherry. One of the firearms had been reported stolen to Manchester Police in June 2016. Cherry was prohibited from possessing any firearm as a result of at least one prior felony conviction.

          A federal grand jury indicted Cherry for being a felon in possession of a firearm on October 19, 2016. Cherry pleaded guilty on May 10, 2017. He has been in custody since his arrest on November 17, 2016.

          In addition to a 30-month prison sentence, the Court ordered Cherry to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment.

          This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Dennis Higgins, 24, formerly of Hudson, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful distribution of fentanyl.

          According to court documents and statements in court proceedings, on February 15, 2016, Higgins sold a quantity of fentanyl to a 22-year-old woman from Kittery, Maine. The following morning, emergency personnel received a 911 call and responded to the woman’s Kittery residence, where they found her dead from a suspected drug overdose. At the scene, law enforcement officers found needles and a plastic bag that contained a white powdery substance that was determined to be fentanyl. An autopsy determined that the woman died from acute fentanyl intoxication.

          A subsequent investigation developed evidence that Higgins had distributed fentanyl to the woman. Higgins pled guilty to drug distribution on May 15, 2017.

         Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley said, “Fentanyl continues to be the cause of far too many deaths in the Granite State and throughout New England. The aggressive investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in fentanyl trafficking in New Hampshire remains a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners at the local, state. and federal level. While we support access to treatment for those who suffer from addiction, those who distribute these deadly drugs need to be held accountable for the substantial damage they are causing in our community.”

          “The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl and heroin crisis unlike ever before,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Those responsible for distributing these lethal drugs and contribute to the loss of life for those battling this insidious disease need to be held responsible for their actions. In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”

          This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Kittery, Maine and Merrimack, New Hampshire Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Cory Danis, 28, of Rochester, New Hampshire, waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 4, 2017.

          According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea hearing, in 2015 the 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.

          The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of this case with assistance from the Rochester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon.

          In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as 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 Leslie Aberle, 33, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

          According to court documents, on October 16, 2015, Aberle drove Mark Ross and Eve Tarmey to Lawrence, Massachusetts, in order to obtain a quantity of heroin. Ross obtained the drugs from a source in Lawrence while Aberle and Tarmey waited in Aberle’s car. After Ross acquired the drugs, the three returned to the Riviera Motel. Ross and Jazzmyn Rood also used a portion of the drugs and Ross provided a portion to Tarmey. The following morning, Tarmey was found dead in the motel room. The New Hampshire Medical Examiner later found that Ms. Tarmey died of acute fentanyl intoxication.

          Aberle will be on supervised release for three years after she services her prison sentence.

          New Hampshire has the third-highest rate of per capita drug overdose deaths in the United States. More than half of the drug overdose deaths in New Hampshire in 2015 were the result of fentanyl, either alone or in combination with other drugs.

          In April 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office announced the formation of an inter-office team of prosecutors who work together to prosecute individuals who cause opiate overdose deaths in New Hampshire. This prosecution, initiated before the creation of the joint team, is an example of the type of case the team reviews and monitors.

          The case was investigated by the Rochester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Rafael Delacruz, a/k/a “Simba,” 55, of Lawrence, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to three drug distribution charges.

          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. Each of the transactions was surveilled and recorded by law enforcement officers and, in at least one instance, captured on a store’s security surveillance video. At the time of his arrest on June 22, 2016, Delacruz possessed some of the currency he had received during their transaction earlier in the day. A later search of Delacruz’ residence in Lawrence uncovered $1,000 in cash and a stolen handgun.

          Delacruz’s sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2017. If the plea agreement is accepted by the Court, the defendant will be sentenced to serve 12 years in prison.

          “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to combatting the opioid crisis by using all available tools,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “We will work tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for bringing opioids into New Hampshire and attempting to profit from the sale of these deadly drugs. This case is yet another example of the cooperation between various law enforcement agencies who are working together to protect 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 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. 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 and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Almir Causevic, 32, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

           Court documents and statements in court showed that on April 1, 2016, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop in Manchester of a vehicle operated by Almir Causevic. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 244 grams of fentanyl and $1,200 cash.

          A passenger in the vehicle, Muharem Causevic, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy charge on August 11, 2017.

          “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to target individuals who are responsible for the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl 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 this deadly drug will be prosecuted aggressively. I commend the work of the law enforcement officers who located and seized this significant amount of fentanyl.”

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

           Almir Causevic’s sentencing is scheduled for November 28, 2017. As a result of his conviction, he may also face deportation proceedings at the conclusion of his federal prison sentence.

          The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Bedford Resident Office, Bedford, New Hampshire and the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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          Concord, N.H.—John J. Farley, Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, announced that Victor Alvarado, 29, was sentenced to 64 months in prison and Brandin Melendez, 33, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine base, or “crack,” in Manchester in 2016 and for firearms crimes.

          According to court documents and statements made at the sentencing hearing, on several occasions in July and August 2016, Alvarado and Melendez sold crack cocaine to an individual working with investigators. On each occasion, Alvarado would arrange the deals and provide the narcotics while Melendez would take the payment. On August 30, 2016, Alvarado and Melendez also sold the same individual a sawed off shotgun.

          In December 2016, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Alvarado and Melendez and investigators obtained search warrants to search their residences. At Alvarado’s residence, investigators recovered three firearms, including a stolen AR-15 model weapon with a high capacity, 30-round magazine.

          In April 2017, Alvarado and Melendez each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Alvarado, who was a previously convicted felon, also pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of a firearm.

          In addition to their prison sentences, Alvarado and Melendez were ordered to serve three years of supervised release when they are released from custody.

          This case was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force. 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. Other and state and local authorities involved in the investigation included 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 the invaluable assistance of DEA-NH/HIDTA. Assistance was also provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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           CONCORD, N.H. - Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley announced that Michael Giles, 41, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison after committing three bank robberies and attempting to rob a fourth bank.

           According to documents filed with the court and statements made at today’s sentencing hearing, on November 23, 2016, Giles robbed a TD Bank branch located at 70 Bay Street in Manchester, and on November 27, 2016, he robbed a TD Bank branch at1255 South Willow Street in Manchester. Giles was arrested by the Manchester Police on November 27, 2016, near the bank shortly after the robbery when the motor scooter Giles was riding failed to start. The police recovered the robbery proceeds from Giles.

           Giles’ arrest led police to link him to the November 23, 2016, robbery of the TD Bank; the January 22, 2016, robbery of the Citizens Bank located at 1283 Hooksett Road in Hooksett; and the January 22, 2016, attempted robbery of the Citizens Bank located at 1550 Elm Street in Manchester. Images captured by the bank’s surveillance system definitively identified Giles as the robber.

           The Manchester Police Department and the Hooksett Police Department led the investigations into the robberies in Manchester and Hooksett. The FBI assisted in the identification and prosecution of Giles. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Don Feith.

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           CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Muharem Causevic, age 25, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

          Court documents and statements in court showed that on April 1, 2016, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop in Manchester of a vehicle in which Muharem Causevic was a passenger. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 244 grams of fentanyl and $1,200 cash.

          The operator of the vehicle, Almir Causevic, is scheduled to plead guilty to the drug conspiracy charge on August 15, 2017.

          “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to target individuals who are responsible for the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl 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 this deadly drug will be prosecuted aggressively. I commend the work of the law enforcement officers who located and seized this significant amount of fentanyl.”

          Muharem Causevic’s sentencing is scheduled for November 28, 2017. As a result of his conviction, he may also face deportation proceedings at the conclusion of his federal prison sentence.

          The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Bedford Resident Office, Bedford, New Hampshire and the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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           CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Dana Michelle Lawrence, 43, of Nashua pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of social security number.

           According to court documents, in 2006, Lawrence was sentenced in a Rhode Island state court to a one-year period of incarceration followed by nine years of probation for a theft offense. Shortly after Lawrence completed the prison sentence, she absconded from supervision and a warrant was ultimately issued for her arrest.

          In November 2016, Lawrence, using the alias “Genevieve Kaplan,” began working as a volunteer for the City of Nashua, preparing grant applications. On May 7, 2017, the Nashua Police Department (NPD) and FBI were told that “Kaplan” tried to obtain routing numbers and account numbers for bank accounts that belonged to the City.

           While investigating the matter, the NPD and FBI obtained a copy of a lease application that “Kaplan” had used to rent an apartment in Nashua. On the application, “Kaplan” used a different first name, “Genna,” and a social security number assigned to another person. While searching “Kaplan’s” Nashua apartment, the NPD and FBI found documents that contained different names, addresses, dates of births, and social security numbers.

           Sentencing is scheduled for November 28, 2017.

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

           Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Robert Kinsella are prosecuting the case.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Rohit Saksena, 42, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced yesterday to serve three years of probation and pay a $40,000 fine for filing false visa applications.

          According to court documents, Saksena is the president and chief executive officer of Saks IT Group LLC, a company based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Saks IT Group contracts with other companies to provide information technology consulting services and places its employees with other companies to provide professional technology services. From approximately March 2014 through approximately December 2015, Saksena filed 45 fraudulent visa applications with United State Citizenship and Immigration Services falsely claiming that Saks IT Group was hiring foreign workers to provide professional services to a company in Cupertino, California. The California company had not entered into a contract with Saks IT Group and had no jobs available for the foreign workers. Saksena knew that the foreign workers would not be employed at the California company.

          Saksena filed the false visa applications under the H-1B visa program. That program allows American businesses to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialized or technical expertise in a particular field like accounting, engineering, or computer science when qualified U.S. workers cannot be found to fill those positions. Under the H-1B visa program, a U.S. employer may employ a highly educated foreign worker subject to strict conditions, which include a demonstrated need for the foreign worker to fill a vacant position and assurance that the U.S. company will employ the foreign worker. Saksena filed visa applications that falsely claimed jobs awaited the foreign workers at the California company. He supported those applications with bogus Independent Contractor Agreements between the California company and Saks IT Group and with sham Work Orders that purported to show that the foreign worker would provide professional services for the California company. Some of the false visa applications resulted in foreign workers receiving H-1B visas. Many of the fraudulent applications were denied once Saksena’s deception came to light.

          Saksena previously pleaded guilty on May 1, 2017, to making false statements to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

          This case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. State Department; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Division of Labor Racketeering; and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark S. Zuckerman.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Benjamin Rogers, 32, formerly of Newmarket, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 138 months in prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl to a woman who died from using the drug.

          According to court documents and statements in the plea proceeding, Rogers worked at a restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with Cassie Clermont. On October 17, 2014, Rogers arranged to provide a quantity of drugs to Clermont. Text messages and witness statements showed that Rogers left the restaurant and later returned to the restaurant parking lot, where he met with Clermont and provided her with a quantity of drugs. Clermont later left the restaurant and went to her apartment in Portsmouth, where she was found dead the next day.

          A quantity of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia were found near Clermont’s body. The New Hampshire Medical Examiner later found that Clermont, 30, died of acute fentanyl intoxication.

          When originally questioned by the Portsmouth Police about the incident, Rogers falsely claimed that he had obtained heroin from Clermont, but then deleted incriminating text messages from his phone when an officer asked to see them. The incriminating text messages were recovered from Clermont’s phone.

          “This case demonstrates some of the tragic consequences of the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “A young, vibrant woman who was striving to fight her addiction lost her life when she relapsed and used fentanyl. This needless death was the result of the defendant’s decision to ‘help’ her get access to drugs. This should send a message to the community that those who distribute opioids will face substantial consequences. While those suffering from addiction need access to treatment, those who sell or distribute these deadly substances will be prosecuted for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to address all facets of the opioid problem in our state.”

          "The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before," said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. "Those responsible for distributing a lethal drug like fentanyl to citizens of the Granite State need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy people's lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office."

          The case was investigated by the Portsmouth Police Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the Newmarket Police Department, and the New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley announced that Jesus Silva-Cruz, 42, a citizen of Cuba and an inmate at the federal correctional institution located in Berlin, New Hampshire was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison for possessing marijuana and possessing a prohibited object while an inmate at a federal prison. The sentence will run consecutively to the current sentence being served by Silva-Cruz.

            According to statements made in court, on January 17, 2017, correctional staff at FCI-Berlin were conducting routine searches of cells. Silva-Cruz was the sole inmate assigned to cell 103. The staff found three vacuum sealed packages of green leafy material. Laboratory testing of the material proved it was marijuana. The total weight of the material was approximately three ounces.

            The Bureau of Prisons was the lead investigative agency in this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

            CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Karl Edward Hahn, 44, of Manchester, Connecticut and formerly of New Castle, New Hampshire pleaded guilty on Tuesday to participating in a wire fraud scheme that defrauded a victim of approximately $2 million.

            According to court records and statements in court, Hahn lived in New Hampshire and was employed as an investment advisor at investment banks in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Starting as early as March of 2009 and continuing until July of 2010, he invited one of his investment clients to join him in what he referred to as an “off the books” investment. He described that investment as follows: Hahn and the victim would each contribute approximately $2 million, which Hahn would then loan to three individuals who would repay the money within 90 days with interest substantially above market rates. Hahn told the victim the “loan” would be secured by three pieces of residential real estate, one owned by each of the three borrowers, which were all unencumbered and which collectively had a value far in excess of the approximately $4 million loan.

            Hahn told the victim that no one could know about the investment, including the defendant’s employer, because he was not allowed to enter into financial dealings with clients other than through his employment. In order to prevent his employer from learning of the “off the books” transaction, Hahn asked the victim to transfer the money into a bank account held by one of Hahn’s relatives and that Hahn would then get the money from his relative.

            The victim agreed and transferred to Hahn’s relative’s account, in separate transactions, $300,000, $1,600,000, $100,000, and $35,000, totaling $2,035,000. Hahn admitted that the entire story of landowners wanting to borrow money was false, that there never were three landowners who wanted to borrow money collateralizing the loans with deeds, and that loans were never made to any landowners using the victim’s money. Hahn simply used the victim’s money to pay personal expenses. In 2011, the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation barred Hahn from being licensed to sell securities.

            Hahn also admitted that during the course of executing the scheme, he made additional materially false representations to the victim that lulled him into a false sense of security and caused him to temporarily refrain from reporting his dealings with the defendant to law enforcement authorities. Those false statements included: 1) that the supposed borrowers had defaulted on the loans; 2) that as a result of the alleged defaults, Hahn had possession of the deeds to the supposed borrowers’ properties; and 3) that Hahn had communicated with a hedge fund so the hedge fund could buy the properties, thereby resulting in the return of the victim’s money with interest. Hahn also later falsely represented to the victim that he had been successful in working with the supposed hedge fund and that he was confident that the victim would have his money back by early August of 2010.

            Hahn will be sentenced on November 8, 2017. The terms of the plea require Hahn to serve 18 months in federal prison.

            This case was investigated by the FBI and United States Secret Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that a jury found Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, New Hampshire guilty of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute.

            Testimony elicited at trial showed that during an ongoing wiretap investigation, investigators learned that on July 10, 2016, Gagnon and another person traveled from Manchester, New Hampshire to Lawrence, Massachusetts to pick up 50 fingers (approximately 500 grams) of heroin from a drug trafficking organization led by Alberto Guerrero Marte. Gagnon and his confederate 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 that the vehicle contained drugs. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle on July 11, 2016. Law enforcement officers opened the three cans of tomato sauce and found 51 fingers of heroin, weighing a little over 500 grams.

            Gagnon will be sentenced on November 17, 2017. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

            “We are dedicated to working with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of heroin and other dangerous drugs into the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “While those who suffer from addiction need to have access to treatment, those who seek to profit from the distribution of heroin will be held accountable for their actions. I commend the hard work of the law enforcement officers in this case. Their industriousness led to the seizure of a very significant amount of heroin before it could be sold on the streets of New Hampshire.”

            "Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. "Heroin and fentanyl are causing overdose deaths across the Granite State in record numbers, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes these poisons in order to profit and destroy people's lives. 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 investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and also involved the following law enforcement agencies: 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.

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

two men from the Rochester, New Hampshire area pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges based upon their possession of heroin and cocaine. Timothy W. Kondroski, 42, previously of Rochester and Jason L. Brewer, 34, of Milton each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

            According to court documents and statements made during today’s plea hearings, on July 12, 2016, a New Hampshire State Police Trooper observed Brewer commit multiple motor vehicle violations while driving northbound on Interstate 95. The trooper executed a traffic stop of Brewer’s car near the Hampton tolls. Kondroski was a passenger in the car. During the traffic stop, the trooper observed evidence of drug possession. While the trooper questioned Brewer and Kondroski, Kondroski fled and darted across four lanes of the interstate highway toward the barriers that divided the cash tolls from the open road tolling lanes. The trooper chased Kondroski, yelling at him to stop. The trooper eventually caught up to Kondroski at the barriers, which Kondroski was attempting to climb over. The application of a Taser was necessary to subdue Kondroski. During the chase, Kondroski’s sneakers fell off. When retrieving them from the roadway, the troopers found a bag approximately 35 grams of heroin. A second bag containing approximately one ounce of cocaine was recovered from inside one of Kondroski’s sneakers. Kondroski and Brewer both eventually admitted to buying the drugs in Lawerence, Massachusetts. Kondroski further acknowledged that he paid $2700 for the drugs and intended to sell them.

            Kondroski and Brewer are both scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2017.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are distributing drugs in the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “I commend the troopers involved in this matter for their quick and decisive actions.”

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

CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley today announced that Vincent Torraco, 26, of Athol, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to three bank robberies, including one in Rindge, New Hampshire.

          According to court documents and statements made during Torraco’s 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’s sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2017. He has been detained since his arrest in North Carolina on September 27, 2016 and will remain detained pending sentencing.

         This 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Daniel Rogers, 30, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime..

          According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly after midnight on October 3, 2016, Manchester Police conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Rogers at the intersection of Granite Street and Commercial Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. Police determined that there were outstanding warrants for both Rogers and the passenger in the vehicle, and both of them were arrested. Police obtained a warrant to search the vehicle, which resulted in the seizure of four firearms, including two rifles that were previously reported stolen, along with approximately 37 grams of fentanyl, 25 grams of crack cocaine, and 21 grams of powder cocaine. Rogers was previously convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

          Sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2017.

          “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stopping drug distribution and the violence associated with drug dealing,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Armed drug dealers present a serious risk to public safety and we will be aggressive in our efforts to get guns out of the hands of criminals. I commend the law enforcement officers in this case for their work protecting our community.”

          This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shane Kelbley.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that on July 26, 2017, Taheem Mungo, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of possessing crack cocaine and heroin with the intent to distribute.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 1, 2016, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Mungo was a passenger. The stop occurred on Interstate 95 around Hampton, New Hampshire. Police discovered that Mungo had an active arrest warrant out of New York, and he was arrested. Mungo then consented to a search of his luggage, which revealed approximately 172 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 10 grams of heroin.

          Mungo’s sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2017.

          This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

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          CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that on July 24, 2017, Martin Gonzalez-Diaz, 34, formerly of Methuen, Massachusetts, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute in excess of one kilogram of heroin and quantities of fentanyl and oxycodone.

          An offer of proof made during court proceedings established that from approximately the Spring of 2014 through late January of 2016, Martin Gonzalez-Diaz and his co-defendant, Juan Alexis Diaz Pena, conspired to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and lesser quantities of fentanyl and oxycodone in the Lawrence, Massachusetts, area to individuals who in turn sold the drugs to New Hampshire based drug customers for re-distribution in Rochester, New Hampshire.

          Gonzalez-Diaz’s co-defendant, Pena, 31, also formerly of Methuen, Massachusetts, was previously sentenced to 96 months in prison on June 26, 2017, for his role in the drug conspiracy and for his unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

          As part of the investigation, in January 2016, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) searched an apartment connected to Pena and located quantities of cocaine and heroin and items associated with drug trafficking. A loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun was recovered from under a mattress in a bedroom in close proximity to where the drugs were located.

          “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. We will continue to target drug trafficking organizations that are responsible for the importation of large quantities of these drugs into New Hampshire from source cities like Lawrence, Massachusetts,” stated Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          After Gonzalez-Diaz completes serving his ten-year prison sentence, he will likely face deportation proceedings to remove him from the United States.

          This investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Tactical Diversion Unit, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department, and the Haverhill, Massachusetts Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth Aframe prosecuted the case.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that four residents of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin during a period beginning in 2013 and ending in October 2016.

The defendants were part of an indictment returned by the grand jury for the District of New Hampshire on October 5, 2016, charging 16 individuals with participating in the conspiracy.

          According to documents on file with the court and statements made during the change of plea hearings, the drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing heroin was managed by Alberto Guerrero Marte, age 34. Day to day customer orders for heroin were taken by Michell DeJesus, age 37, and the information was provided to Marte. The heroin was delivered to the customers at various residences in Massachusetts by Maribel Santiago Ramos, age 34, and others. Each of these defendants admitted to trafficking one kilogram or more of heroin during the conspiracy.

          Defendant Allison DeJesus, age 18, also took customer orders for heroin and re-supplied Santiago Ramos when deliveries were made.

          A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 27, 2017, for Allison DeJesus. Sentencing hearings have been scheduled for November 1, 2017, for Marte, Michell DeJesus, and Maribel Santiago Ramos. The United States has agreed to recommend a sentence of 15 years for defendant Marte and a sentence of five years of probation for defendant Allison DeJesus. The sentences for the remaining defendants will be determined at the time of sentencing.

          “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in the Granite State and those suffering from the disease of heroin and fentanyl addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said 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 across New Hampshire 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.”

          Defendant Luis Rodriguez Lugo is scheduled for trial on September 6, 2017. Defendants Jonaly DeJesus, Allan Pimentel, Santo Garcia Mendez, Wilkin Beltre Aria, Alfredo Gonzalez, Querzon Baez, Pedro Vincente Guerrero, Jose Pimentel and Edward Garcia are scheduled for trial on October 3, 2017.

          The case 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 United States Attorney Don Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Jeremiah Pless, 33, of Keene, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography. Pless was convicted by a jury on April 11, 2017.

          The jury was presented with evidence that, in February 2015, the Hinsdale Police Department obtained a search warrant to search a residence in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, based on probable cause that the residence was connected to the downloading of child pornography. Chief Todd Faulkner and Commander Tom Grella assembled a team of specially trained officers from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to assist in the search. While at the residence on February 18, 2015, the search team found evidence that Pless possessed child pornography that he had downloaded using the Shareaza file sharing program. A review of the hard drive taken from Pless’ computer later confirmed that the images of child pornography included images of known minor children.

          Pless was also sentenced to ten years of supervised release which will begin after he is released from prison. During the period of supervised release, Pless’ conduct will be monitored by the United States Probation & Pretrial Services Office. Pless will also have to register as a sex offender.

          The investigation was led by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hinsdale Police Department. The ICAC Task Force provided invaluable assistance in the investigation as did officers from the Portsmouth Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney, Don Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Jonathan Faucher, 39, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to attempting to rob a convenience store and robbing a bank in Manchester.

          Court filings and statements made in court established that shortly after midnight on September 28, 2016, Faucher entered a 7-Eleven on Maple Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. After ordering a pack of cigarettes, Faucher brandished a box-cutter and told the clerk to “give me all the money if you don’t want to get hurt.” The clerk behind the counter responded by brandishing a pizza cutter at Faucher, who fled the area without any money.

          A few days later, on October 3, 2016, Faucher robbed a TD Bank branch on Franklin Street, in Manchester, New Hampshire. Faucher handed a note to a bank teller demanding money and claiming that he had a gun. The bank teller handed over $600 and Faucher fled the bank on foot, but Manchester Police responding to the robbery apprehended him just a few blocks from the scene of the crime.

          The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shane Kelbley.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Jodi Swett, 31, of Weare, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing multiple firearms and ammunition as a prohibited person.

          According to court records and statements made in court, on April 30, 2015, Swett pleaded guilty to a domestic violence offense. The conviction meant that Swett could not legally possess a firearm or 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 on February 10, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized two .22 caliber rifles, a 9 mm pistol, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.

          Swett will be sentenced on October 25, 2017.

          “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. “When individuals possess firearms unlawfully they present a risk to the safety of the community. We will continue to prosecute those who possess weapons unlawfully and to use all available means to reduce the risk of violent crime here in New Hampshire.”

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

# # #

CONCORD, N.H. – David Ackell, 48, of Seekonk, Massachusetts, will serve a 33-month prison sentence for using facilities in interstate commerce to stalk a female resident of New Hampshire, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court records and statements made in court, Ackell sent an on-line private message to the victim when she was 16. Thereafter, the victim agreed to send photographs of herself to Ackell because Ackell repeatedly promised that he would not save them. Several months later, Ackell persuaded the victim to send partially nude photographs of herself to him. After the victim turned 18, she repeatedly told Ackell that she wanted to end their relationship. Ackell prevented this from happening by, among other things, threatening to send the victim’s photographs to her family and friends. He also told the victim that if she ended their relationship, a 14-year old girl would be raped.

            Ackell was found guilty of the offense after a four-day jury trial in December 2016. The defendant will be appealing his conviction. He will not begin serving his sentence until after the Court of Appeals has ruled.

            “In its various forms, cyber-stalking causes severe trauma to the stalked victims and the people who care about them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “It is a high priority of this office to prosecute anyone who engages in this reprehensible conduct. This case is an unfortunate reminder that young people who use social media need to be vigilant about what information they share with others. I encourage parents to speak openly with their children about the need to be extremely cautious when establishing online relationships and sharing information with others. I commend the bravery of the victim in this case who came forward and shared her story with law enforcement officers.”

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hancock, New Hampshire Police Department, and the Seekonk, Massachusetts Police Department investigated the case.

            At trial, Assistant United States Attorneys Helen White Fitzgibbon and Robert Kinsella represented the government. AUSA Kinsella represented the government at the sentencing hearing.

          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Leslie Aberle, 33, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

          According to documents that were filed in court, on October 16, 2015, Aberle drove Mark Ross and Eve Tarmey to Lawrence, Massachusetts, in order to obtain a quantity of heroin. Ross obtained the drugs from a source in Lawrence while Aberle and Tarmey waited in Aberle’s car. After Ross acquired the drugs, the three returned to the Riviera Motel. Ross and Jazzmyn Rood also used a portion of the drugs and Ross provided a portion to Tarmey. The following morning, Tarmey was found dead in the motel room. The New Hampshire Medical Examiner later found that Ms. Tarmey died of acute fentanyl intoxication.

          “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to combat the distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Fentanyl and other opioids are responsible for the deaths of far too many citizens of the Granite State. We will continue to work each day with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who are distributing these drugs in New Hampshire.”

          “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Fentanyl and heroin are causing overdose deaths across the Granite State in record numbers, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes these poisons 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.”

          A sentencing hearing is set for August 22, 2017. Under the terms of a plea agreement, both parties are recommending a sentence of 60 months in prison.

          The case was investigated by the Rochester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Jacob Chiaradonna, 28, of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for robbing two Rochester banks in October of 2016.

          Court filings and statements made in court established that on October 5, 2016, Chiaradonna entered a Citizens Bank in Rochester, New Hampshire, and handed a teller a note that read “Give me all your $50 and $100, I have a gun don’t be stupid.” After taking money from the teller, Chiaradonna fled the bank. Six days later, on October 11, 2016, Chiaradonna robbed a TD Bank in Rochester using a similar strategy, handing a teller a note that read “give me your 20’s, 50’s, 100’s, I have a gun,” then fleeing on foot with the cash.

          Law enforcement officers posted images of the robberies on television and social media, and several individuals familiar with Chiaradonna came forward to identify him as the robber. On October 13, 2016, law enforcement located Chiaradonna at a motel in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and arrested him. A search of Chiaradonna’s cell phone from the motel turned up an internet browsing history that included visits to web pages providing advice on how to rob a bank.

          Chiaradonna previously pleaded guilty to the two bank robberies on March 16, 2017. After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for a period of 3 years.

          The case was jointly investigated by the Police Departments of Rochester and Wolfeboro, and by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

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CONCORD, N.H. – Ernesto L. Reyes, 26, of Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today to possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court documents and statements made at today’s change of plea hearing, Reyes committed a series of traffic violations while driving a motor vehicle on the evening of November 11, 2016, on Route 125 in Plaistow, New Hampshire. As a result of these violations, Reyes was stopped by the New Hampshire State Police. When Reyes exited the vehicle, a New Hampshire State Trooper observed a package wrapped in green colored plastic wrap containing a powder that appeared to be heroin. The package was located on the floor along the left side of the driver’s seat. Later testing performed by the State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the package found in the vehicle contained nearly 100 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.

          Reyes scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2017.

          “The trafficking of heroin and fentanyl continues to have a grave impact on our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to target those who are distributing these deadly drugs in our state. While those suffering from addiction need treatment, those who are profiting from the distribution of opioids will be prosecuted aggressively.”

          The case was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Karen Burzycki.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that William Soltan, 34, of Suffolk County, New York, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison after pleading guilty to failing to register as a sex offender as required by the federal Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

          According to documents that were filed and statements made in court, Soltan left New Hampshire sometime after July 2014 for a temporary visit to New York. At the time he left, Soltan was obligated to return to New Hampshire not later than December 30, 2014. Soltan did not return to New Hampshire, did not register in New Hampshire in 2015, and did not register in New York in 2015. Under SORNA, a person who is required to register must register in each jurisdiction where he resides, is employed or is going to school. SORNA gives an individual three days in which to register.

          Soltan, who previously pleaded guilty, was also sentenced to serve five years of supervised release after he is released from prison.

          The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with the assistance of the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Suffolk County, New York, Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Andrew McKenzie, 28, of Brookfield, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty today to one count of manufacturing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to documents on file and statements made during the change of plea hearing, in October 2016 the defendant began an instant messenger conversation through Kik with an undercover agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The defendant agreed to send the undercover agent sexually explicit photographs of a minor child. The investigation determined that the images sent by the defendant were of a minor child known to the defendant.

          The defendant has agreed to serve a sentence of 262 months in federal prison under the terms of a plea agreement with the United States to be followed by five years of supervised release. If the Court decides to reject the agreement, the defendant will have the right to withdraw his guilty plea. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2017.

          The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rochester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Helen White Fitzgibbon and Donald Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H.: Brian Powell, 34, of Salem, New Hampshire, was sentenced to spend 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court records and statements in court, an Electronic Service Provider (ESP) alerted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an individual had uploaded a child pornography file to the ESP’s website. That file was ultimately traced back to the Powell’s residence in Salem, New Hampshire. In 2015, the Salem Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence and seized Powell’s personal computer. A detective with the Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department – also a member of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force – analyzed the contents of the computer and discovered a collection of child pornography.

          That collection included several videos which the defendant had manufactured himself by initiating contact with minor females through an anonymous internet chat service. Powell, persuading the females to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which the defendant then captured on video without their knowledge. On at least two occasions, the defendant used advanced computer software to track the victims’ IP addresses which allowed him to reengage in conversation with them. He then played the previously-recorded videos for the victims and threatened to publicize them unless the victims engaged in additional sexual conduct. The victims complied and the defendant recorded these acts as well.

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

          “The defendant’s conduct merits the substantial sentence that the court imposed today,” Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said. “He manipulated young women into exposing themselves and then threatened them with public humiliation if they did not engage in sexual acts that he could record. This reprehensible conduct robbed these young women of their innocence and cannot be tolerated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners each day to identify and prosecute those who abuse children by producing child pornography.”

          The investigation in this case was led by the Salem, New Hampshire Police Department with the assistance of the New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Rochester and Derry police departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States 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 Edward Garcia, 36, of Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl at the Rockingham Mall in June and July 2015.

          According to documents on file with the court and statements made at today’s change of plea hearing, in 2015 law enforcement officers were targeting the sale of heroin and fentanyl from sources located in Massachusetts. As part of the investigation, an undercover officer purchased fentanyl from Garcia on June 12, 2015 and on July 14, 2015. Each sale involved 29.5 grams of the controlled substance fentanyl.

          A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2017.

          “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Because even a small quantity of fentanyl can be deadly, we will continue to work together to prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this drug and will make every effort to stop this drug from being sold in New Hampshire. While those who suffer from substance use disorders should receive treatment, those who seek to profit from the drug trade need to be held accountable for their actions.”

          “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Fentanyl is causing overdose deaths across the Granite State in record numbers, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes 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 and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

          The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Task Force Officers from a number of New Hampshire law enforcement agencies and members of the Massachusetts State Police assisted in the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Don Feith.

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          Concord, N.H.—John J. Farley, Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, announced that Micky Garst, Jr., 26, previously of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to spend 46 months in federal prison for his possession of two stolen firearms.

          According to court documents and statements in court, on the morning of August 19, 2015, Manchester Police investigating a reported fight outside a pizza parlor encountered a large crowd, including the defendant and a female companion. After investigating the source of the conflict, officers asked to search the companion’s vehicle, and she consented. Located in the trunk was a Colt .45 handgun that had been reported stolen from a home in Manchester four days earlier. Blood samples from the scene of the theft were later confirmed by the state crime lab as a match with Garst. Later, in February 2016, Garst took a Ruger firearm from the home of an acquaintance. The firearm was recovered after Garst stashed it in the dumpster of a nearby convenience store. Garst is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law as a result of a prior felony conviction.

          Garst, who pleaded guilty on March 16, 2017, will spend three years on supervised release after he is released from prison. Garst has been in state custody on a parole violation based on the above conduct since his arrest in March 2016. His federal sentence will run consecutive to his remaining undischarged time in state prison.

          This matter was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Manchester Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory. The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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          Concord, N.H. — Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Mohammed Abdul Baten, 65, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting visa fraud.

         According to court records and statements in court, the case arose out an investigation into falsely notarized documents used to obtain visas. Specifically, when a legal immigrant seeks to petition to have other alien relatives admitted into the country, the National Visa Center (“NVC”) requires that the petitioner demonstrate a sufficient income level to support the relatives upon their arrival. This process is intended to ensure that the new immigrants will not become public charges after they enter the country. If the petitioner does not have enough income, he or she may submit paperwork in which another person, i.e. the “joint sponsor,” agrees to provide financial support for the new arrivals. The joint sponsor also is required to document his or her own income and assets to ensure sufficient resources will be available. The joint sponsor is required to complete an I-864 form under penalties of perjury.

          In this case, a number of submissions to the NVC contained repeat joint sponsors appearing to support large numbers of petitioners. Further investigation revealed that many of these joint sponsors had not, in fact, agreed to serve as joint sponsors and did not sign the I-864 forms purporting to bear their signatures. Rather, the I-864 forms had been forged and were falsely notarized by Baten in his capacity as a notary public in Brooklyn, New York. In this respect, Baten’s notarizations were a material aid to the petitioners’ submissions of false and misleading documents to the NVC.

          A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 3, 2017.

          This matter was investigated by the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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          Concord, N.H.—Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Michael Munroe (also known as Michael Monroe), 34, previously of Raymond, New Hampshire, has pleaded guilty to two bank robberies.

          According to court records and statements in court, Munroe robbed a Northway Bank branch location in Ossipee, NH on March 28, 2016 and a Granite State Credit Union branch location in Seabrook, NH on April 1, 2016. He committed each robbery by passing a demand note to the teller threatening that he had a gun and demanding money. Following each robbery, Munroe fled the scene.

          The two bank robberies were part of a larger two-state multi-week crime spree perpetrated by Munroe in March and April 2016. As part of his plea today and to resolve his pending liability in other jurisdictions, Munroe also has admitted to other criminal conduct, including: (1) the March 19, 2016 assault on an individual in his home in Epping, NH; (2) the March 27, 2016 taking of a victim’s Honda Pilot from her possession in Manchester, NH; (3) the March 30, 2016 taking of a victim’s Lexus ES300 from her possession in Tewksbury, MA; (4) the March 31, 2016 attempted taking of a victim’s Toyota Highlander from her possession in Reading, MA; and (5) the April 1, 2016 theft of a Honda CRV while it was parked in Derry, NH. Munroe has been in custody since his arrest by Hancock Police on April 2, 2016.

          As part of his plea agreement, Munroe has agreed to pay $1,645 in restitution to Northway Bank and $8,099 in restitution to Granite State Credit Union. He also has agreed to pay restitution to the victims of the uncharged additional criminal conduct detailed above.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 3, 2017.

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Manchester Police Department, the Ossipee Police Department, the Seabrook Police Department, the Hancock Police Department, the Tewksbury, MA Police Department, and the Reading, MA Police Department. Assistance was provided by the County Attorney’s Offices for Hillsborough, Carroll, and Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire and the Middlesex County, MA, District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Rolando Sierra-Oyola, 30, formerly of Andover, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.

          According to court documents and statements made in court proceedings, Sierra-Oyola sold “fingers” (ten-gram quantities) of fentanyl on multiple occasions in 2015 and 2016 to individuals who were cooperating with law enforcement officers and who traveled from New Hampshire to purchase fentanyl. On some occasions, Sierra-Oyola sold the drugs directly. On other occasions, he sent “runners” to distribute the drugs on his behalf. He was arrested on July 22, 2016, outside his residence in Andover, Massachusetts. A search of his residence yielded additional quantities of fentanyl.

          A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 12, 2017.

          “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who are distributing fentanyl,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “This deadly drug is largely responsible for the substantial number of overdose deaths in the Granite State. Members of the law enforcement community will continue to work together to stop the flow of this drug into New Hampshire.”

          “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels across New England and those suffering from opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “But those responsible for distributing a lethal drug like fentanyl 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 partners and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

          The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the police departments in Portsmouth and Exeter, New Hampshire, the police departments in Andover, Lawrence, and Wilmington, Massachusetts, and the New Hampshire State Police.

The case was prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Aframe.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Rigoberto Ramirez-Aldava, 40, formerly of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

          Statements in court documents and earlier court proceedings showed in June 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) received information that Ramirez-Aldava was in possession of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine. On June 21, 2016, an undercover DEA Task Force Officer met with Ramirez-Aldava at a location in Manchester, where Ramirez-Aldava provided the undercover officer with a sample of approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine. On June 29, 2016, the undercover officer met with Ramirez-Aldava at the same location in Manchester and purchased approximately 359 grams of methamphetamine for $8,000. On July 11, 2016, Ramirez- Aldava was arrested as he travelled to a pre-arranged location in Manchester where he intended to sell the undercover officer approximately ten pounds of methamphetamine for $85,000. Approximately 4.5 kilograms were recovered from Ramirez-Aldava’s vehicle at the time of his arrest.

          As part of the investigation, DEA agents searched the defendant’s business, El Patron Sports Bar and Grill in Manchester, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine. A second search at Ramirez-Aldava’s Manchester apartment resulted in the seizure of $6,000 of the currency used in the June 29 drug sale.

          Ramirez-Aldava pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on March 16, 2017. Upon his release from federal prison, Ramirez-Aldava was ordered to serve two years of supervised release. However, Ramirez-Aldava is likely to be deported from the United States after completing his federal sentence.

          “Even in amid the opioid crisis, other deadly drugs continue to threaten our state,”

Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said. “The highly pure methamphetamine that was involved in this case could have presented a serious risk to our community if quick-acting law enforcement officers had not identified Ramirez-Aldava and seized his substantial drug supply. I commend the DEA and our local law enforcement partners for their excellent work in keeping this very large amount of methamphetamine off the streets.”

          “This sentence reflects DEA’s strong commitment to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in the Granite State and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue anyone who traffics this poison.”

          The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Bedford Resident Office and the Manchester and Nashua New Hampshire Police Departments. 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 that Sheldon Grant, 35, previously of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced today to serve 72 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.

          According to the indictment, statements made in court, and other public records in the case, Grant obtained a firearm as payment for a marijuana debt he was owed in 2015. At the time, Grant was a previously-convicted felon and could not legally purchase or possess any firearms. The firearm previously had been stolen in Nashua, New Hampshire in September 2015. The gun later was recovered from Grant following a domestic incident in Manchester in March 2016.

          Grant, who previously pleaded guilty to the offense, will be on supervised release for five years after he services his prison sentence.

This matter was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ (FBI) Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and the Manchester Police Department. The case is also part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Brian Christoffels, 35, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for bank robbery.

          Court filings and statements made in court established that on October 10, 2016, Christoffels entered a TD Bank on South Main Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, handed a bank teller a note demanding cash, then fled the area in his truck. Manchester Police pursued Christoffels and eventually arrested him at an off-ramp from Interstate 93. The proceeds of the robbery were in his possession.

          Christoffels previously pleaded guilty to the bank robbery on March 13, 2017. After serving his prison sentence for bank robbery, he will be on supervised release for a period of three years.

          The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley, announced that David Morel, Jr., 31, of Derry, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for the District of New Hampshire for possessing child pornography.

          According to court records and statements in court, the New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Derry Police Department developed information linking online images of child pornography to Morel’s residence in Derry, New Hampshire. In April 2016, a search warrant was executed on Morel’s computer, which was found to contain numerous videos depicting young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

          Morel, who pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on December 21, 2016, will be placed on supervised release for ten years after he completes his prison sentence.

          The case was investigated by the Derry Police Department, in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations Manchester and the New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Helen Fitzgibbon and Shane Kelbley.

          In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys 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. – Anna Delarosa, 57, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to making false statements in applications for family visas, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court documents, a limited number of family visas are issued by the United States State Department to citizens of foreign countries. To obtain a family visa, a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States (a “sponsor”) is required to submit an application for a family visa to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. A citizen of a foreign country is not eligible for a family visa if he or she is likely to become a public charge after they enter the United States. Therefore, under federal law, a sponsor is also required demonstrate his or her ability to provide financial support to the applicant by submitting a financial affidavit, copies of their recent federal tax returns, and other personal financial records to the USCIS. All applications for family visas are processed at the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

          During the plea hearing today, Delarosa admitted that from August 2010 to April 2013, she knowingly caused ten financial affidavits that contained the forged signature of an alleged sponsor to be submitted to the National Visa Center in support of applications for family visas for citizens of the Dominican Republic.

          Delarosa will be sentenced on October 11, 2017. The crime to which she pleaded guilty, making false statements to the federal government, is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

          The case was investigated by the United States States Department, Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Juan Alexis Diaz Pena, 31, formerly of Methuen, Massachusetts, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone and unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

          Statements in earlier court proceedings showed that from approximately the spring of 2014 through January of 2016, Pena and Martin Gonzalez Diaz, conspired to distribute quantities of heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone in the Lawrence, Massachusetts area to individuals in Massachusetts, who in turn sold the drugs to individuals in New Hampshire who were further distributing the drugs to customers in Rochester, New Hampshire.

          As part of the investigation, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) searched an apartment connected to Pena in January of 2016 and located quantities of cocaine and heroin, as well as items associated with drug trafficking. A loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun was recovered under a mattress in a bedroom in close proximity to where the drugs were located.

          “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 by continuing to target the drug trafficking organizations responsible for the importation of large quantities of these drugs into New Hampshire from source cities such as Lawrence, Massachusetts.” Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said.

          Diaz Pena, who previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 36 months in prison on the drug trafficking charge and received a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years on the firearms charge, which must be served consecutively to the sentence on the drug charge. Diaz Pena will likely be deported from the United States after completing his federal sentence.

          Gonzalez Diaz, 34, formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy charge on August 17, 2016 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2017.

          The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Tactical Diversion Unit, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department and the Haverhill, MA Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth Aframe are prosecuting the case.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that today Michael Younge, 27, formerly of Framingham and Boston, Massachusetts was sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for his role in an illegal effort to purchase two firearms.

          According to court documents and statements made during the prosecution of the case, on July 15, 2015, Younge, and three friends, Rafael Soriano, Adrian Aleman and Tasha Gardner, visited a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hooksett, New Hampshire. Of the four, only Gardner was legally eligible to buy handguns. Younge and Soriano, with Aleman’s help, solicited Gardner to buy two hand guns on their behalf. Gardner agreed to assist and attempted to purchase the two guns for Younge and Soriano. In connection with that attempt, Gardner filled out a form legally required for all intrastate over-the-counter hand gun purchases on which she falsely certified that she was the “actual purchaser” of the two hand guns, when she was really attempting to buy them for Younge and Soriano. The store never transferred the firearms because its employees became suspicious and declined to complete the transaction.

          Younge previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the making of a false statement in connection with the attempted acquisition of a firearm. After serving his sentence, he will be on supervised release for a period of three years.

          Two of the other individuals involved in the scheme, Gardner and Aleman, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to terms of probation. A warrant for Soriano’s arrest is outstanding.

           This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bill Morse.

          This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative undertaken by the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce gun crime in America through, among other things, community outreach and vigorous prosecution of firearms offenses.

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Kenneth Chapman (62), formerly of Kingston, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl.

          According to documents that were filed in United States District Court and statements at the sentencing proceeding, on June 12, 2016, Chapman sold a quantity of fentanyl to “M.S.”, a 31-year old male from Atkinson, New Hampshire. Because of a 911 call the following morning, emergency personnel responded to a residence in Atkinson, where they found M.S. dead from a suspected drug overdose. In the immediate vicinity of the body, law enforcement officers found a tied-off plastic bag that contained a white powdery substance that was determined to be fentanyl. An autopsy determined M.S.’ death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication.

          Chapman, who previously pleaded guilty, will be on supervised release for three years after serving his sentence.

          “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Fentanyl is causing overdose deaths across the Granite State, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes 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.”

          “Fentanyl continues to be the cause of far too many deaths in the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who sell this deadly drug. The law enforcement cooperation after this overdose death demonstrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level to identify those who distribute deadly doses of drugs. While we support access to treatment for those who suffer from addiction, those who distribute these deadly drugs need to be held accountable for the substantial damage they are causing in our community.”

          This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from Kingston and Atkinson Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Francisco Tamayo Noguera, 36, of Austin, Texas, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit credit and debit card fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a credit card fraud scheme.

            According to the testimony given during the trial, Noguera traveled from Austin, Texas, to New Hampshire on January 8, 2016 with Dairon Jimenez Roja and Elvis Barban Chavez. The three stayed at a motel in Nashua, New Hampshire and between January 9, 2016 and January 12, 2016, they visited Sam’s Club stores in Manchester, Hudson, Seekonk, Massachusetts and Worcester Massachusetts. While at the stores the conspirators purchased gift cards, usually in the amount of $200, with credit and debit card information of other individuals. The conspirators acquired the other individuals’ information from a skimming device that had been placed in a gas pump in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Once they obtained the information, the conspirators made clone cards that contained the debit and credit card information and used those clone cards to purchase the gift cards. The total estimated loss is approximately $29,000.

            The conspirators were captured after they fled the Hudson Sam’s Club on January 12, 2016. Store employees had noticed the fraudulent activity and called the Hudson Police Department. The individuals were arrested by the Tyngsborough Police Department on January 12, 2016 after a pursuit was initiated by the Hudson Police Department. At the time of the arrest, numerous cards and a skimming device were found in the vehicle.

            A sentencing hearing for the defendant is scheduled for October 3, 2017.

            Dairon Jimenez Roja and Elvis Barban Chavez previously pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 24 months in prison.

            The case was investigated by the Hudson Police Department, the Londonderry Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the Tyngsborough Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory. Numerous other departments and the staffs at various Sam’s Club stores assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

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