District of New Hampshire

CONCORD –A Manchester man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Luis Maldonado, age 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025. The defendant was originally charged with conspiracy on April 26, 2023, along with 20 other defendants. To date, 14 defendants in this conspiracy have been convicted.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was involved in a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine in Manchester and elsewhere. As of 2022, the defendant’s role in the DTO was selling crack and other drugs for the DTO.  On May 19, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which the defendant was a passenger. A search revealed that the defendant had $12,994 and a digital scale in his backpack, and the vehicle contained a secret compartment used to conceal narcotics. The defendant’s phone was searched and contained text messages between the defendant and others arranging drug transactions.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD – Three Dominican men were arrested this morning in connection with their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in Nashua, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Elizardo Escaria Delison, 32, Belisario Luis Delison, 49, and Rayddy Delison De Aza, 28, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically cocaine and crack cocaine. They will appear in federal court today.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, during the course of the conspiracy, the defendants sold controlled substances, namely cocaine and crack cocaine, to law enforcement on more than 10 occasions.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Nashua Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar Vega is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Lawrence, Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord in connection to his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Hamet Badia, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2025.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, between February 9, 2022, and June 2, 2022, Badia was a drug runner for his co-defendant. The co-defendant negotiated with an undercover agent to sell fentanyl powder and pressed oxycodone pills and directed Badia to deliver the drugs. For example, on June 2, 2022, the undercover agent arranged to purchase 400 grams of fentanyl, and 200 oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl from the co-defendant. Badia met the co-defendant and the undercover agent at the designated meeting spot, arriving by rideshare, to deliver a green shoebox containing fentanyl powder and oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. Overall, Badia personally delivered 466.7 grams of fentanyl during the conspiracy.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Berlin man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for trafficking approximately a pound of methamphetamine, over 200 grams of fentanyl, and over 100 grams of cocaine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Douglas Gray, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 96 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On October 15, 2024, Gray pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

“When law enforcement encountered the defendant, he was in possession of distribution-level quantities of multiple drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Law enforcement in New Hampshire prioritizes investigating and prosecuting those who choose to sell drugs in our communities for their own personal profit. This significant sentence reflects the seriousness of this conduct, and it will not be tolerated.”

“Career criminal Douglas Gray’s intent to push this poison into our communities could have resulted in deadly consequences for the people who live and work here, and he’ll spend the next eight years behind bars answering for it,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs from hitting our streets in order to make our cities and towns safer.”

The investigation revealed that in 2023 the defendant arrived after-hours to an automotive shop in Concord known to law enforcement for drug trafficking. After leaving the shop, the defendant traveled northbound. Investigators searched his vehicle and found nearly a pound of methamphetamine, over 200 grams of fentanyl, and over 100 grams of cocaine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force and the New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

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CONCORD – A Swanzey man pleaded guilty today in federal court for stealing 18 firearms from Trader John’s Gun Shop, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Khale Guillou, 19, of Swanzey, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. Judge Samantha D. Elliott scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on July 6, 2024, the defendant forced entry into Trader John’s Gun Shop and stole 18 firearms from the store. Investigators recovered four of the stolen firearms from his vehicle on July 15, 2024, and recovered two of the stolen firearms from his home on July 20, 2024.

The charge of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Keene Police Department, Swanzey Police Department, Winchester Police Department, and Tewksbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Keene man pleaded guilty today in federal court in connection with his role in the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Paul Baird, 44, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the production of child pornography. Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2024, Baird took at least one sexually explicit photograph of the minor victim’s genitalia and posted sexually explicit images of the minor victim on a dark website dedicated to CSAM. During the investigation, law enforcement found images and videos that constitute CSAM on the defendant’s phone.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant was employed as a bus driver by the Student Transportation of America, which is a school transportation company that services the Contoocook Valley (ConVal) School District.

The charge of aiding and abetting the production of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. The Keene Police Department provided valuable assistance with this investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

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CONCORD – A Concord man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for committing drug and firearms offenses in New Hampshire, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Wayne Smith, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro to 84 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. On November 25, 2025, Smith pled guilty to three counts of distribution of controlled substances, namely methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely methamphetamine and fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

“The defendant chose to arm himself with a gun in furtherance of his drug dealing,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Let this lengthy sentence serve as a warning to others who choose to do the same in New Hampshire.”

"Yesterday’s sentencing serves as a powerful reminder that our efforts to protect New Hampshire’s communities from the dangers of illicit drugs remain unwavering,” said Colonel Mark Hall of the New Hampshire State Police. “The men and women of the State Police are dedicated to keeping our residents and visitors safe, and we will continue to hold those who endanger public safety accountable. This conviction reflects the relentless work of our State Troopers and the justice system’s commitment to ensuring that drug dealers face the consequences of their actions."

Between August 22, 2023, and September 6, 2023, Smith sold methamphetamine on three occasions, totaling over 80 grams. On September 12, 2023, Smith was arrested as he prepared to make another sale. On September 14, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant and recovered approximately 348 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 199 grams of fentanyl, a Ruger pistol, and pistol ammunition.

The New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Strelzin prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – Two defendants have pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord for their roles as dispatchers in a drug conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Melissa Rey Ramos, 36, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, fentanyl and cocaine. Antonio Aguasvivas, 29, of Rhode Island, pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025 to the same charge. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled Aguasvivas’ sentencing for June 10, 2025, and Rey Ramos’ sentencing for June 25, 2025. On April 26, 2023, the defendants were both charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, along with 19 other defendants. To date, 13 defendants in this conspiracy have been convicted.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, both defendants played a lead role in a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, particularly Manchester. The organization used a dispatch operation to sell drugs. Customers called a phone line to purchase narcotics and would speak to a dispatcher who would then put the customer in touch with a drug runner. The drug runner then delivered the narcotics to the customer. The defendants were dispatchers for the phone line. Rey Ramos was the lead dispatcher between June and September 2022. Aguasvivas took over in October 2022 and served as dispatcher until March 2023. During this timeframe, law enforcement observed and recorded five sales of fentanyl and cocaine in Manchester conducted by Rey Ramos, and nine sales of fentanyl and cocaine conducted by Aguasvivas. In total, law enforcement seized roughly 175 grams of fentanyl and roughly 75 grams of crack cocaine distributed or intended for distribution by the two defendants during the timeframe of the conspiracy.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD - Homeland Security Investigations, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, is seeking to identify potential victims of a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme for victim restitution purposes. 

In December 2023, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Concord, New Hampshire Police Department (CPD) began investigating a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme that is perpetuated by criminal organizations in China. This network has established a base of operations in New Hampshire due to the State’s tax-free retail environment and is responsible for millions of dollars in consumer losses. 

Co-conspirators identified in this region work together in a highly coordinated fashion to purchase high-end electronics utilizing stolen gift cards.  These stolen gift cards are acquired though several fraudulent schemes, including elder-fraud, gift card tampering, and network intrusions. Once the electronics are purchased, they are re-packaged and shipped internationally where they are sold. For more information on this general fraud scheme, please visit: https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/hsi/news/hsi-insider/tackling-gift-card-fraud.

Potential fraud victims who had gift card funds stolen or used without authorization between October 1, 2023 and January 11, 2024, especially if the stolen funds originated from Apple, Walmart, Target, and BestBuy gift cards, are asked to provide the gift card number(s) and receipt or proof of purchase to HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@ice.dhs.gov. Please also include the victim’s name and contact phone number.  The victim’s gift card number will be run against a database of known gift cards stolen in this conspiracy.  If matched, the victim will be contacted for next steps in the restitution process.  This filing period will be open until June 30, 2025.

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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty for his Role in a Conspiracy to Traffic Approximately 50 Pounds of Methamphetamine to New Hampshire

CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney John J. McCormack announces.

Riley Thibodeau, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine.  U.S. District Court Samantha D. Elliot scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2025.  After also pleading guilty, co-defendant Ronny Ramos was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott on December 9, 2024 to 120 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Thibodeau conspired to traffic approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine from Massachusetts to New Hampshire.  From March through October 2023, Ramos received five separate orders of methamphetamine from Thibodeau, via an intermediary. The payments from Thibodeau for the methamphetamine were made via the same intermediary. The amounts per order ranged from 10-12 pounds at a price of approximately $20,000 for each order. The methamphetamine was delivered to Thibodeau in New Hampshire. On October 31, 2023, law enforcement agents arrested Ramos in Methuen, Massachusetts, and seized 10 pounds of methamphetamine destined for Thibodeau in New Hampshire.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation.  The Manchester Police Department, the Salem Police Department, and the Methuen Police Department provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A former New Hampshire woman was sentenced in federal court in connection with her conviction for defrauding her prior employer out of more than $140,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Elizabeth Morse, 56, currently of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliot to 27 months in federal prison and 2 years of supervised release. Morse was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $168,311.40. On November 26, 2024, Morse plead guilty to wire fraud.

“The defendant’s crime was a significant factor in the closure of the medical practice in early 2023, which had widespread ramifications on many individuals, including not only the medical partners but also their former employees,” said U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “While there is no way to make the victims whole under those circumstances, the court’s sentence today is a measure of justice reflecting the harm her crime caused others.”

“Elizabeth Morse betrayed the trust of the medical practice she worked for when she manipulated its payroll to divert tens of thousands of dollars for herself,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “This case demonstrates how the FBI will diligently investigate and bring to justice anyone engaged in such blatant financial fraud.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant was a long-time employee of Bedford Women’s Care Associates (“BWCA”), a Bedford, NH-based medical group practice that specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology until its closure in early 2023. Starting in 2020, the defendant became BWCA’s office manager and handled the processing of payroll through a third-party servicer. The defendant manipulated the payroll processes at BWCA by logging into the third-party servicer and changing her rate of pay to a higher amount than what she was entitled. The defendant’s scheme lasted approximately three years.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A man living in Puerto Rico pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Joshua Baez Core, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely, cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2025. The defendant was indicted on December 20, 2023, along with five other defendants. To date, two co-conspirators have been convicted.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was involved in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester, New Hampshire. The defendant, based in Puerto Rico, would use fictitious sender information to send packages of cocaine through the mail to Manchester at the direction of his father, the leader of the DTO. The cocaine was often packaged in 500-gram or 1,000-gram bundles and hidden inside children’s games. After the defendant shipped each package, he would relay tracking information to his father, who would employ co-conspirators to track and retrieve the packages of cocaine for him at various addresses in Manchester. His father also sent the defendant suspected drug proceeds, in one instance sending him a parcel containing $11,000. Between September 2020 and December 2021, the DTO shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution. 

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

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CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

David Orme, age 52, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely, cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2025. The defendant was indicted on December 20, 2023, along with five other defendants. To date, Orme is the fourth defendant convicted in the conspiracy. 

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was involved in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester, New Hampshire. A coconspirator in Puerto Rico sent a package that contained approximately 500 grams of cocaine to an address in Manchester and the defendant signed for it using a fictitious name in a controlled delivery. Ultimately, law enforcement seized the package. Between September 2020 and December 2021, the DTO shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution. 

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

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CONCORD – Two Turkish men were arrested for illegally entering the United States near Hall Stream, a river that runs along the border between Pittsburg, New Hampshire and Canada, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Serif Alihan, 33, and Mustafa Kaya, 32, were each charged with one count of illegal entry. Both men will appear in federal court later today.

According to the charging documents, on February 26, 2025, a Beecher Falls Border Patrol Agent encountered Alihan and Kaya near Hall Stream. The two men were covered in snow and their clothes were wet. The snow in the area was about knee deep and the Border Patrol Agent followed the men’s footprints back to Hall Stream. The footprints ended at the New Hampshire side of the stream and resumed on the Canadian side of the stream.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – Two men from Manchester pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Joseph Coffey, 31, and Zachary Austin, 41, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2025.  The defendants were indicted on October 9, 2024.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, between July 10, 2024 and September 19, 2024, the defendants sold more than 2 pounds of methamphetamine to law enforcement on five occasions. Most of the drug sales took place at both defendants’ shared residence in Manchester.  Law enforcement later obtained a search warrant for the shared residence and recovered methamphetamine, firearms accessories, and empty rifle magazines and ammunition containers. In addition, on September 16, 2024, Austin was stopped in New Hampshire for a motor vehicle infraction on a return trip from Lawerence, Massachusetts. Law enforcement later searched his vehicle and discovered more than 1 pound of methamphetamine inside.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court for his failure to register as a sex offender, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Christopher Hodgeman, 33, of Manchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro to 12 months in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release. In November 2024, Hodgeman pleaded guilty one count of failure to register his online identifiers.

On April 13, 2021, Hodgeman pled guilty to one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. As a result of this prior conviction, Hodgeman is required to register as a sex offender and to report any internet or online identifiers, including screen names or user profiles on social media accounts.

In February 2023, Manchester police received a tip that an individual, later identified as Hodgeman, appeared to be exchanging sexually oriented chats online via Xbox with a 15-year-old child. Authorities determined that Hodgman had engaged in these chats using an unregistered online account. Through further investigation, authorities identified at least one additional online account that Hodgeman failed to report on his sex offender registration paperwork.

“Prosecuting violations of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is critical in our effort to keep the most vulnerable members of our community safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Today’s sentence reinforces this Office’s dedication to protecting the public and ensuring accountability for those who attempt to circumvent their sex offender registration requirements.”

The United States Marshals Service and the Manchester Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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CONCORD – A New York man and Old Dutch Mustard Co., a mustard and vinegar manufacturing company, pleaded guilty in federal court to knowingly discharging acidic water into the Souhegan River, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division announce.

Charles Santich, 59, of New York, and Old Dutch Mustard Co., Inc., d/b/a Pilgrim Foods, Inc. (“Old Dutch Mustard”) pleaded guilty to knowing discharging a pollutant without a permit. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2025.

The Clean Water Act “CWA” prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into navigable waters of the United States without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Due to a long history of CWA non-compliance dating back to the 1980s, Old Dutch Mustard has been subject to several enforcement actions by the EPA, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“NH DES”), and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. As a result of these actions, EPA and NH DES have required continuous monitoring of an Unnamed Brook that flows underneath and in front of the facility, eventually flowing into the Souhegan River. The Souhegan River is one of nineteen New Hampshire rivers that the State of New Hampshire has designated as an important natural resource.

Charles Santich is the president and owner of Old Dutch Mustard, a New York corporation with a manufacturing facility in Greenville, New Hampshire. Old Dutch Mustard manufactures vinegar and mustard products, which generates acidic wastewater. In addition, stormwater flows through the property, including an outdoor area where the company stores their product in large tanks. Both the wastewater and stormwater at Old Dutch Mustard becomes acidic and is categorized as a pollutant under the CWA, and Old Dutch Mustard did not have the necessary permit to discharge the acidic wastewater or stormwater into the environment. Instead, Old Dutch was required to store the polluted water in tanks and pay a trucking company to haul all the wastewater off-site to a publicly owned treatment plant.

Beginning in the spring of 2015, Santich hired an excavation company to bury a pipe from the Old Dutch Mustard facility to discharge the acidic wastewater and stormwater in the general direction of the Souhegan River along an abandoned railroad bed. This discharge point was downstream of, and not detectible by, the continuous environmental monitoring required by the EPA and State of New Hampshire.

Santich directed Old Dutch Mustard employees to repeatedly pump acidic wastewater and stormwater through the underground pipe to the abandoned railroad bed. Santich also directed employees not to tell anyone about the pipe.

In May of 2023, state inspectors from NH DES discovered wastewater from the facility, with low pH and smelling of vinegar, flowing from a manmade ditch at the top of the hill on the Old Dutch Mustard property into the Souhegan River. In August 2023, EPA agents executed a search warrant at the Old Dutch Mustard facility and observed liquid that smelled like vinegar discharging from the end of the underground pipe into the ditch. The wastewater discharge had a low pH of 3.6. The agents then conducted a dye test. The dye discharged from the underground pipe at the top of the hill and flowed along the drainage ditch and down to the river.

EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and Trial Attorney Ronald A. Sarachan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting the case with the assistance of EPA Senior Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Dianne G. Chabot.

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CONCORD – A Dominican man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for trafficking drugs at a public housing development in Portsmouth, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Maikol Jordan Saldivar-Diaz, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 30 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In November 2024, Saldivar-Diaz pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of controlled substances.

“Saldivar-Diaz is an illegal immigrant who chose to distribute drugs outside of a public housing development,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “The families at the housing development deserve better than to be endangered by those dealing and buying dangerous narcotics nearby. We will continue to support our partners to ensure public neighborhoods in the Granite State are safeguarded from drug activity and violence.”

According to court documents, Portsmouth Police Department was notified of drug activity at a public housing development in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Investigators were subsequently able to identify Saldivar-Diaz as the source of this drug activity. On three occasions in June and July of 2024, Saldivar-Diaz sold controlled substances to a confidential informant, including quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Portsmouth Police Department led the investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Scanlon is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Concord to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Juan Ramon Soto Baez, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, cocaine and fentanyl.  U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025.  On April 26, 2023, the defendant was charged along with 20 other defendants. To date, 10 defendants involved in the conspiracy have been convicted.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was the leader of a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, particularly Manchester, between September of 2019 and April of 2023.  The organization was run like a business, operating “dispatch” telephone lines where customers could call in to order narcotics. The defendant or a trusted member of the conspiracy working for him would take customer orders on the phone, and then he would either deliver the order himself or send a runner to conduct the drug sale at an arranged meeting location.

During the timeframe of the conspiracy, law enforcement agents observed and recorded the defendant and his co-conspirators selling fentanyl and cocaine on nineteen occasions. On the day of the defendant’s arrest, a search of a residence associated with the conspiracy yielded $15,000 and drug ledgers.  A search of a vehicle used by the drug trafficking organization yielded roughly 94 grams of fentanyl and 196 grams of cocaine packaged in small baggies for distribution.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD – A Northfield man was sentenced today in federal court for his attempt to receive two packages of methamphetamine in New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Joseph Crawford, of Northfield, age 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  On October 30, 2024, Crawford pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

“Joseph Crawford used the United States Postal Service in an attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs across state lines into the Granite State,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “Individuals using the mail as an avenue to traffic illegal narcotics to New Hampshire will be prosecuted and significantly punished.”

“Joseph Crawford has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and yesterday’s sentence puts him out of business and behind bars for receiving significant quantities of meth through the mail while on parole for two prior state drug convictions,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs from hitting the streets in order to make our cities safer.”

"As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Crawford accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to bring this poison to the Granite State.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to keep methamphetamine producers and traffickers out of our communities,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort of our local and state law enforcement partners to keep methamphetamine and other drugs out of our communities.”

On July 5 and July 19, 2023, the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”) flagged suspicious packages addressed to Joseph Crawford at an address in Northfield, New Hampshire, sent from California. USPIS obtained search warrants for both packages, which contained over two pounds of methamphetamine in total. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The New Hampshire State Police, Claremont Police Department, and the Lebanon Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD – A man from Puerto Rico, formerly living in Manchester, pleaded guilty today in federal court for leading a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Lewistone Baez Miranda, age 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, cocaine. Baez Miranda is the third of six defendants charged in this conspiracy to plead guilty. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2025. The defendant was indicted on December 20, 2023.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was the leader a drug trafficking organization that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester, New Hampshire. The defendant’s son, based in Puerto Rico, used fictitious information to send packages of cocaine through the United States Postal Service to Manchester at the direction of the defendant. The cocaine was often packaged in 500-gram or 1,000-gram bundles and hidden inside children’s games. The defendant employed co-conspirators to retrieve the packages of cocaine for him in Manchester. The defendant also sent suspected drug proceeds to his son in Puerto Rico, in one instance sending him a parcel containing $11,000. Between September 2020 and December 2021, the defendant’s drug trafficking organization shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

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CONCORD – A Bedford man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for his scheme to willfully fail to pay more than $14 million in payroll taxes owed to the IRS and failing to file and pay his personal taxes, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announce.

          Andrew Park, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 30 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. She also ordered Park to pay $639,821.78 in restitution, the amount of tax and interest not repaid at the time of sentencing, to the United States. She also ordered Park pay a fine of $15,000. In July 2024, Park pleaded guilty to willful failure to pay over payroll taxes and willful failure to file a tax return.

          Park was the co-founder and CEO of a startup technology company. Park was responsible for all financial matters related to the company, including for filing the company’s quarterly payroll tax returns and collecting and paying over Social Security, Medicare and income taxes withheld from the employees’ wages to the IRS, as well as the matching Social Security and Medicare taxes the company owed. Park was also responsible for collecting and paying over state and local taxes to those respective governments.

          From the company’s founding in 2014 through the third quarter of 2021, Park withheld federal, state and local taxes from the wages of the company’s employees but did not pay them over to the IRS and state and local tax authorities as required by law. He also did not pay over the portion of the payroll taxes that the company owed. Park did so even though a payroll service company that he hired to process the employees’ payroll notified him hundreds of times that the taxes were due, and four employees of the company complained that the Social Security Administration reported no withholdings had been paid over by the company on their behalf.

          From 2013 through 2020, Park also did not file individual tax returns as required by law, despite the fact that he paid himself a salary of approximately $250,000 each year.

          In total, Park caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $14.7 million.

          “For many years, the defendant took elaborate steps to defraud the IRS by not filing or paying his personal income taxes and by using his employees’ payroll taxes as free capital to grow his business. Then, when matters got out of hand, he falsely told his investors that his company was tax compliant to secure the funds to try to make the problem disappear,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “The substantial sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and his disregard for our nation’s tax laws and sends a message to deter other would-be tax fraudsters who might seek to enrich themselves at the expense of honest taxpayers.”

          “Yesterday’s sentencing of Andrew Park is a strong reminder that payment of individual and business taxes is an obligation, not a choice,” said Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “When Andrew Park made the decision not to pay taxes for himself and his business, he also made the decision to cheat his employees and other honest taxpayers. Investigations of employment tax fraud is a priority for Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation as our system of taxation depends on everybody paying their fair share.”

         IRS-Criminal Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and Assistant Chief Eric Powers of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – The Tilton Veterinarian Hospital in Tilton, and its owner Sara Laroux, D.V.M., agreed to pay the United States $53,500 to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances, including opioids, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

The CSA deters the illegal distribution, possession, dispensing, and improper use of controlled substances. The CSA requires the accurate inventorying, tracking and recordkeeping of each controlled substances to prevent misuse.

“Particularly amid an opioid crisis, compliance with the CSA’s prescription-writing and recordkeeping requirements is essential in ensuring that opioids and other addictive drugs are not diverted and abused,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “With the help of our partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize enforcement of this vital statute using all available tools at our disposal.”

“DEA registrants are responsible for handling controlled substances responsibly and ensuring that complete and accurate records are being properly kept and accounted for in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”

Beginning in January 2024, the DEA conducted an investigation into allegations that Dr. Laroux’ controlled substance records at the hospital were incorrect and that controlled substances were missing.  The investigation included an on-site inspection of records, and an accountability audit of controlled substance inventories and record-keeping processes at the hospital.  The investigation revealed numerous violations of the CSA: including, Dr. Laroux’s failure to maintain complete and accurate records of the controlled substances she received, dispensed, or destroyed, her failure to conduct proper inventories of controlled substances on hand, received by the hospital, and that she had altered pages of her records and forged signatures. The investigation also revealed significant shortages of various controlled substances received by the hospital, as well as that Dr. Laroux failed to provide effective controls and procedures to guard against theft and diversion of controlled substances and was not present at the hospital for large periods of time while leaving controlled substances unmonitored and unsecured.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation leading to the settlement agreement. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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CONCORD – Three Chinese nationals pleaded guilty for their roles in a large-scale fraud conspiracy based in China, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

           Naxin Wu, 26, Mengying Jiang, 34, and Mingdong Chen, 28, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled Wu’s sentencing for April 8, 2025 and Jiang’s sentencing for April 22, 2025.  Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled Chen’s sentencing for April 11, 2025.

           According to the charging documents, organized criminal elements in China acquire gift cards through multiple fraudulent means. For example, gift cards are obtained by hacking U.S. companies, and targeting U.S. citizens through romance and elder fraud schemes. The criminal elements then send the gift card data to multiple cells of Chinese nationals operating in the United States through a Chinese-based messaging platform.

          Once U.S.-based cells receive the gift card data, they then spend the gift cards to purchase high-value electronics, principally Apple products. After purchasing the Apple products, cell members consolidate the electronics in warehouses for shipment to China, Hong Kong, or countries in Southeast Asia. The cells primarily operate in states with no sales tax, such as New Hampshire, to maximize their profits.

           Wu, Jiang, and Chen are members of one cell in New Hampshire.  Wu and Jiang purchased fraudulent gift cards at a discount from their face value.  They then either personally used the cards or disseminated them to others, including Chen, to use.  Wu was responsible for $1.4 million, Jiang for $3 million, and Chen for $400,000 of fraudulent gift cards.

            The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

            Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Concord Police Department led the investigation.  The Merrimack County Attorney’s Office has provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces the appointment of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Kennedy as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, the internal transfers of AUSA Kasey Weiland to the Civil Division and AUSA Matthew Vicinanzo to the Criminal Division, and the creation of an External Engagement Division at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

AUSA John Kennedy has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. He has more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor in New Hampshire, as an Assistant United States Attorney and as an Assistant Attorney General. In these roles, AUSA Kennedy has led investigations in connection to a variety of federal and state crimes, including homicides, voter fraud and public integrity crimes, drug and firearm crimes, and complex financial fraud. He is a graduate of Notre Dame Law School.

“John is a veteran prosecutor whose broad legal knowledge and trial skills will assist in leading the Criminal Division,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “He is an exceptional attorney that has tackled a variety of challenging cases. His hard work and unwavering pursuit of justice for crime victims have earned him the respect of his colleagues and law enforcement partners.”

AUSA Kasey Weiland has transferred to the Civil Division and AUSA Matthew Vicinanzo has transferred to the Criminal Division. AUSA Kasey Weiland has had a notable career at the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecuting some of the most egregious crimes targeting children in the District of New Hampshire and the Western District of Tennessee. AUSA Matthew Vicinanzo joined the United States Attorney’s Office in 2023 from private practice as an AUSA dedicated to civil and criminal Civil Rights matters.

“Kasey will bring her legal acumen to her civil litigation portfolio, while Matt will bring his broad investigatory skills to his criminal portfolio,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “I am confident that both Kasey and Matt will continue to thrive in their new positions.”

Additionally, U.S. Attorney Young announces the creation of an External Engagement Division and has appointed Jessica Kuron to lead the division. During U.S. Attorney Young’s tenure, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been focused on strengthening and expanding law enforcement partnerships, community outreach efforts, and accessibility to public information. Since May 2022, among other actions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office utilized federal programs and national expertise to offer 18 law enforcement trainings at no-cost to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and police departments across the district. These trainings focused on honing New Hampshire law enforcement’s understanding of legal, investigative, and effective community policing topics, including trainings on Miranda warnings, dark web investigations, pre-indicators of violent assault, suicide prevention for all layers of law enforcement, and best practices for engaging with faith-based communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also become a leader in addressing emerging public safety concerns, such as elder fraud and scams, bank fraud, and hate crimes, by participating in more than 30 community awareness events. 

The External Engagement Division will allow the U.S. Attorney’s Office to expand its external engagement footprint to include supporting victims in federal cases. The division aims to bridge the gap between the office’s prosecution function and impact of the underlying crimes on communities by offering additional services. With additional resources, the division will expand the office’s training program as well as partnerships for grant funding. The External Engagement Division will also oversee a new student program focused on providing federal government work experience to undergraduate students studying criminal justice, political science, and communications. The student program will allow the office to expand engagement to colleges and universities in the Granite State and allow staff to provide mentorship to the next generation of public servants.

“Since May 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, the media, and communities throughout New Hampshire. We have focused our efforts on enhancing access to this office and amplifying visibility into the great work performed here every day. The creation of an External Engagement Division will enable the U.S. Attorney’s Office to continue expanding its services to the public and our partners throughout the Granite State in the years ahead,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The positive impact that this office has had on engagement with our law enforcement and community partners is in large part due to the tireless efforts of Jess Kuron. I know that the External Engagement Division will continue to flourish under Jess’s tutelage.”

As Chief of the External Engagement Division, Ms. Kuron will continue to serve as an advisor to the U.S. Attorney, as the office’s spokesperson, and as the liaison for law enforcement in the District of New Hampshire. She will also lead a team of professional and support staff focused on advocating for victims of federal crimes, coordinating witnesses for trials, supporting members of the public in contact with the office, and with trainings and community outreach.

Positions in the External Engagement Division are vacant. Job solicitations will be posted on USAJobs.gov and on the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire’s LinkedIn page as they become available at www.linkedin.com/company/usao-nh.

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CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in an organization trafficking drugs into New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Osvaldo Soto Jimenez, age 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 46 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In August 2024, Soto Jimenez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  He is the eighth of 21 charged defendants in the drug trafficking organization to be sentenced.

“As the manager of the dispatch operation that arranged the purchases and deliveries of fentanyl and cocaine, the defendant enabled this organization to traffic dangerous narcotics from Massachusetts and into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The defendant will now face the consequences of his criminal conduct by serving 46 months in federal prison. Other drug traffickers should be on notice that they will face the same consequences if they dare to traffic poison into our communities.”

“Osvaldo Soto Jimenez took part in a conspiracy led by his father that saw vast amounts of deadly fentanyl and cocaine brought here to Manchester, with no regard for the harm he caused in this community,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Today’s sentence is a win for the FBI and all our partners as we work together to get dangerous drugs and criminals off the street.”

“Fentanyl and cocaine are causing tremendous damage to our communities in New Hampshire,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division.  “Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State.  The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who are responsible for distributing deadly drugs.”

The defendant was part of a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, primarily in Manchester.  The organization used a dispatch operation to sell drugs. Customers called a phone line to purchase narcotics, where they would speak to the defendant. The defendant would then send a runner to conduct the drug sale at an arranged meeting location. The defendant arranged runners to conduct these drug sales on three occasions and personally delivered drugs himself on two other occasions. A search of the defendant’s shared Massachusetts-based residence yielded approximately $15,000 and drug ledgers in his bedroom, and firearms in a common area. A search of a vehicle used by the defendant yielded roughly 94 grams of fentanyl and 196 grams of crack cocaine packaged in small baggies for distribution.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Jarad Hodes are prosecuting the case.  

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court to the illegal possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Eric Edmondson, 46, pleaded guilty to the possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2025.

On September 11, 2023, a motorist called 911 to report a potential road rage incident involving a driver, of a small black sedan with temporary NH plates, who displayed an apparent firearm. Law enforcement responded, identified the suspect vehicle, and initiated a stop along Route 101. The defendant was driving the vehicle and was arrested on an outstanding state arrest warrant. A subsequent state search warrant yielded a privately manufactured firearm and five rounds of 9 mm ammunition in the defendant’s vehicle. The defendant, a felon, is prohibited from owning or possessing ammunition.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The New Hampshire State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. 

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CONCORD – A Laconia man pleaded guilty in federal court in connection with his distribution of methamphetamine and his possession of a firearm as a prohibited person, Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Steven Ridgeway, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2025.

A confidential informant purchased a total of approximately 165 grams of methamphetamine from Ridgeway on July 5 and July 24, 2023. During the July 24, 2023, drug sale, Ridgeway also sold the confidential informant a pistol. Ridgeway, a felon, is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.

The charges of distribution of methamphetamine provide a maximum prison term of 20 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. The charge of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and not more than 3 years of supervised release. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Major Offender Task Force is comprised of federal agents partnered with law enforcement officers from police departments state-wide. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Laconia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today that she is resigning on January 17, 2025. She has served in the position since May 2, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Young was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on January 26, 2022, and confirmed by the United States Senate on April 27, 2022. Prior to her confirmation as United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney Young served as the New Hampshire Deputy Attorney General.

In addition to her duties as the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer in the District of New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Young served on the United States Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s Subcommittees on (1) Civil Rights, (2) White Collar Fraud, and (3) Law Enforcement Coordination, Victim Assistance and Community Relations (LEVC). 

“As a born and raised Granite Stater, I am honored to have served the people of New Hampshire as the United States Attorney. After more than thirty years as a prosecutor in New Hampshire, I continue to be awed by the unwavering dedication and commitment to justice exhibited by law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and staff who support the tireless work of keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Over the past two and a half years, law enforcement in the Granite State prioritized investigating those who illegally possessed firearms, made threats to government officials and schools, exploited our most vulnerable citizens, as well as defrauded pandemic-relief and other federal programs. I am particularly proud of the education we provided community members and the private sector on emerging frauds and scams, the expansion of the United States Attorney’s Office to include two additional prosecutors focused on civil rights and violent crimes, and the restitution orders obtained to make fraud victims whole. I also want to especially thank United State Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan for placing their trust in me when recommending me for this role.”

During U.S. Attorney Young’s tenure, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted a variety of complex federal crimes, including drug trafficking, financial fraud, elder and child exploitation, and violent crime. Among these cases include:

Financial Fraud

U.S. v. Ian Freeman, a Keene man was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for laundering over ten million dollars in proceeds of romance scams and other internet fraud by exchanging U.S. dollars for Bitcoin. The defendant was ordered to pay restitution totaling $3,502,708.62 to 29 victims of his offense.

U.S. v. Pierre Rogers and Joshua Leavitt, two finance professionals were sentenced to more than 3 years and more than 2 years in federal prison, respectively, for committing wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with $6 million in attempted CARES Act loans. Rogers went on a lavish spending spree with the funds, buying a Porsche and Rolls Royce, and luxury items from retailers such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Bottega Veneta.

Bringing in or Harboring Certain Aliens

U.S. v. Abraham Hernandez, a New York man was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison in connection with transporting nine illegal immigrants in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. This was the first successful prosecution of alien smuggling in the District of New Hampshire within the past twenty years, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Project Safe Childhood

U.S. v. Michael Chick, a former school bus driver was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for cyberstalking an eight-year-old child on his bus route.

U.S. v. Chad Lawlor, a repeat sex offender was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison in connection with administering an online chat group devoted to the sexual exploitation of children and the exchange of child sexual abuse material.

U.S. v. John E. Murray III, a manager at West Alton Marina on Alton Bay was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for soliciting minor employees of the marina for sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, often in exchange for money. He also subjected minor employees to unwanted sexual contact and sexual acts.

Violent Crime

In 2023, U.S. Attorney Young advocated for and was awarded an additional Assistant United States Attorney position dedicated to prosecuting violent crimes.

U.S. v. Justin Gebo, a former Belmont man was sentenced to nearly 3 years in federal prison for possession of firearms as a prohibited person. The defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm by being in possession of a firearm while under indictment and being a felon in possession of a firearm. One of the firearms that the defendant unlawfully possessed was subsequently recovered during a homicide investigation in Franklin, New Hampshire.

U.S. v. Kyle Hendrickson, a Maine man was sentenced to more than 3 years in federal prison for threatening the Portsmouth High School. He posted a video on SnapChat, in which he brandished a handgun while in a vehicle outside of the high school. The video included a text overlay that read “imma shoot up the school.” The defendant was also ordered to pay $21,946 in restitution to Portsmouth School District.

U.S. v. Robert Reidy, a Nashua man was sentenced to more than 7 years in federal prison for the illegal possession of ghost guns and ammunition and possessing unregistered firearms. At the time of his arrest, the defendant refused multiple commands to exit his residence, and ultimately surrendered after chemical munitions were deployed into his residence.

Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office focused on civil rights violations and enforcement actions. Among these cases include:

Controlled Substances Act

U.S. v. Cheshire Medical Center, Cheshire Medical Center in Keene agreed to pay $2 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances, including opioids, after a nurse stole twenty-three intravenous bags of fentanyl solution from an automatic medication dispensing machine. This was one of the largest settlements of drug diversion claims against a hospital in the country.

U.S. v. Catholic Medical Center, Catholic Medical Center in Manchester agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances, including opioids, after a certified registered nurse anesthetist had tampered with and diverted liquid fentanyl.

Civil Rights

In 2023, U.S. Attorney Young advocated for and was awarded an additional Assistant United States Attorney position dedicated to enforcing civil rights. Since then, the United States Attorney’s Office has focused on educating community members on law enforcement’s approach to investigating and enforcing violations of civil rights. The office has reached several settlement agreements related to civil rights violations including allegations that Smitty’s Cinema in Maine and New Hampshire violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not offering audio description devices and closed captioning devices for customers who have vision or hearing disabilities. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office settled allegations that Manchester landlords violated the Fair Housing Act when they refused to consider their tenant’s reasonable accommodation request to have a Yorkshire terrier mix, as an Emotional Support Animal, reside with her.

In addition to case work, under United States Attorney Young’s leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office strengthened and expanded law enforcement partnerships, community outreach efforts, and accessibility to public information. Since May 2022, among other actions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office utilized federal programs and national expertise to offer 18 law enforcement trainings at no-cost to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Hampshire or police departments. These trainings focused on strengthening New Hampshire law enforcement’s understanding of legal, investigative, and effective community policing topics, including trainings on Miranda warnings, dark web investigations, pre-indicators of violent assault, suicide prevention for all layers of law enforcement, and best practices for engaging with faith-based communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also become a leader in addressing emerging public safety concerns, such as elder fraud and scams, bank fraud, and hate crimes, by participating in more than 30 community awareness events.

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CONCORD – Two men were sentenced this week in federal court in connection to two unrelated firearm offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Shelby Theriault, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 24 months in federal prison and 2 years of supervised release.  In September 2024, Shelby Theriault pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to the plea agreement, on or about January 15, 2024, a shotgun was reported stolen after a good Samaritan had allowed the defendant, a homeless man, to stay in a guest bedroom of their home overnight. On January 20, 2024, Conway Police arrested Theriault on an unrelated theft case, where they discovered that he possessed a sawed-off shotgun. The defendant ultimately admitted to stealing the shotgun, sawing it down, and defacing the serial number. Theriault would have had to register the sawed-off shotgun with the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, which he did not do. Theriault also had multiple warrants for his arrest from Colorado at the time of his arrest in Conway, New Hampshire.

“The defendant not only stole the shotgun from someone who provided him shelter, he sawed the shotgun and obliterated the serial number thus making it harder to detect his crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jane Young. “New Hampshire law enforcement will continue to prosecute those who possess illegal firearms as part of the ongoing effort to make our communities safer.”

“I would first like to commend Patrol Officer Joseph Moore for his work on this investigation, which ultimately allowed the Conway Police Department to remove a stolen firearm from circulation. Experience has shown us that stolen firearms are often utilized in the commission of a crime. I would also like to thank the ATF and the US Attorney's Office, namely Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Scanlon, for their assistance with this case.  The relationship we have with all of our Law Enforcement partners across the State of New Hampshire is vital to our mission,” said Chief Christopher Mattei of the Conway Police Department.

Conway Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation.

Michael Brown, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 24 months in federal prison and 2 years of supervised release.  In September 2024, Michael Brown pleaded guilty to one count of prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

According to the plea agreement, on or about November 2, 2023, Nashua Police conducted a motor vehicle stop where Brown was found to be in possession of a magazine, loaded with nine 9mm rounds of ammunition, in his pocket.

“In this case, the defendant, a felon, was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of a prior drug conviction in Florida, yet when he was encountered by law enforcement, he possessed a loaded magazine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute felons who illegally possess firearms and ammunition,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.

“The illegal possession of ammunition by convicted felons poses a significant threat to the safety of our communities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to enforcing federal firearm laws and holding those who violate them accountable. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who endanger public safety are brought to justice.”

Nashua Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Scanlon prosecuted both cases.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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CONCORD – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for the unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Garrito “Tony” Fort, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On October 16, 2023, Fort pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“As a convicted felon, the defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Despite that, he brought a loaded firearm to a fistfight, that he initiated,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He had multiple opportunities to walk away. Instead, the defendant chose to escalate the encounter, resulting in the defendant shooting and killing a man, and severely wounding another. While no outcome could ever truly bring closure to the victims’ families, I hope that today’s sentence begins the healing process.”

“The defendant escalated a trivial argument over minor damage to a car by bringing a gun to the confrontation,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge ATF Boston Field Division “As a result of his reckless decisions, a father lost his life, and another man was seriously injured. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when firearms are introduced into avoidable conflicts.”

On the evening of October 31, 2021, Fort thought he saw Christopher Colleti scratch his vehicle, a 2004 Nissan Maxima. The following morning, Fort grabbed a firearm to confront Coletti, who Fort had never spoken to or interacted with before. Coletti denied hitting Fort’s car, but Fort continued to accuse Coletti and an argument ensued. During the confrontation two bystanders separated Fort and Coletti, and Coletti walked away. However, Fort went after Coletti again and continued to accuse Coletti of hitting his car. Eventually, another man, Richard Janvrin Jr., saw Fort holding the gun and punched Fort to disarm him. Fort fired two shots, seriously wounding Janvrin Jr. and killing Coletti.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Seabrook Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Charles L. Rombeau prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Methuen, Massachusetts man was sentenced to federal prison for distributing methamphetamine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Leuris Xavier Guerrero Valdez, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine.

“Methamphetamine, a dangerous and highly addictive drug, wreaks havoc on public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Individuals like the defendant who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable. Law enforcement will continue to focus on identifying and disrupting individuals distributing deadly drugs throughout New Hampshire.”

“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Guerrero Valdez accountable for his crimes, but it should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

According to charging documents and statements made in court, between June 2023 and March 2024, the defendant sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer on eleven occasions in New Hampshire. After the final sale, investigators arrested the defendant and searched a residence where he stored his drugs. There, investigators found large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Portsmouth Police Department and the Somersworth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather A. Cherniske and John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Franklin man pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing more than $118,000 in Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and childcare benefits, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

            Ryan Leblanc, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of making False Statements.  U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for March 31, 2025.

             Leblanc was living with the mother of his children but did not list her as part of his household.  He instead falsely told the New Hampshire Department of Health Human Services that she was an “absent parent” and had not lived with him for several years. Leblanc applied for SNAP benefits and childcare benefits multiple times between March 2019 and December 2023, and each time omitted his partner from his household.  Because of that, he underreported household income and financial resources and was able to get over $118,000 in SNAP benefits and childcare payments that he was ineligible for.

            The charge of False Statements provides for a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

            The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case. 

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CONCORD – United States District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe has approved a consent decree resolving allegations that former Manchester landlords Marc Morin and Tracy Stapula Morin violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA), U.S. Attorney Jane Young announces.

In a complaint filed on December 4, 2024, the United States alleged that the Morins discriminated against a tenant at a residential rental property in Manchester by refusing to consider the tenant’s reasonable accommodation request. The tenant sought an exception to the property’s no-pets rule to reside with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), a Yorkshire terrier mix. The tenant, who has diagnosed mental health disorders, had the dog as an ESA. After the tenant requested permission to have the ESA reside with her and shared a letter from her health care provider recommending that she have the ESA to assist with her disability, the Morins refused and instead attempted to evict the tenant three times. The Morins later sold the property.

The Consent Decree resolves the claims in the government’s complaint. The Morins have agreed to pay the tenant $8,500, enact reasonable accommodation policies for its residential properties that comply with the FHA should they become landlords again, and complete FHA training.

“Emotional support animals are a lifeline to the world for many people with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The Fair Housing Act outlines a landlord’s responsibilities to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including support and companionship from animals when necessary. In this case, the tenant provided documentation of her disability and a letter from her therapist recommending emotional support from an animal. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities live a life free of discrimination and have the reasonable accommodations afforded to them by the Fair Housing Act.”

“Many individuals with disabilities rely on assistance animals to maintain their independence and fully enjoy the place they call home,” said HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Diane M. Shelley. “HUD commends the Department of Justice for this settlement and for holding housing providers accountable for compliance with the reasonable accommodation requirements of the Fair Housing Act.”

This lawsuit arose from an administrative complaint filed by the tenant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Upon investigation, HUD determined that there was reasonable cause to believe that the FHA had been violated. One of the parties to the complaint elected, pursuant to the FHA, to have HUD’s determination resolved in federal court, and HUD referred the matter to the Justice Department. 

The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1- 833-591-0291 or submit a report online, or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.

The case was handled by the Department of Justice’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo.

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CONCORD – A Nashua man was sentenced in federal court for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Shane Niven, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 120 months in federal prison followed by 8 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution and a $5,000 special assessment.  Niven pleaded guilty in April to possessing child pornography.

“The defendant is a recidivist sex offender who continued his online exploitation of children,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “This case highlights the importance of reporting child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Cyber tips to NCMEC alerted law enforcement to the defendant’s nefarious online activity and potentially saved additional victims from harm.”

“Niven had already been convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material when he was caught yet again with these horrific files in his possession. Continued vigilance by HSI special agents, paired with our critical public and private sectors partners, allows us to detect, identify and bring to justice predators like Niven, who possess and trade in child sexual abuse material,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

According to court documents and statements made in court, federal authorities found CSAM on electronic devices belonging to Niven after executing a federal search warrant at his home. Niven is a registered sex offender with a prior conviction for possession of CSAM. Authorities identified Niven through tips made to NCMEC, which reflected that on at least two occasions, Niven’s residential IP address had been used to share hundreds of files of suspected CSAM with users of a particular online platform.  Several of the files identified in the tips to NCMEC were found on devices seized from Niven’s home.

Homeland Security Investigations led the federal investigation in partnership with the Nashua Police Department. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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CONCORD – A Lawrence man was sentenced in federal court for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Ronny Ramos, age 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 120 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In August 2024, Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine. A trial date for a co-defendant has been set for March 18, 2025.

“The defendant trafficked staggering amounts of methamphetamine into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Jane Young. “Methamphetamine’s effects on individuals pose significant danger to the community and law enforcement officers who are combatting the drug epidemic in New Hampshire. Local, state, and federal law enforcement throughout the Granite State will continue to target every level of the distribution chain in an ongoing effort to address the impact of this dangerous drug on our communities.”

“As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “Yesterday’s sentence not only holds Mr. Ramos accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to distribute this poison in the Granite State.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ramos conspired to distribute approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine from Massachusetts to New Hampshire on several occasions.  From March through October 2023, Ramos received five separate orders of methamphetamine from his co-defendant, via an intermediary. The payments from his co-defendant for the methamphetamine were made via the same intermediary. The amounts per order ranged from 10-12 pounds at a price of approximately $20,000 for each order. The methamphetamine was delivered to the co-defendant in New Hampshire.  On October 31, 2023, law enforcement agents arrested Ramos in Methuen, Massachusetts, and seized 10 pounds of methamphetamine destined for New Hampshire.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD – A Nashua man was indicted in connection with a robbery and transportation of stolen vehicles and money, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Barry English, 37, was indicted on one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, two counts of Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Vehicle, and one count of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Money. English was arrested on June 24, 2024. He appeared in federal court today and is detained.

According to the charging documents, on May 23, 2024, English drove a stolen Honda Fit from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. On June 23, 2024, he robbed a Cumberland Farms in Nashua. The following day, June 24, English drove a stolen BMW, along with more than $5000 in stolen cash, from Vermont to New Hampshire.

The charge of Hobbs Act Robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000.  The charge of Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Vehicle provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000. The charge of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Money provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department led the investigation. The Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Lowell (Massachusetts) Police Department, and the Newport (Vermont) Police Department all provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Scanlon is prosecuting the case. 

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Florida man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare of $7.3 million, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Shane Jordan, 38, of Orlando, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2025. Jordan was charged on September 20, 2024.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jordan was a physician assistant licensed in multiple jurisdictions, including New Hampshire. From February 2021 until May 2024, Jordan worked for a Florida-based telemedicine company and agreed to electronically sign doctor’s orders for cancer genetic testing regardless of the medical necessity for the testing, in the absence of a pre-existing medical provider-patient relationship with the Medicare beneficiary, and frequently based solely on a short telephone conversation. Jordan was paid approximately $25 per patient telemedicine “consultation” – totaling more than $212,000. The doctor’s orders signed by Jordan were then used to submit more than $7.3 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for cancer genetic testing.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General led the investigation.  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward are prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Sierra Leone man and former Manchester businessman was sentenced today in federal court for fraudulently obtaining more than $400,000 in car loans, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Solomon Yarteh, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 40 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.  On July 1, 2024, Yarteh pleaded guilty to three counts of bank fraud.  Co-defendants Donna Silva, Niurka Lebron, and Robesteur St. Felix pled guilty and were sentenced in 2022.

“The defendant enlisted his friends and family members to submit multiple fraudulent loan applications to lenders over $400,000,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “He left the United States after learning of an investigation and was apprehended in Dubai several years later.  I thank our law enforcement partners here and across the world for diligently working to bring fraudsters like the defendant to justice.”

“The sentencing of Mr. Yarteh is a direct result of the hard work of the prosecution team and law enforcement partners here in New Hampshire to secure his conviction and the international partnerships which allowed him to be brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Yarteh was the owner and President of Allied Imports, a car wholesaler located in Manchester. As a wholesaler, Allied Imports was not licensed to conduct retail sales of vehicles and could only sell to dealers. Allied Imports was located next to Cap’s Auto Sales, a business licensed to sell cars. Cap’s Auto was controlled by St. Felix.

Between February 2019 and July 2019, Yarteh led a scheme to fraudulently obtain multiple car loans from multiple financial institutions. The loans were supposed to be secured by vehicles being sold by Allied Imports or Cap’s Auto.  Yarteh and his co-conspirators used fraudulent documents to trick lenders into believing that Allied Imports or Cap’s Auto owned and held title to the vehicles when the cars actually belonged to other companies.  The loan proceeds were deposited into accounts Yarteh controlled.  Yarteh was able to fraudulently obtain over $411,000 through this scheme and attempted to get another $217,000.

Yarteh was originally indicted in 2021 but had already left the United States.  INTERPOL then issued a Red Notice for his arrest.  In spring 2023, authorities in the United Arab Emirates arrested Yarteh in Dubai.  With the cooperation of the Emirati government, Yarteh was removed to the United States in late November 2023.  He has continuously been in custody since. 

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and United States Postal Inspection Service.  The New Hampshire Banking Department, INTERPOL, Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and Government of the United Arab Emirates provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Charles L. Rombeau prosecuted the case.  

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CONCORD – A Hudson man was sentenced today in federal court for stealing $342,650 in COVID-19 relief funds and attempting to steal an additional $150,000 U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Matthew Dispensa, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 21 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. The defendant also agreed to resolve his False Claims Act liability for the stolen funds and to pay $492,650. This included $342,650 in court-ordered restitution and an additional $150,000 civil monetary penalty. On February 15, 2024, Dispensa pleaded guilty to three counts of bank fraud and one count of attempted wire fraud.

“The defendant lied to get hundreds of thousands of dollars in pandemic relief funds designed to mitigate the worst economic and public health crisis in decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “This case underscores how this office will utilize both criminal and civil tools to hold accountable those who defraud pandemic relief programs.” 

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates violations of Federal laws that impact the taxpayers and programs of the United States,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Carpenter. “To that end, the defendant has been prosecuted to the extent possible in an effort to hold him accountable and deter others from committing these violations.”

Dispensa fraudulently applied for multiple loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. For example, on May 5, 2020, he applied for a $90,400 PPP loan from Primary Bank for an entity called Gateway Hills LLC.  Gateway Hills LLC had no apparent operations separate from Dispensa’s gym in Nashua, which operated under the name Gateway Hills Club. In the application, Dispensa provided the bank multiple false supporting documents, such as fraudulent annual and quarterly tax documents and a “Management Report” for the period ending December 31, 2020, seven months into the future.  Dispensa also provided a “Payroll Summary” showing that he was paid $8,700 per month through Gateway Hills LLC.  The defendant’s true tax returns showed no income from that entity.

In another application, Dispensa obtained a $146,650 PPP loan for the Gateway Hills Club entity. He claimed that annual payroll was over $542,000 in 2020, but his real tax filings showed that payroll was only approximately $118,000 that year.

Overall, Dispensa fraudulently obtained $342,650 in PPP loans and attempted to fraudulently obtain another $150,000. He misspent the pandemic relief funds on purchases such as gambling on DraftKings, Tesla stock worth over $83,000, and 10,000 shares in a real estate investment trust. He falsely represented to the Small Business Administration that he used the funds for payroll and other approved expenses.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the criminal case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz prosecuted the civil case.

During the early part of the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act included multiple relief provisions to help the millions of Americans and many small businesses adversely affected by the pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Private lenders could participate in the PPP.  The loans, which were supposed to be used for payroll, were fully guaranteed by the government.  If borrowers used the PPP loans for payroll and other approved expenses as intended, they could apply for loan forgiveness.  The CARES Act also opened up the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.  As with PPP loans, EIDL loans were supposed to be used for payroll and other business expenses such as rent and mortgage.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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CONCORD – A former New Hampshire woman pleaded guilty in federal court to charges arising out of her defrauding her prior employer, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

         Elizabeth Morse, 55, currently of Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges.  U.S. District Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2025.

          According to statements in court and from the public record, the defendant was a long-time employee of Bedford Women’s Care Associates (“BWCA”), a Bedford, NH-based medical group practice that specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology until its closure in early 2023.  Starting in 2020, the defendant became BWCA’s office manager and handled the processing of payroll through a third-party servicer. Taking advantage of the trust placed in her as office manager, defendant manipulated the payroll processes at BWCA, logging into the third-party servicer and changing her rate of pay to a higher amount than what she was entitled to. The defendant obtained these ill-gotten gains pursuant to the scheme over the course of approximately three years.

           The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  Through her plea agreement, defendant has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $168,366.66.

           The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A former Manchester man and convicted sex offender was sentenced today in federal court for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

           James Aubuchont, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 57 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On June 13, 2024, Aubuchont pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. 

           “A violent sex offender possessed two firearms and enough ammunition to equip a small militia,” said U.S. Attorney Young.  “Today’s significant sentence demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring that felons who possess firearms face swift consequences for their repeated disregard of the law.”

           “Removing violent offenders, especially those with a history of sex crimes, from our communities is critical to ensuring public safety,” said James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division “This case highlights the dangers posed by violent individuals who unlawfully possess firearms and ammunition. ATF and our partners remain committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”

          Aubuchont has an extensive criminal record spanning three decades. In July 2023, a state warrant was issued for Aubuchont’s arrest. Law enforcement arrested him on July 12, 2023, near the Flat Mountain Pond Shelter in the White Mountains. During a recorded jail call, Aubuchont asked his then-romantic partner, Rebecca Aubuchont, to retrieve his two “fishing rods” from the campsite, including one that “we got from VJ, remember the one you bought?”  Three days later, law enforcement recovered a rifle and pistol from Aubuchont’s campsite, along with over 2,000 rounds of ammunition.  The rifle had been purchased from a firearms dealer operated by an individual with the first and middle initials V.J.

          During that recorded call, Aubuchont had also asked Rebecca Aubuchont to remove some of his property, which he called “garbage,” from the jail.  The “garbage” was a damaged cell phone with an intact Micro SD card containing over 1,300 images and 140 videos of child sex abuse materials, some of which depicted Aubuchont himself assaulting a minor.   He is currently serving a separate state sentence of 33 years to life for aggravated felonious sexual assault of two minors, possession of child sex abuse images, and manufacturing child pornography.

          On July 2, 2024, Rebecca Aubuchont pleaded guilty to straw purchasing one of the firearms for Aubuchont.  Rebecca Aubuchont is currently scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2024.

          The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms led the investigation.  The Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Forest Service provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Tiffany A. Scanlon prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – David Duren of Haverhill, Massachusetts was sentenced today in federal court for attempting to steal almost $73,000 from a nonprofit health care provider, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

          David Duren, a/k/a Dawud Hakiem Duren, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 15 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.  On July 1, 2024, Duren pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

          “The defendant is a recidivist fraudster who used a sophisticated scheme to steal money intended to help vulnerable veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “He spent the stolen money on items like a cruise, landscaping at his home and OnlyFans.com.  His brazen criminal conduct was compounded by the fact that he stole from a program dedicated to preventing veteran suicides. Today’s sentence should be a warning to others that stealing from veterans will not be tolerated and will result in incarceration.” 

          “Today’s sentencing sends the message that the VA Office of Inspector General will work diligently to hold accountable those who would egregiously steal funds intended to help our most vulnerable veterans in crisis,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their excellent work in this case.”

          Duren was a program manager for a nonprofit health care provider in Nashua, New Hampshire.  He oversaw a program funded by a $750,000 Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention grant.  The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to provide treatment and services to veterans at risk of suicide.  At Duren’s recommendation, the health care provider hired a “faith-based organization” called “E3 Foundation” to provide services funded by the Staff Sergeant Fox grant.  E3 Foundation was in turn purportedly led by a “Dr. Michael Rapp.”  However, unbeknownst to the victim, E3 Foundation was a shell company and Dr. Rapp did not exist.  Duren was pretending to be “Dr. Michael Rapp” on emails and calls.

          Duren was able to fraudulently obtain almost $50,000 in Staff Sergeant Fox program funds and tried to obtain an additional $24,000 before being discovered.  He used a website called “Invoice Generator” to create fake invoices.  Duren offered to personally hand-deliver payments to E3 Foundation and Dr. Rapp at their regularly scheduled meetings.  Duren and E3 Foundation did not provide the services and products that he billed for.

          After the fraud was uncovered, Duren took steps to attempt to conceal his wrongdoing.  For example, he emailed the victim a document containing notes of a “meeting” between himself and Dr. Rapp dated July 28, 2023, but the metadata proved he created the document a month after that date.  Duren also provided the victim a phone number for Dr. Rapp, who replied via email that he was on vacation in Europe.  Shortly after, Duren created a voicemail for Dr. Rapp he titled “Rapp vacation.”  And, when law enforcement interviewed Duren, he claimed that the stolen money used to pay for his home’s landscaping was justified because he was using the money to “create a space that was conducive” to hosting veterans. 

          Approximately a decade ago, Duren was convicted of stealing more than $143,000 from the U.S. Department of Defense.

          The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Concord, New Hampshire man pleaded guilty today in federal court in connection with drug distribution and the illegal possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Wayne Smith, 49, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2025.

In August 2023, the New Hampshire State Police received information regarding methamphetamine sales in the Concord area. The ensuing investigation led to the defendant’s indictment on federal charges on May 8, 2024.

The New Hampshire State Police and the Concord Police Department led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Strelzin is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – An indictment has been unsealed charging thirteen defendants in connection with a cross-border drug trafficking conspiracy that used social media messaging apps to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and traded firearms for drugs, U.S Attorney Jane Young announces.

According to court documents, over the course of two days last week, law enforcement officers arrested six of these defendants in New Hampshire and Maine on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Four of the defendants are in state custody in Maine and New Hampshire on unrelated charges. Three defendants have yet to be arrested.

In October 2023, law enforcement received information about a drug distributor based in Lowell and Lawrence, Massachusetts, who conducted high-volume narcotics deals via cell phone text messages and a social media messaging app.  During the investigation, law enforcement identified several phone numbers and two social media accounts controlled by members of the drug trafficking organization (DTO).  Both social media account profiles said they lived in New Hampshire and Maine, implicitly targeting clientele and secondary sources of narcotics supply in those areas.   

From November 9, 2023 to March 7, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted eight purchases of fentanyl, mostly arranged by one of the DTO’s social media accounts. These purchases ranged from 97 to 496 grams of fentanyl. A DTO runner would typically conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction within Lowell and Lawrence, Massachusetts. All parties involved understood the purchaser was based in New Hampshire and that the narcotics were intended for redistribution in New Hampshire.  During the investigation, law enforcement also searched premises used by the DTO to store and package various amounts of narcotics. Law enforcement seized more than two and a half kilograms of fentanyl, 250 grams of methamphetamine, and 28 grams of cocaine during these searches.

During the investigation, agents also executed a search warrant on the social media platform servers for the historical records associated with the DTO account that was used to arrange the undercover purchases, and similarly executed a search warrant for the contents of a cell phone that was seized during the enforcement actions. An analysis of these communications indicates that members of the DTO used two different social media accounts and corresponding messaging apps, as well as traditional text messaging, to arrange drug transactions in the Lowell neighborhood where the undercover purchases occurred. These transactions occurred over the course of one year, from April 2023 to April 2024, and involved an estimated total of at least 20 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of methamphetamine, and 200 grams of cocaine, the vast majority of which were sold to dealers based in New Hampshire and Maine for redistribution in their respective drug markets.  In addition, six charged conspirators sought to trade firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and handguns for narcotics.

The following defendants have been indicted in connection with this drug trafficking operation:

1. Pedro Miguel Ravelo Guzman, 31, of Lowell, Massachusetts. Guzman has not yet been arrested.
2. Jacob D. King, 41, of Milton, New Hampshire. King is in federal custody.
3. Riley J. Paletta, 26, of Hudson, New Hampshire. Paletta was released on pretrial supervision.
4. Amanda E. Camera a/k/a Amanda E. Douglass, 39, of Fairfield, Maine. Camera is in Maine state custody on unrelated charges.
5. Benjamin M. Fields, 41, of Laconia, New Hampshire. Fields is in New Hampshire state custody on unrelated charges.
6. John N. Titus, 35, of Farmington, New Hampshire. Titus is in federal custody.
7. Christian F. Gerlach, 52, of Manchester, New Hampshire. Gerlach is in New Hampshire state custody on unrelated charges.
8. Moses J. Losuk, 28, of Portland, Maine. Losuk is in Maine state custody on unrelated charges.
9. Timothy E. Boston a/k/a Timothy Earl Boston II, 38, of Nashua, New Hampshire. Boston is in federal custody.
10. Robert A. Arrington, 38, of Bangor, Maine. Arrington has not yet been arrested.
11. Robert W. Whiteside Jr., 46, of Exeter, New Hampshire.  Whiteside is in federal custody.
12. William L. Wheelock, 34, of Windham, Maine. Wheelock has not yet been arrested.
13. Alexander L. Wilson, 38, of Belfast, Maine.  Wilson is in federal custody.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Jacob D. King, Amanda E. Camera a/k/a Amanda E. Douglass, and Benjamin M. Fields are facing mandatory minimum penalties of 5 years in imprisonment, based on their involvement in the conspiracy. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Hudson Police Department, the Bedford Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Strafford County Sheriff’s Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar Vega is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Manchester woman was sentenced in federal court for her role in a drug trafficking organization selling drugs in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Maria Camacho, age 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In May 2024, Camacho pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. She is the seventh of 21 charged defendants in the drug trafficking organization to be sentenced.

“The defendant was an operative in a large Massachusetts-based drug trafficking that was supplying drugs here in New Hampshire, fueling the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The defendant is now facing the consequences of her actions thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal agencies and local law enforcement.”

“Despite having an alternate source of income, Marie Camacho had no shame about dealing deadly poison in New Hampshire on behalf of a large Massachusetts – based drug trafficking organization,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence holds this drug trafficker accountable for the harm she’s inflicted on both her customers and community. The FBI would like to thank our law enforcement partners for working with us to disrupt sprawling drug trafficking organizations like this one in order to make our streets safer.”

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

The defendant was part of a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, primarily in Manchester. The organization used a dispatch operation to sell drugs. Customers called a phone line to purchase narcotics and would speak to a dispatcher who would put the defendant in touch with the customer to complete the drug sale. The defendant or her associate would then arrange a meeting place for the drug transaction.

On September 13, 2022, the defendant, working with coconspirators, sold approximately 10 grams of fentanyl, and another 10 grams of fentanyl on October 6, 2022.  On both occasions, the defendant met the customer at an agreed-upon location in Manchester, picked the customer up in a car she was driving, and exchanged fentanyl for money inside of the car.

On November 8, 2022, law enforcement stopped the defendant’s car for a traffic violation. Law enforcement officers executing a subsequent search of the defendant’s car seized $5,610 and roughly 280 grams of fentanyl, 68 grams of crack cocaine, and 24 grams of powder cocaine in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle. Most of the drugs were stored in plastic bags for distribution.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Jarad Hodes are prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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CONCORD – An Exeter man was sentenced in federal court in connection with the possession of child sexual abuse materials, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Nathan Kohler, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 48 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Kohler was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution to the victims of his offense.  On July 8, 2024, Kohler pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of Child Pornography.

“The actions of the defendant fuel the demand for the horrific sexual abuse of children and results in life-long suffering for those victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young.  “Those who would seek out on the internet these images documenting the pain and abuse of a child are on notice. They will be found, prosecuted, and incarcerated.”

“Kohler admitted that he had been downloading child sexual abuse material at his home for years. The children depicted in these images were victimized at the time the photos were taken and victimized again every time they are distributed. HSI works tirelessly with our partners to ensure those who trade in these horrific images are brought to justice,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol.

On January 2, 2023, and again on February 14, 2023, the NH Internet Crimes Against Children (“ICAC”) Task Force’s BitTorrent software identified a target IP address making child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”) available for download through the Peer-to-Peer (“P2P”) network BitTorrent.  Further investigation identified the defendant’s residence in Exeter, New Hampshire as the subscriber of the target IP address.

On April 5, 2023, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence.  During that search, law enforcement seized a Dell laptop computer from the defendant’s bedroom, containing approximately 2,000 images of CSAM and two video files. Numerous images depicted prepubescent minors, or minors who had not attained 12 years of age as well as sadistic or masochistic conduct.

During an interview with law enforcement, the defendant admitted that he was the individual who has been using the internet in the residence to download CSAM and has been engaged in such activity for a number of years. The defendant stated that he used his laptop computer which was located in his bedroom to access CSAM.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Exeter Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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CONCORD –Two additional men were charged and arrested for attempting to sex traffic a child at a Manchester hotel. On Saturday morning, charging documents were unsealed alleging three initial men were arrested in the same proactive federal and local law enforcement action the evening before, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. 

On November 14 and November 15, 2024, in a proactive law enforcement operation, agents posted and monitored an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex acts.The advertisement contained images of what appeared to be two minor females, and a contact phone number. Law enforcement agents used it to communicate with potential sex buyers. Each defendant responded to the advertisement. Once at the hotel, each defendant met with an undercover agent and attempted to sex traffic one of the two fictitious children. 

The following defendants have been charged by criminal complaint with attempted sex trafficking of a minor of whom the final two are newly announced:

1. Stacey Ray Lancaster, age 46, Hudson, New Hampshire. Lancaster was arrested on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and is in federal custody. He will appear in federal court today, Monday, November 18, 2024, at 1:00 pm.
2. Arthur Picanco, age 42, Bradford, Massachusetts. Picanco was arrested on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and he is in federal custody. He will appear in federal court today, Monday, November 18, 2024, at 3:00 pm.
3. Ozeias Luiz Guilherme, age 38, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Guilherme was arrested on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and he is in federal custody. Guilherme will appear in federal court on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 2:30 pm.
4. Sharath Chandra Bollu, age 23, Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Bollu was arrested on Friday, November 15, 2024, and he is in federal custody. He will appear in federal court later today.
5. Koteshwara Raju Jonnagodda, age 24, Chelmsford, Lowell, Massachusetts. Jonnagodda was arrested on Friday, November 15, 2024, and he is in federal custody. He will appear in federal court later today.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo, Kasey Weiland, Anna Krasinski and Georgiana MacDonald are prosecuting the cases.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

Community questions should be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Public Voicemail Line at 603-230-2563.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – Charging documents were unsealed earlier today alleging three defendants attempted to sex traffic a child at a Manchester hotel, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. These three defendants were arrested as a result of a proactive federal and local law enforcement action.

To date the following defendants have been charged by criminal complaint with attempted sex trafficking of a minor:

1. Stacey Ray Lancaster, age 46, Hudson, New Hampshire. Lancaster is in federal custody and will appear in federal court on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 1:00pm.
2. Arthur Picanco, age 42, Bradford, Massachusetts. Picanco is in federal custody and will appear in federal court on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 3:00pm.
3. Ozeias Luiz Guilherme, age 38, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Guilherme is in federal custody and will appear in federal court on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 2:30pm.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo, Kasey Weiland, Anna Krasinski and Georgiana MacDonald are prosecuting the cases.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

Community questions should be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Public Voicemail Line at 603-230-2563.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A former Keene woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court for stealing almost $500,000 from her former employer, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

      Stephanie Pratt, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 30 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On August 6, 2024, Pratt pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

           “The defendant used her position of trust as an employee to steal nearly a half-million dollars from a small New Hampshire business. Among other items, she used the stolen money to purchase a hot tub and she spent over $5,600 on lavish tickets to watch Tom Brady’s return to Gillette Stadium,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The defendant’s criminal conduct was bold, as she began her fraud only six months after serving a sentence for stealing from a previous employer. The defendant will spend the next two and a half years in federal prison for her deceit along with the financial and emotional turmoil she caused her employer.” 

           “Stephanie Pratt is a greedy, serial fraudster who is being sent to prison for defrauding her employer and siphoning almost half-a-million dollars to live well beyond her means,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence holds Ms. Pratt responsible for her clear disdain for the law and shows how the FBI will not hesitate to go after those who victimize others for their own financial gain.”

Pratt was the office administrator for a company based in Hinsdale, New Hampshire.  She had full access to the company’s finances, including its bank accounts and credit cards.  Over the course of six-and-a-half years, Pratt stole $492,325.34 from the company. She started stealing shortly after she was released from jail for stealing almost $10,000 from her previous employer. 

Pratt cashed unauthorized checks to herself and entered them as payments to legitimate vendors in the company’s accounting system. Pratt also used the company’s credit cards to make over 1,000 unauthorized personal purchases. The fraudulent purchases included over $5,600 to purchase NFL tickets for Tom Brady’s return to Gillette stadium in 2021 and over $50,000 on Amazon purchases on items including a hot tub. Pratt also used the stolen money on things like plane tickets and miscellaneous herbs and spices.

When confronted about the stealing, Pratt repeatedly lied to the victim company, such as claiming that the owner had her cash the checks to funnel the money to the owner’s son. However, unbeknownst to Pratt the son had already passed away. Pratt also doctored the victim’s financial records. For example, she edited the company’s credit card statements to delete unauthorized purchases. When asked why there were missing entries in the statements, Pratt claimed that she had simply adjusted the statements to make them easier to read. She also claimed that her misuse of the company credit cards was attributable to her clicking the wrong button at checkout, despite that happening more than 1,000 times. And, when she was fired for stealing, Pratt demanded that the owner’s widow pay her a Christmas bonus.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.  

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