District of New Hampshire

CONCORD – Manchester resident Moise Rodriguez, 34, pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.  U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro has scheduled sentencing for January 11, 2027. Rodriguez faces a guideline imprisonment range of 5 years to a maximum prison term of life in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force (“VCTF”), to include Manchester Police Department detectives, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) is leading an investigation into New Hampshire street gangs involved in narcotics and firearms violations. According to the public record, in January of 2025, ATF VCTF obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s Snapchat account where they uncovered various images and messages related to narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, and his affiliation with the Bloods. On August 25, 2025, ATF VCTF executed a residential search warrant on Moise Rodriguez’ residence.

A search of the his bedroom uncovered a Taurus Pistol, Model G3, 9x19mm, bearing an obliterated serial number with a green laser attachment; over a dozen rounds of ammunition; a plastic baggie with ten (10) grams of cocaine; two (2) plastic baggies, each with 1.3 grams of methamphetamine; seventy-seven (77) blue pills stamped (M) (Oxycodone); two (2) suboxone pills; $252 in United States Currency; a plastic baggie with MDMA rocks and prescription pills; a variety of sealed “designer” marijuana pouches; a digital scale with white powdery residue on top; and a cell phone. After his arrest, the defendant confessed that he possessed the firearm and trafficked narcotics.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter prosecuted the case.

CONCORD – Manchester property management company Greenview Associates L.P. along with two other defendants have entered into a Settlement Agreement with the United States that resolves allegations that the company and one of its employees violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

In a complaint filed on January 8, 2025, the United States alleged that the defendants—Greenview Associates L.P., Palmer Asset Management, LLC, and John Martin—violated the Fair Housing Act by retaliating against a tenant at one of the defendants’ properties. The complaint alleged that the defendants attempted to evict the tenant in late 2023 because he had filed a discrimination claim against them with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Settlement Agreement resolves the claims in the United States’ complaint. The defendants have agreed to pay the tenant $20,000 and provide credits for certain rents owed, ensure FHA compliance policies are in place at all of their properties, and provide FHA training to all employees. 

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 Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo from the District of New Hampshire and the Department of Justice’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section.

CONCORD – Vermont resident Alexander Henry, 20, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on one count of distribution of child sex abuse materials (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. The defendant was arrested and first appeared in federal court in Vermont yesterday. He will appear in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire at a later date. 

The charge of CSAM distribution carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of twenty years. 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 details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating this case with valuable assistance from the Newport Police Department and Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Mignanelli and Matthew Vicinanzo are 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/.

CONCORD – Former New Hampshire residents Christopher Skinner, 41, and Amee Skinner, 37, have been indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with a total of twenty counts between them for their scheme to steal and launder money from bank ATMs, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Defendant Christopher Skinner, formerly of Milford, is charged with 18 counts of bank theft, two counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Defendant Aimee Skinner, formerly of Conway, is charged with two counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

Christopher Skinner was arrested on August 30, 2026, in Texas, waived his initial appearance, and pleaded not guilty.  Amee Skinner waived her initial appearance and pleaded not guilty to the charges this week.

According to the charging documents and the public record, in February 2024, Christopher Skinner was employed by a business responsible for loading currency into ATMs throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Beginning on February 2, 2024, Skinner allegedly stole cash while loading the ATMs. Between February 2 and February 26, 2024, Skinner allegedly stole approximately $259,574 from ATMs belonging to two victim banks.

The indictment alleges that beginning on February 3, 2024, Christopher and Amee Skinner made frequent cash deposits into a joint bank account and an account held solely in Amee’s name. From February 3 to July 22, 2024, the two allegedly deposited $117,175 in cash into the two accounts. The defendants allegedly used the stolen funds to make substantial personal purchases, including $40,000 in cash for a 2019 GMC Sierra and $28,814 in cash for a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. According to the indictment, the defendants also used stolen funds to pay for additional travel, retail, and online purchases.

The bank theft counts each carry a maximum prison term of 10 years. The money laundering counts carry a maximum prison term of 10 years, and the money laundering conspiracy count carries a maximum term of 20 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes governing the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

CONCORD – Vermont resident David Courtemarche, 45, was sentenced today in federal court for violating his sex offender registration requirements, specifically knowingly failing to report his employment in New Hampshire as mandated by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Courtemarche was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 21 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. On November 14, 2025, Courtemarche pleaded guilty to failing to register his New Hampshire employment since 2021 in violation of federal law.

“Sex offenders are legally required to register their employment so law enforcement can monitor and prevent predatory behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “The defendant ignored that requirement, undermining a critical safeguard designed to protect children. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: law enforcement in the Granite State will hold sex offenders accountable when they attempt to evade oversight and will continue to prioritize the safety of our children.”

SORNA requires individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to report where they live, work, and go to school. Courtemarche is required to register as a sex offender for life due to his 2003 conviction for raping a 14-year-old child in Vermont. Despite knowing his registration requirements, by at least December 2021, he worked in New Hampshire without reporting it. Thereafter, he started dating a co-worker and, to avoid arrest warrants in Vermont, began living with her in New Hampshire. Despite living and working in New Hampshire, the defendant never registered as a sex offender in this state.

The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, the Littleton Police Department, and the Lancaster Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Anderson 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.

CONCORD – A federal Grand Jury returned a superseding indictment charging six individuals in an interstate drug conspiracy that spanned nearly two years and culminated in a drug-motivated kidnapping, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

The superseding indictment charged Tyron Harris, Damarcus Bonner, Nicole Palardy, Jessenialyz Jones, Sheldon Stocker, and Jesse Emerson for their role in the drug conspiracy, which involved conduct in multiple states. Harris and Bonner were charged separately with the kidnapping, and Harris, Bonner, Palardy and Jones were charged with kidnapping conspiracy. According to a prior complaint in the matter and allegations in the indictment, defendants kidnapped an adult victim in Claremont, New Hampshire, and brought her to a residence in Springfield, Vermont. The victim was held there against her will, tortured and beaten, while defendants demanded money from her and others on her behalf. Springfield Police ultimately learned of kidnapping and went to the residence in the early morning hours of January 25, 2026. They rescued the victim from the residence and arrested the defendants. A search of the residence revealed a firearm, drugs packaged for distribution, duct tape that was used to bind the victim, and items used for torture. 

The indictment indicates that the kidnapping was part of a pre-existing drug operation that involved drug activity at multiple locations in several states. 

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 FBI is leading the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Vermont State Police, the Springfield, Vermont Police Department, and the Claremont, New Hampshire Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo and Charles DeJoie are 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.

CONCORD – Following a 4-day trial, a federal jury found Dominican national Andri Pimental Arias, 23, guilty last Friday for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Arias was convicted for his role in a multistate fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. United States District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty has set sentencing for January 7, 2027. 

According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, beginning in the fall of 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a Lawrence, Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The organization used social media, messaging applications, and a dedicated phone line to take drug orders and send runners to make deliveries. The evidence showed that Pimentel Arias acted as one such runner, personally distributing more than 400 grams of fentanyl on three separate occasions between September and October 2022, in response to orders placed through the organization’s dispatch phone line.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation, with valuable assistance provided by the Nashua Police Department and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar A. Vega and Mike Shannon are prosecuting the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – Jaythien Guillermo, age 25, of Rochester, New Hampshire was indicted this week by a federal grand jury for one count of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Distribution of Child Pornography, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He will appear in federal court in Concord on September 24, 2026.

If convicted, Guillermo faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum prison term of 30 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Concord Police Department led the investigation. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles V. DeJoie III is prosecuting the case.

CONCORD – Anthony DiMascio, age 35, of Litchfield, New Hampshire was indicted this week by a federal grand jury for one count of Receipt of Child Pornography, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He will appear in federal court in Concord on September 24, 2026.

If convicted, DiMascio faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum prison term of 20 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Hudson Police Department led the investigation. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles V. DeJoie III is prosecuting the case.

CONCORD – Matthew Schnell, 45, of Bellingham, Massachusetts was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 71 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Schnell pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine. 

“This defendant helped run a major operation trafficking dangerous drugs out of central New Hampshire and will now be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Due to strong partnership with our state and local law enforcement counterparts, we were able to take down this methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Our office will continue to pursue those who bring harm and destructive addiction to our communities.” 

“Matthew Schnell is now behind bars for facilitating a substantial drug trafficking organization that pushed pounds of methamphetamine into New Hampshire, fueling addiction, violence, and instability in our neighborhoods,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Let this hefty sentence be a warning to others who think they can profit from flooding our streets with dangerous drugs and escape responsibility. The FBI and our partners will find you and ensure you are brought to justice.”

According to the court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2022, the FBI’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force, and the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) began investigating a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in New Hampshire. The investigation revealed that Schnell obtained methamphetamine from suppliers and then would provide methamphetamine to Thomas Conway for further distribution in New Hampshire. Phone calls and text messages intercepted during the investigation confirmed that the defendant worked as Conway’s primary supplier and business partner. For example, in one conversation, Schnell, Conway, and another co-conspirator discussed the need to need to restructure their drug trafficking organization to ensure a sufficient drug supply. In multiple other intercepted communications, Schnell discussed obtaining multiple pound quantities of methamphetamine for Conway. Law enforcement later seized drugs before they could be distributed. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force in partnership with the New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. The Concord Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and New Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of New Hampshire’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – Brejea Wrigley, 30, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to two counts of Distribution of Controlled Substances, specifically more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2025, the defendant took over a dark web methamphetamine distribution operation under the vendor account name “BlackCoconut” and used that account to arrange shipments of drug parcels nationwide through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Items for sale through this operation included methamphetamine, fentanyl marketed as “China White,” pressed oxycodone pills, and mushrooms in various quantities. Undercover agents were able to arrange through the dark web for parcels of methamphetamine to be purchased and shipped from Phoenix, Arizona to a law enforcement monitored P.O. Box in Manchester, NH in September and October 2025. The first shipment contained nearly 450 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside two stuffed animals, purchased for a total of $1,850 from the “BlackCoconut” account. The second shipment contained more than 800 grams of methamphetamine, similarly packaged to the first shipment. Following further investigation and the execution of search warrants, the defendant was identified as the person operating the “BlackCoconut” dark web account and trafficking operation.

The charging statute provides for a sentence up to life in federal prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2026. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar Vega is prosecuting the case.

Today, the Department of Justice is monitoring polling sites in two New Hampshire cities — Manchester and Nashua — for the state’s primary election to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.

“The Department of Justice is continuing its monitoring efforts all the way through primary season,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This is the last week before the Division begins ramping up preparations for midterm election monitoring, which will help ensure trust and transparency throughout the country.”

“The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire is proud to partner with the Civil Rights Division on election integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire. “New Hampshire’s elections, including our critical First-in-the-Nation Primary, deserve to instill the highest possible confidence. My office will continue bringing together state and federal partners to ensure that Granite State elections are free, fair, and in accordance with all applicable laws.”

The Department, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces federal voting rights laws to ensure the right to vote is protected for all eligible citizens. The Department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities across the country.

The Department is currently monitoring polls with four DOJ staff from the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in each city.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces various federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Acts.

From now and up to Election Day on Nov. 3, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. If you would like to request election monitoring in a particular jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section at VEM@usdoj.gov, and the Civil Rights Division will determine whether monitoring is warranted.

CONCORD – Hookset man Derald Solomon, 51, has been indicted by a federal grand jury, charged with one count of possessing child sex abuse materials (CSAM), commonly known as child pornography, and one count of possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct that is obscene, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Solomon was arrested on August 5, 2026 by criminal complaint and will be arraigned in federal court on the indictment at a later date.

According to the charging documents and the public record, in May 2025, the FBI searched Solomon’s home in Hookset after determining that a computer with an IP Address registered at that address was sharing CSAM through a peer-to-peer file sharing program. During the search, law enforcement seized Solomon’s electronic devices for further forensic analysis. That analysis revealed that, in Solomon’s browser history, he visited websites known to contain child pornography. Some of the web addresses contained words like “12yo,” “PREteen,” and “Child%20porno.” Investigators also found multiple CSAM images of real children, including some of a minor relative, as well as other visual depictions of apparent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement found these and other files in a folder directory with the file path “Picture Backups\Derald’s Photo Library.” 

The charges of possession of child pornography and possession of obscene material each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years.  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 is investigating this case with valuable assistance from the Hooksett and Derry Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Christopher Mignanelli are prosecuting the case.

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

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/.

CONCORD – Hampton man Jamie Melendez, age 37, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury this week on one count of failure to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Melendez will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date.

According to the charging documents, Melendez was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Despite this, he traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and knowingly failed to register as a sex offender in the State of New Hampshire as required by SORNA.

The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 10 years.  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 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.

The United States Marshals Service is investigating this case with valuable assistance provided by the Hampton Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather M. Anderson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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/. 

CONCORD – Ramzi Al-Shawafi, 47, a Chichester resident, was indicted for Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business that moved over $25 million, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Al-Shawafi will appear in federal court on September 16, 2026. 

According to the indictment, for several years Al-Shawafi operated a “hawala” and worked with individuals in Yemen to coordinate the transfer of money between the United States and Yemen. A hawala is a type of informal money transfer system that uses a network of agents to transfer money across international borders without using the banking system, typically to circumvent banking laws and regulations.

Al-Shawafi operated dozens of bank accounts across many financial institutions over the last few years. The bank accounts were in the names of businesses he directly or indirectly controlled, including but not limited to Razl Trading, RA Broker, and several convenience stores. Al-Shawafi used these accounts to move over $25 million to Yemen.

The charge of Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business provides a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $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 FBI and IRS Criminal Investigations are leading the investigation.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen 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.

CONCORD –Felina Pimental, 24, of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

According to court documents and statements, in late 2023, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Investigators utilized cooperating witnesses and an undercover officer to conduct controlled purchases of narcotics from various DTO members. Typically, the transactions would be arranged through the DTO’s customer telephone, which was usually operated by the DTO leader, co-defendant Alexander Aguasvivas-Pena, or by someone at his direction, namely Pimental, where a customer would contact a DTO phone number to arrange a drug deal. Pimental was involved in multiple transactions. During the course of the conspiracy, the DTO trafficked over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and other drugs. 

The charging statute provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2026. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hampshire State Police, Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, and Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat is prosecuting the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. 

CONCORD – Manchester man Michael Cote, 44, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a bank robbery that took place at the TD Bank located at 300 Franklin Street in Manchester on December 11, 2025, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe has scheduled Cote’s sentencing for December 8, 2026. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Cote entered the TD Bank on Franklin Street shortly before 9:00 a.m. wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and a gray hat, stating words to the teller to the effect that this was a robbery and he was armed. He also demanded the teller put money in an envelope and give it to him. Unbeknownst to Cote, the teller handed him an envelope of $600 cash that also contained a GPS tracker. Within minutes, law enforcement tracked him to Bunny’s Convenience store on Elm Street where he had just bought cigarettes with proceeds from the robbery. Cote stated to Manchester Police officers that he had committed the robbery. 

The charging statute provides a sentence of up to twenty years.  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 led the investigation with valuable assistance provided by the Manchester Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Anderson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

CONCORD – A Manchester resident was sentenced today in federal court for distributing over 3.7 kilograms of fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Xavier Santana, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. On May 20, 2026, Santana pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing at least 400 grams of fentanyl, three counts of distributing at least 50 grams of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. 

“Working with our law enforcement partners, we took a large-volume fentanyl dealer off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Fentanyl has devastated communities across the country, and this sentence reflects the severity of the defendant’s crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to hold drug traffickers accountable.” 

“Removing a large-scale fentanyl trafficker like Xavier Santana from our streets—and sending him to prison for the next decade—is a decisive victory for the people of New Hampshire,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “If you think you can profit from poisoning our communities, think again. The FBI and our partners will track you down, shut you down, and put you behind bars. We will not tolerate the criminals driving the opioid crisis. Our mission is to protect our families, and we will not back down.”

According to public records and statements made in court, in late 2024, law enforcement learned that the defendant was selling drugs. The FBI conducted a series of controlled buys of drugs from Santana, first with a confidential source. The source purchased about 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl from Santana. The FBI then had an undercover officer participate in additional controlled buys of fentanyl from Santana totaling over 2.5 kilograms. Sometimes law enforcement was able to purchase a half-kilogram of fentanyl at a time. In July 2025, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence and found over 1.2 kilograms of cocaine in Santana’s bedroom. 

The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – Swanzey man David MacLean, 78, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of failing to register as a sex offender as required by the federal law, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled MacLean’s sentencing for December 3, 2026. 

According to the court documents and statements made in court, the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) requires individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to register as a sex offender in the state in which they reside or work. Among other things, SORNA requires sex offenders to register their online identifiers such as email addresses and online accounts and usernames. MacLean is required to register as a sex offender under SORNA due to his 2018 conviction for possessing child sex abuse material (“CSAM”). 

The defendant was released from prison in January 2021 and registered as a sex offender in November 2021, listing only one online identifier, a Yahoo email address. While under court supervision, MacLean admitted to his probation officer that he used an AI (or “Artificial Intelligence”) image generator to create an AI CSAM image, which he later deleted. A subsequent criminal investigation revealed that the defendant in fact subscribed to an AI generator website and that he had multiple unregistered online identifiers, including for Facebook, X, and Reddit. For example, investigators searched MacLean’s iPad, where they found evidence of MacLean’s use of these online identifiers, including a CSAM video in the “cache” data for MacLean’s Reddit Application. This data indicates that MacLean accessed this video through the Reddit Application and his unregistered Reddit account. MacLean knew he was required to register his online identifiers, including those he used for illicit conduct, yet he never reported these online identifiers in his sex offender registration paperwork.

The charge of failure to register carries a sentence of up to 10 years incarceration, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $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 United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter 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.

CONCORD – After a 4-day trial, a Haverhill, Massachusetts man was found guilty by a federal jury of attempting to sex traffic a 12-year-old as part of a proactive federal and local law enforcement operation that took place in November of 2024, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Sharath Chandra Bollu, age 25, was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. United States Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott ordered Bollu detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for November 24, 2026.

On November 14, 2024, in a proactive law enforcement operation, agents posted and monitored an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex. The advertisement contained images of what appeared to be two minor females, and a contact phone number. Law enforcement agents monitored this line and used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Bollu. During a text conversation and several phone calls between an undercover agent and Bollu, the agent stated that a 12-year-old girl was available to perform sex acts in exchange for money. Bollu communicated with the number from November 14 into the evening of November 15, 2024. He then traveled to a hotel in Manchester, which was the designated location for the commercial sex date. He brought condoms and $100 in cash to the hotel. 

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo and Charles Rombeau are 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.

CONCORD — The U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, Erin Creegan announces that Jean-Paul Karangwa and Caring Bees Healthcare, Inc., (Caring Bees) have paid $1,200,000 to resolve allegations that Karangwa and Caring Bees violated the False Claims Act by misusing Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.

Congress created the PPP and EIDL programs to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The EIDL program provided low interest loans from the SBA to allow small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic.  PPP and EIDL funds were to be used solely to cover legitimate business expenses, such as payroll costs, rent, and utilities.  PPP and EIDL funds were not to be used for personal purposes.

The United States contends that Karangwa and Caring Bees violated the False Claims Act by misrepresenting their plan to use $200,000 of the EIDL funds and $400,000 of the PPP funds for authorized expenses and to alleviate economic injury but instead, Karangwa used them for personal investments, including in commercial real estate and in a start-up online retailer. He applied for and was granted forgiveness for the PPP loan despite this misuse. 

“PPP and EIDL loans were intended to aid Americans and small businesses and shore up the economy amid the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This Office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting and recovering unlawfully obtained taxpayer dollars.” 

“This settlement resolves allegations that Jean-Paul Karangwa and his home healthcare company drained a government program – implemented amid widespread economic upheaval – for personal gain,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Anyone who thinks defrauding U.S. taxpayers is a quick way to an easy payday best think again, because the FBI stands very ready to hold you accountable.”

Civil Chief Raphael Katz, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Martin and Alexander Chen, handled this matter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.  There was no admission of liability.

CONCORD – Michael Savard, 40, of Colebrook, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for fentanyl trafficking conspiracy in a case brought by New Hampshire’s Homeland Security Task Force, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Savard was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 80 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.  Savard previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

“This defendant trafficked dangerously addictive fentanyl, brokering large scale deals moving drugs into many New Hampshire communities – thankfully this operation is now out of commission,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.  “This sentence makes clear that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will hold drug distributors accountable.”   

“This sentence holds a dangerous fentanyl trafficker accountable for his role in a conspiracy that put countless lives at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Fentanyl is devastating families and communities across our country, and those who knowingly traffic this deadly poison must understand that there are consequences for their actions. The DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively target those who distribute fentanyl, dismantle the networks that fuel this crisis, and bring traffickers to justice.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in fall of 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a Lawrence-based organization that distributed fentanyl across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The organization used social media, messaging applications, and a dedicated phone line to take drug orders and send runners to make deliveries. Savard was one of several New Hampshire-based redistributors of the organization, who purchased approximately half a kilogram of fentanyl within a six-month period in 2023 for resale to his own customers, and brokered introductions between the organization’s leader and other prospective New Hampshire-based customers.      

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar A. Vega and Mike Shannon are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – Massachusetts pharmacist Rima Gerges-Maalouf, 60, pleaded guilty today in Federal Court to diverting controlled prescription drugs while working as a pharmacist in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

As set forth in the plea agreement, in August 2024, Gerges-Maalouf served as a per diem pharmacist at a pharmacy in northern New Hampshire. While on duty, Gerges-Maalouf removed capsuled medication powder and prescription pills that were meant for patients and kept them for her own use. Gerges-Maalouf ingested some of the controlled substances while at work at the pharmacy. Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for November 23, 2026. 

“The facts in this case are that the defendant – a licensed pharmacist – emptied medication from pills prescribed for others and took them herself, giving some pills to patients where the medication had already been drained out. This is very dangerous for patients whose health and safety depend on these treatments,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We will continue to pursue enforcement against misuse of controlled substances to protect healthcare customers, patients, and the public safety of all citizens here in New Hampshire.”

“Diversion of controlled substances, particularly by a licensed pharmacist, is a serious crime that erodes public trust and places lives at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners will use every available resource to identify those responsible for diverting controlled substances and bring them to justice. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of our nation’s healthcare system, safeguarding the controlled pharmaceutical supply chain, and ensuring that those who abuse positions of trust are held fully accountable.”

The charge of diverting controlled substances carries a maximum prison term of 4 years, a maximum fine of $250,000 and term of supervised release not to exceed 1 year. 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 Agency and the Federal Drug Administration Office of Inspections and Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.

CONCORD – A Michigan man was indicted for inducing a minor victim in New Hampshire to send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Mason Zimmer, 20, was arrested in July in Michigan. He was arraigned in District Court in Concord today after being indicted by a federal Grand Jury for production and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He is currently detained in federal custody.  

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Zimmer targeted a minor in New Hampshire, communicating with the victim online and persuading the victim to create and send him CSAM. 

The charging statutes provide a sentence of up to 30 years, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years. 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 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.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hudson Police Department, the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Michigan State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo 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/ .

CONCORD — Old Dutch Mustard, a mustard and vinegar manufacturing company, has entered into a consent decree, lodged today with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, requiring it to implement a comprehensive water pollution compliance program to resolve allegations that it violated the Clean Water Act at its facility in Greenville, New Hampshire. This civil case is in addition to earlier criminal charges brought in the District of New Hampshire.

The United States’ complaint, filed on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the same time as the consent decree, alleged that Old Dutch Mustard violated the Clean Water Act on more than 1,700 days between November 2019 and February 2026 by discharging acidic pollutants into a tributary to the Souhegan River. The complaint also alleges that Old Dutch Mustard failed to comply with its stormwater discharge permit and failed to timely provide compliance information upon EPA’s request. 

To resolve these violations and ensure that the facility does not continue to unlawfully discharge acidic material from its facility, the consent decree requires Old Dutch Mustard to improve its monitoring to provide for real-time data, thoroughly investigate any future discharges to determine their cause, and implement corrective measures to stop them.

Old Dutch Mustard has been the subject of repeated enforcement efforts over the last two decades, including most recently for separate criminal violations of the Clean Water Act, to which the company and its President pleaded guilty in February 2026.  In April 2026, the company’s owner Charles Santich was sentenced to 18 months in prison and Old Dutch Mustard Co. was ordered to pay a $1.5 million fine.

“Old Dutch Mustard spent years polluting the Souhegan River,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire. “State and federal government agencies repeatedly attempted to secure the company’s cooperation in keeping the river clean, and those efforts were met with schemes and deception that resulted in both a criminal prosecution and the civil violations set forth in today’s action. Enough is enough. Today’s consent decree will mean close monitoring of the Old Dutch Mustard Company so that we can protect a treasured New Hampshire waterway, and the public, from further pollution.”

“Today’s consent decree will ensure that this company comes into compliance with the Clean Water Act, leveling the playing field for American businesses,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to upholding the rule of law, including the Clean Water Act.”

“This action demonstrates that EPA will pursue repeat violators and hold them accountable through formal enforcement in court,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This consent decree finally resolves decades of noncompliance with the Clean Water Act by ensuring that the company will comprehensively identify and address all sources of pollution into the tributary that runs through the facility. EPA will achieve compliance with the law.”

The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into navigable waters of the United States without a permit. According to complaint, Old Dutch Mustard has a two-decade long history of unlawfully discharging its acidic wastewater and stormwater into a stream that flows underneath and in front of the company’s facility in Greenville, New Hampshire. As a result, the company has been subject to enforcement actions by the EPA, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES), and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. The EPA and NH DES have required Old Dutch Mustard to continually monitor the stream at their facility, which flows into the Souhegan River. The Souhegan River is one of 19 New Hampshire rivers that the State of New Hampshire has designated as an important natural resource.

The proposed consent decree was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire and is subject to a 30-day public comment period. The complaint and the proposed consent decree are available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Osborn for the District of New Hampshire handled this matter with assistance from Assistant Section Chief Eric Albert of ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section. EPA’s Region 1 investigated this case.

WASHINGTON ―The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded almost $290 million to support state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep American communities safe, including $12,109,172 distributed to state and local government in New Hampshire during the 2025 fiscal year.

The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses.

“This funding strengthens our state, local, and tribal partners’ ability to address violent crime, support officers on the front lines, and keep our Nation’s communities safe,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “The JAG Program continues to provide essential resources that help jurisdictions meet today’s public safety threats and uphold the rule of law.”

“These funds go to hard working local police departments, state and county prosecutors and to directly compensate victims of crime,” said Erin Creegan, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. “This is crucial assistance that strengthens our ability to collaborate on the local, regional and national level with law enforcement to disrupt illegal activity, make arrests, seek convictions, and keep dangerous criminals out of our neighborhoods.” 

In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship. 

BJA awarded more than $199 million in state JAG funding across 56 awards and more than $90 million in local JAG funding across 895 awards. 

Examples of initiatives supported by these grants include:

• Providing specialized training to strengthen the prevention, detection, and response to human trafficking and to enhance proactive crime‑reduction efforts through improved officer readiness and increased patrol capacity.
• Enhancing local crime‑fighting efforts by integrating innovative technology, training, and equipment, and using comprehensive crime‑data analysis to guide decision‑making, measure performance, and strengthen strategies addressing violent crime and other public safety issues. 
• Strengthening enforcement efforts by supporting investigations related to gang activity and narcotics through targeted operations carried out by specialized units. 
• Improving officer safety and readiness by replacing outdated ballistic helmets with modern protective equipment used during high‑risk incidents, tactical operations, active threat responses, warrant service, civil disturbances, and other dangerous calls for service.

All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here. New Hampshire JAG funding awards include nearly $5.6 million for the New Hampshire Department of Justice Victim Compensation grant, $600,000 to enhance DNA testing capacity and reduce backlog for the New Hampshire Department of Safety, as well as grants to Cheshire and Rockingham counties as well as the cities of Manchester, Portsmouth, Concord, Laconia and Rochester. A complete list of FY 2025 New Hampshire awardees for U.S. Department of Justice JAG grants can be found here.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.

CONCORD – A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty today in federal court to two separate drug trafficking conspiracies, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Joseph Lara, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled Lara’s sentencing for November 23, 2026.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, beginning in early 2022, the DEA identified Lara as a New Hampshire-based drug trafficker. DEA’s investigation determined that from late-2020 or early 2021 and continuing through February 2022, Lara conspired with Robert Perez, a California-based drug trafficker, to purchase a total of 30 pounds of methamphetamine over three occasions from Perez in California that Lara shipped back to New Hampshire for distribution. Perez previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and in 2023 was sentenced to ten years in federal prison.  

Lara also pleaded guilty to a second drug trafficking conspiracy investigated by the FBI.  From late-2023 through July 2025, Lara obtained large quantities of methamphetamine for distribution in New Hampshire from a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization led by Alexander Aguasvivas-Pena, who was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for his crimes.  

The charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years up to life, not less than 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 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 investigation was led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Burau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer C. Davis and Yasir Sadat are prosecuting the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD –Alexander Aguasvivas-Pena, 32, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who is currently unlawfully present in the United States, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. 

“Mr. Aguasvivas-Pena led an organization moving huge quantities of illicit narcotics into New Hampshire. He must be held accountable. This sentence imposes that accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, we are targeting and disrupting drug trafficking across international and state borders, trafficking that has caused such damage to our state, and we will continue to do so.”

“Alexander Aguasvivas-Pena and other members of this drug organization pumped huge quantities of methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs into our communities,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Today’s sentence puts him out of business and behind bars.  The FBI and our partners are committed to taking down and locking up prolific drug traffickers like him who have zero regard for the incredible damage they inflict on people’s lives and quality of life.”

According to court documents and statements, in late 2023, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Investigators utilized cooperating witnesses and an undercover officer to conduct controlled purchases of narcotics from various DTO members. Aguasvivas-Pena was the leader of that DTO which was responsible for distributing over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with other drugs.       

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hampshire State Police, Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, and Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. 

CONCORD – A Concord man pleaded guilty today in federal court to a one-count indictment charging him with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. David Dolloff, age 50, was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026. 

According to court documents, in July 2025, federal officials began investigating Dolloff after learning he had subscribed to a “Netflix-style” website dedicated to streaming CSAM over the darknet. Local authorities then searched Dolloff’s home last August and found a thumb drive containing nearly 500 files depicting CSAM. Also saved on that thumb drive was a digital business card with Dolloff’s picture and a document listing his name. Dolloff was previously convicted in Hillsborough County Superior Court for possession of CSAM in 2015. 

The charging statutes provide a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years for possession of CSAM. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

This investigation was led by the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from the Concord Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon 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. 

CONCORD – A federal grand jury this week indicted a Maine man for escape from custody, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. According to the indictment, on July 18, 2026, Michel D’Angelo, age 46, left federal custody from the Hampshire House Residential Reentry Center in Manchester without permission. 

If convicted, D’Angelo faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The details contained in the Indictment are allegations. D’Angelo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. D’Angelo will appear before the Court at a later date.

The United States Marshals Service is leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

CONCORD – A former USDA employee was indicted this week for sending emails containing threats to a federal law enforcement officer, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Keith Bergstrom, 40, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of Interstate Communications of Threats, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c).

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

Each charge of threatening communications carries a maximum sentence of 5 years. 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 is leading the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat is prosecuting the case.

CONCORD – Yesterday a federal grand jury indicted a Massachusetts man for armed bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. According to the indictment, on June 12, 2026, Joseph Sawyer, age 52, allegedly used a firearm to rob the St. Mary’s Bank located at 4 Northwest Boulevard in Nashua. 

If convicted, Sawyer faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The details contained in the Indictment are allegations. Sawyer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Sawyer will appear before the Court at a later date.

FBI Boston is leading the investigation. The Nashua Police Department, FBI New Jersey, FBI Albany, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Warren County (NY) Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, Northern District of New York, and District of Massachusetts provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

CONCORD – Eddy Balbuena-Gomez, age 32, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a one-count Superseding Indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely, fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Balbuena-Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced in the case by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Samantha Elliott on December 10, 2026.

According to court documents and statements, in early 2024, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Massachusetts and operating in New Hampshire. During the course of the conspiracy, the DTO trafficked multiple kilograms of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Balbuena-Gomez worked as a “runner” for the DTO, who would drive from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to sell drugs, including to an undercover officer. Balbuena-Gomez has been detained since his arrest in October 2024. 

This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life, a $10,000,000 fine, or both, and not less than 5 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 Department of Homeland Security led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Shannon and Yasir Sadat are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – Two individuals pleaded guilty in federal court today for their participation in a drug trafficking organization that brought cocaine and fentanyl into New Hampshire, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Jose Cordero Ortiz, 40, of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Drug. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2026.

Jhonattan A. Jimemenz, 39, of Boston, Massachusetts pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Drug. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2026. 

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three 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.

According to documents and statements made in court, the leader of the organization, Juan Ramon Soto Baez, 55, was sentenced on July 1, 2025 to 100 months in prison with 3 years of supervised release for his role in the drug trafficking operation. The organization was run like a business, operating “dispatch” telephone lines where customers could call in to order narcotics. Soto Baez, or a trusted member of the conspiracy working for him, would take customer orders on the phone, and then Soto Baez would either deliver the order himself or send a runner to conduct the drug sale at an arranged meeting location. In addition to Soto Baez, Ortiz, and Jimenez, more than 10 others have been convicted as part of this operation. 

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 Cesar Vega is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – A Milton man was sentenced in federal court to 100 months in prison with four years of supervised release for one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, in a case brought by New Hampshire’s Homeland Security Task Force. 

Jacob D. King, age 42, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Joseph Laplante yesterday. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, King purchased over $60,000 worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl from a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) between November 2023 and December 2023. A New Hampshire state investigation led to a search warrant of King’s Milton residence in January of 2024 resulting in the seizure of a weapon, fentanyl, methamphetamine, other drugs, $8,000 cash and multiple cellphones. Investigators discovered messages that revealed King’s transactions with the Massachusetts-based DTO. Investigators learned that King travelled to Massachusetts, and that at least one member of the trafficking conspiracy appeared to visit King’s Milton home, to exchange cash for large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

“Those like Mr. King who traffic in dangerous illicit drugs that bring grave harm to New Hampshire communities will face serious criminal consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “We will continue to work with federal and state law enforcement partners to disrupt these trafficking networks and put those who run their illegal operations behind bars.”

“This sentence sends a clear message: anyone who traffics methamphetamine and fentanyl across state lines and profits from the harm they cause will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “These deadly drugs devastate families and communities, and DEA remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for bringing these dangerous substances into our neighborhoods.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Hudson Police Department, the Bedford Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the Laconia Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Department, and Paralegal Specialist Hayley Orlando provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar Vega and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles V. DeJoie III prosecuted this case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Roberto Ramon-Avalo, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Samantha D. Elliott scheduled Avalo’s sentencing for November 9, 2026.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, beginning in early 2024, the DEA began an investigation into an unknown individual who was selling multiple-ounce quantities of methamphetamine in the Rochester, New Hampshire area. During the investigation, two DEA cooperating sources (or “CS”) communicated with another individual to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl. Each time, Avalo traveled to New Hampshire to deliver the drugs at the agreed upon price. In December 2025, DEA obtained a search warrant for a suspected drug house in Boston that Avalo and another individual were using to conduct their drug trafficking activity. In the residence, DEA found items used to package and mix narcotics and approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine and other controlled substances. After Avalo’s arrest, DEA found more controlled substances in a drug hide built into the dash of his car, including more than 200 grams of methamphetamine and more than 700 grams of fentanyl.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance carries a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $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 investigated this case. The Portsmouth Police Department, Somersworth Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Charles DeJoie are prosecuting the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – A Goffstown man has been sentenced to 102 months in prison and four years of supervised release for firearm and narcotics charges, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Mark Williams, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante today.  According to the charging documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours on October 27, 2023, Williams was driving a borrowed vehicle when he became involved in a single-car accident in Goffstown, New Hampshire.  Williams walked away before Goffstown Police arrived.  The unoccupied vehicle sustained disabling damage and was later towed. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm handgun and distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine (41 grams), cocaine (73 grams), and fentanyl (452 grams).   Williams was later arrested on November 13, 2023 and has been in custody since that date. 

“Mr. Williams illegally armed himself and was prepared to use violence to further his drug dealing operation,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who mix firearms with dealing dangerous drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.”

“The combination of a loaded firearm and significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl posed a serious threat to public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “This sentence reflects the commitment of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who traffic dangerous drugs while armed. We will continue working to disrupt the criminal activity that fuels addiction, violence, and harm in communities across New Hampshire.”

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Goffstown Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department.  Valuable assistance was additionally provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau 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). 

CONCORD – A citizen of the Dominican Republic and former Boston resident was sentenced today in federal court to 10 years in prison for distributing almost 700 grams of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Niulmi Baez, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.  On April 6, 2026, Baez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.   

“Fentanyl has been identified by the President as a weapon of mass destruction; it is a drug that has wreaked havoc across communities in New Hampshire and states all over the country. Working with our law enforcement partners, we are doing everything in our power to disrupt the illicit drug trade and hold those who traffic this deadly substance accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime committed, and the need to protect the public.” 

“Today’s sentence reflects the serious consequences for those who profit from distributing fentanyl, a drug that continues to devastate families and communities across New England,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division.  “By trafficking this deadly poison, the defendant placed countless lives at risk in pursuit of financial gain.  The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to disrupting the criminal organizations responsible for the flow of fentanyl and ensuring those who endanger public safety are brought to justice.”

In late 2021 law enforcement learned that Baez was selling drugs.  Between November 2021 and June 2022, an undercover officer engaged in a series of controlled purchases of drugs from Baez.  Sometimes Baez delivered the drugs in person, while other times he used a drug runner, including his co-defendant Hamet Badia. For example, in June 2022, the undercover officer arranged to purchase 400 grams of fentanyl and 200 oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl from Baez.  Baez responded that his “brother” would arrive in an Uber rideshare, and that Baez himself would arrive a few minutes later.  Badia arrived at the designated meeting spot carrying a green shoe box containing the drugs.  Badia gave the drugs to Baez, who exchanged the drugs for a bag containing fake U.S. currency.

Baez then returned to the Dominican Republic.  Law enforcement learned he planned to return to the United States and arrested him at Logan Airport on October 2, 2025.  Baez has been detained since. 

Badia was previously sentenced to a term of 18 months’ imprisonment for his role in the offense.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation.  The U.S. Marshals and Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted 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).

CONCORD – A New York man has been sentenced to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a 2025 armed robbery in Londonderry, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Zaire Braddock, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe yesterday. According to the court documents and statements made in court, Braddock, along with four co-conspirators, traveled together from New York to Londonderry, New Hampshire, for the purpose of robbing a local business. Upon arriving at the business, the five individuals entered the premises, where Braddock threatened the victim with a box cutter and the crew restrained the victim. Braddock and his co-conspirators then proceeded to steal merchandise and goods from the business, placing those items in a truck driven by a sixth co-conspirator. Afterwards, Braddock and his co-conspirators fled the scene in their vehicle and returned to New York.

“This individual traveled from New York to Londonderry to terrorize others with violence and threats,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “This sentence shows that actions have consequences, and we will continue to coordinate with our federal and state law enforcement partners to quickly and decisively investigate and prosecute violent crimes and hold lawbreakers accountable.”

“Anyone willing to victimize another person by brandishing a boxcutter and threatening to kill them, in broad daylight. is a clear threat to our community. The FBI is grateful to see Zaire Braddock will spend the next three years behind bars for his role in this brazen act of violence,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “No one who lives, works, or visits New Hampshire should have to fear violent criminals targeting them. That’s why the FBI and our partners will continue to work in lockstep to crush violent crime in our neighborhoods and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Londonderry Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and New York Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo, Michael Shannon, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case. 

CONCORD – Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, age 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 18 months of imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

According to court documents and statements, on June 30, 2025, police stopped Vittini in Manchester in a car connected to a larger drug conspiracy. During a search of Vittini’s person, police found two plastic bottles containing approximately 60 plastic baggies of crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale. Inside a hidden compartment in the car were approximately 60 more baggies crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale and around $1,500 cash. 

The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation with valuable assistance from the DEA and the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. 

CONCORD – Alexander German, 28, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for fentanyl trafficking conspiracy in a case brought by New Hampshire’s Homeland Security Task Force, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

German was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 38 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  German previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

“Mr. German was a critical link in a drug trafficking operation that moved dangerous drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.  “This years-long sentence makes clear that if you traffic fentanyl, you will be held accountable.”   

“This sentence sends a clear message to those who profit from poisoning our communities with fentanyl: there are serious consequences for fueling this deadly epidemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Every dose of fentanyl trafficked into New Hampshire puts lives at risk and leaves families devastated. Thanks to the relentless work of the New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, another drug trafficker has been held accountable. DEA remains committed to identifying, investigating, and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for bringing fentanyl into New England, and we will continue working alongside our partners to protect the public and save lives.” 

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in the fall of 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a Lawrence-based organization that distributed fentanyl across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The organization used social media, mobile messaging apps, and a dedicated phone line to take drug orders and send runners to make deliveries. German served as a runner for the organization, conducting multiple hand-to-hand drug sales of fentanyl in Lawrence, Massachusetts, with a DEA undercover officer. German also facilitated the preparation of an additional fentanyl destined for an undercover officer in Nashua, New Hampshire.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar A. Vega and Mike Shannon are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces that a Concord man was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking,

Zachary Albert, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 37 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In July 2025, Albert pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine. 

“The defendant conspired with others to distribute dangerous drugs in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in dangerous drugs like methamphetamine. Our office will continue to pursue individuals and organizations who profit from drug trafficking in our communities.” 

“Zachary Albert profited from selling methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug that’s plagued communities here in New Hampshire,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Putting him out of business and behind bars can’t make up for the damage he and his drugs have done, but it does make our communities safer.”

According to the court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2022, the FBI Major Offender Task Force and the New Hampshire State Police began investigating a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in New Hampshire. Phone calls and text messages intercepted during the investigation revealed that the defendant worked as a methamphetamine distributer, obtaining methamphetamine from one of his co-conspirators then selling the drugs to others. On March 16, 2023, the defendant arranged to purchase methamphetamine to sell to two of his customers. Thereafter, law enforcement stopped and searched the defendant’s vehicle, where they found 9.4 grams of fentanyl and 26.9 grams of methamphetamine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force in partnership with the New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. The Concord Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and New Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted 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).

Rochester Man Indicted for Production, Distribution  and Possession of Child Sex Abuse Materials

CONCORD – A Rochester man was indicted this week for production, distribution, and possession of child sex abuse materials (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Jeremy Brooks, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of production of CSAM involving two different minor victims, one count of distribution of CSAM, and one count of possession of CSAM.  Brooks is currently detained in state custody on related assault charges and will make an initial appearance in federal court on July 28 at 2:30pm.

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

Each charge of production of CSAM carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum prison term of 30 years.  The charge of CSAM distribution carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum prison term of 20 years.  The charge of CSAM possession carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. 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, the Rochester Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau 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/.

Nashua Man Indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine

CONCORD – Juan Nolasco Batlle, age 42, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date. 

If convicted, Batlle faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum prison term of life, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, or both. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with valuable assistance provided by the Hillsborough County Street Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

Dominican National Sentenced to 7 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Coordinated from Abroad

CONCORD – A Dominican man was sentenced today in federal court to 7 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl to New Hampshire residents while operating from abroad, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.  

Starlin Alexander Valdez De Los Santos, 35, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.  Valdez De Los Santos pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. 

“This defendant believed that operating from abroad and communicating through encrypted platforms would place him beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement, but this sentence demonstrates otherwise,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This outcome reflects sustained coordination between the DEA, our partners in the Dominican Republic, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, whose work led to this defendant’s extradition and prosecution.”

“This case demonstrates that drug traffickers operating beyond our borders are not beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Those who choose to supply fentanyl into the United States, regardless of where they hide, should know that the DEA and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue them and hold them accountable. The fentanyl distributed by this defendant made its way into communities in New Hampshire, putting countless lives at risk. Every kilogram of fentanyl trafficked into our country has the potential to cause devastating loss, and we remain committed to dismantling the international criminal networks responsible for fueling this public safety crisis.”

“Fentanyl trafficking is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chief David Cayot of the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department. “This case reflects the effective partnership between the Hudson Police Department and our federal partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration. We remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who distribute dangerous narcotics in Hudson.”

According to the charging documents, relevant pleadings, and statements made in court, during an August 2021 fentanyl overdose death investigation conducted by the Hudson Police Department, detectives collected evidence of the overdose victim’s phone communications with a source of narcotics supply that used a Facebook account and an encrypted messaging mobile app with a Dominican Republic-based phone number to advertise drugs for sale and coordinate drug transactions locally. As a result, in July 2022, the DEA initiated an investigation into the user of these accounts.  The investigation ultimately showed that the defendant operated a significant drug distribution network that involved coordination of suppliers and local distributors over an extended period and utilized sophisticated communication methods to avoid detection, all while residing outside the United States.  The years-long investigation into the defendant’s activities resulted in the total seizure of more than 750 grams of fentanyl during eight undercover purchase operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and approximately 220 grams during additional undercover purchase operations in 2025. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation.  The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. 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. 

Chinese National Indicted for Role in Gift Card Fraud Conspiracy, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

CONCORD – A Chinese national was indicted for his alleged role in an international conspiracy to defraud victims of millions of dollars’ worth of gift cards, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Jinbin Ren, 38, a Chinese national and resident of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.  He will appear in federal court at a later date. 

According to the indictment and public record, the defendant is originally from China. He and several Chinese nationals working in the United States and abroad acquired gift cards stolen from victims through romance fraud, elder fraud, hacking, and other scams.  The conspirators then used the gift cards to purchase Apple products and other high-value electronics and had them shipped to New Hampshire due to the state’s lack of a sales tax.  The defendant operated a warehouse in Salem which was used to consolidate and ship the electronics to China and Hong Kong.  Law enforcement searched the defendant’s warehouse in 2024 and found iPhones purchased with gift cards stolen from American victims.  The conspirators used WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, to coordinate purchases, sales, shipments, and payments through cryptocurrency. 

The charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud provides a sentence of up to 20 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 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.

Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Concord Police Department are leading the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Madison Albrecht of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children.  The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.  HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

Federal Jury Convicts Honduran Man for Possession of a Fraudulent Green Card

CONCORD – After a trial, a Honduran national was convicted by a federal jury for the unlawful possession of a fraudulent green card yesterday, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Hector Ariel Ortiz-Guillen was convicted of knowingly possessing a fraudulent or forged Permanent Resident card, more commonly called a green card.  U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2026.  Ortiz-Guillen has been detained since December 5, 2025.

“It is a privilege to live and work in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We expect all persons who come to the United States to follow the rules and laws for entry.  This verdict shows we will continue to protect the integrity of our immigration system.” 

The evidence introduced at trial showed that on December 5, 2025, Border Patrol investigated a tip that there was a work crew of three illegal aliens in Colebrook, New Hampshire.  Border Patrol saw them enter a truck and tried stopping the vehicle.  The truck sped off, and after a chase, the truck crashed into a snowbank.  Ortiz-Guillen then fled on foot.  After a pursuit, Border Patrol and other law enforcement personnel detained Ortiz-Guillen and searched him.  Border Patrol found a wallet on him which contained a fraudulent green card which showed Ortiz-Guillen’s name and face, but an alien number belonging to a Canadian citizen.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  After serving his sentence, Ortiz-Guillen is subject to removal from the United States.  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.

U.S. Border Patrol led the investigation and was assisted on December 5 by personnel from the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Fish and Game, the Colebrook Police Department, and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and Alexander S. Chen are prosecuting the case. 

A federal grand jury in the District of New Hampshire returned an indictment yesterday charging a Chinese national and resident of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in an international gift card fraud conspiracy.

According to the indictment, Jinbin Ren, 38, and co-conspirators, acquired gift cards stolen from victims through romance fraud, elder fraud, hacking, theft, and other scams. The conspirators then used the gift cards to purchase and ship high-value electronics to Ren’s warehouse in Salem, New Hampshire. These electronics were then consolidated and reshipped to China. The conspirators used WeChat, a Chinese messaging application, to coordinate purchases, sales, shipments, and payments through cryptocurrency. Electronics found in Ren’s warehouse were traced to fraudulently obtained gift cards from American victims across multiple states.

The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. 

The case is being investigated by HSI New England, IRS Criminal Investigations Boston, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston, and the Concord, NH Police Department.

Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Madison Albrecht of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen for the District of New Hampshire are prosecuting the case.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.

This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Dominican National Sentenced to 5 Years of Imprisonment for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy 

CONCORD – Carlo de los Santos Ruiz, a.k.a. “Julio,” 29, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 60 months in federal prison and 4 years of supervised release yesterday, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. In March, Santos Ruiz pleaded guilty to a single-count Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine and 40 or more grams of fentanyl. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2024 and June 2025, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Massachusetts and operating in New Hampshire. During the course of the conspiracy, the DTO trafficked crack cocaine and fentanyl. The defendant led the DTO and operated the various dispatch lines that drug buyers called to order drugs. He also personally distributed drugs on behalf of the DTO. Last June, law enforcement arrested the defendant and one of his co-defendants at the defendant’s home in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Parked near the home was a car used to traffic drugs that contained more than 400 combined grams of crack cocaine and fentanyl. 

“Granite Staters deserve safe, drug-free communities, and I’m proud of the hard work of our state and federal law enforcement partners on the front lines. By investigating and interdicting traffickers like this defendant, we can take dangerous drugs like crack cocaine and fentanyl off our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. 

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Carlo Santos Ruiz’s conduct and the harm he and his drug trafficking organization inflicted on communities in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “By leading a drug-trafficking organization and personally distributing significant quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, he contributed directly to the dangers these drugs pose. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle organizations that pump poison into our neighborhoods and ensure those involved with them are brought to justice.”

The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Manchester Police Department and DEA provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.

Three Nashua Residents Arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation 

CONCORD – Three individuals from Nashua have been charged with trafficking controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Rony Guzman-Encarnacion, 31, and Sabrina Cespedes, 27, both of Nashua, were arrested on a complaint yesterday and charged with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Bryan Guzman, 24, also of Nashua, was arrested yesterday and charged with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to charging documents and statements, Guzman-Encarnacion and Cespedes sold methamphetamine to law enforcement in a controlled drug purchase. Guzman is alleged to have sold fentanyl pills to law enforcement in a controlled drug purchase.

The details 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.   

The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.  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 Major Offender Task Force is leading the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Hudson Police Department, Nashua Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat is prosecuting the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.