Category: New Hampshire

CONCORD – Quentin Simon, a/k/a “Q”, 37, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2020, a cooperating individual told Manchester police detectives that Simon was selling crack, fentanyl and pills out of his apartment.  After completing a series of controlled buys between the cooperator and Simon between May 5 and August 12, 2020, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Simon and search warrant for his apartment.

On August 18, 2020, detectives arrested Simon and executed the search warrant.  Throughout the apartment, detectives located items indicative of drug distribution and controlled substances.  Cash totaling $79,848 was also located.  Lab analysis confirmed the drugs totaled over 1,168 grams of cocaine and over 115 grams of crack cocaine.  A .380 caliber handgun and ammunition were in proximity to a large container of cocaine.

Simon is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2022.   The cash, gun, and a large collection of sneakers were all seized and forfeited as a result of this prosecution.

“Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to public safety in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “As part of our continued partnership with the Manchester Police Department, we are working to identify and prosecute the armed drug dealers who endanger the citizens of Manchester.  By prosecuting these dangerous individuals, we will reduce the risk of violent crime in the Granite State.”

This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.  Forfeiture aspects of this case were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.

This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.

CONCORD – Jonathan Sargent, 38, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 22, 2019, Manchester Police detectives and Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a search warrant at Sargent’s apartment and arrested him on a warrant for distributing controlled substances.  The search revealed several assault-style rifles, a handgun, ammunition, cash, and other items consistent with drug trafficking.  Law enforcement officers also seized approximately 850 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 56 grams of fentanyl from Sargent’s apartment.

Sargent is scheduled to be sentenced on February 2, 2022.  As part of his plea, Sargent agreed to forfeit four firearms that were in his possession at the time of his arrest.

“Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “To protect the citizens of Manchester and other communities, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the armed criminals who are profiting from sales of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous substances.  Through this and other successful prosecutions of armed drug dealers, we are working to make the Granite State a safer place.”

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen.

This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.

Cyber scammers took the town of Peterborough for $2.3 million earlier this year and drove its financial director Leo Smith into retirement.

Around the same time, the city of Nashua was scammed out of $41,000 in payments to a vendor it sent to criminals instead.

Call it hacking, phishing, or just plain fraud and theft — cybercrime cost Americans an estimated $4 billion last year according to the FBI. Here in New Hampshire, it cost $2,456 per victim, and the average business loss is more than $23,000. In total, according to the FBI, New Hampshire individuals and businesses lost $4.9 million in 2020.

The national surge of cybercrime — up an estimated 800 percent over the past decade and often targeting small businesses — was the topic of a roundtable Thursday hosted by InsideSources and the group United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT). Its spokesman, Matt Albence, said cybercriminals are part of networks connected to drug cartels, human trafficking rings, and terror cells all over the world.

“A lot of this money is going to support these transnational criminal organizations,” Albence said. “It’s not a victimless crime.”

Albence is the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He points out the black-market trade in goods and online scams is often linked to international crime and terror.

Peterborough lost millions over the summer to scammers who reportedly took months to spoof legitimate email addresses in order to steal money earmarked for the construction firm rebuilding the Main Street bridge, and more than $1 million in payments for the ConVal School District. Leo Smith, the town’s long-time finance director, resigned in the wake of the thefts.

Bill Schenkelberg, with Red Sky Alliance, said municipal employees and others who are handling large, automatic payments, as was the case in Peterborough, need to take a harder look at their procedures and ask better questions when something seems off.

“You need to scrutinize every single payment,” Schenkelberg said. “There is no harm in getting on the phone and talking to people.”

Albence was more direct, saying employees not knowing what they are doing and not taking basic precautions, are a big part of the problem.

“People click on things coming in that they don’t know what it is,” he said. “It’s laziness. You have to teach employees to be vigilant.”

In the case of Nashua, a criminal managed to spoof an actual email address for an actual vendor. Nashua reached a settlement to get its money back, though Peterborough is out  $1.8 million, after recovering about $500,000.

One area of concern that has been raised is town elections. While having each town run its own elections makes it harder to pull off the sort of “Stop The Steal” scheme former President Donald Trump continues to insist (without evidence) made Joe Biden president, it makes it easier for hackers to hit individual computer systems with relatively little protection, particularly in smaller municipalities with fewer resources. Nobody is suggesting voting machines are vulnerable, but an attack on voting records on the eve of an election, for example, could create chaos.

FBI reporting indicates the vast number of cybercrime victims never come forward, and the scale of the crimes could be far greater. ​​Jason Golden, a partner at Manchester cybersecurity firm Mainstay Technologies, told the Concord Monitor ransomware that while attacks on businesses occur daily in New Hampshire, but most companies do not report them.

A variety of crimes are conducted online, from selling counterfeit goods to using websites to phish for credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and other forms of identification that can be stolen and used.

Albence said the criminals are adept at using the news to find new victims. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber scammers sold counterfeit personal protective equipment to first responders and hospitals. That left front-line workers using less than effective gear.

“They don’t care about you or me,” Albence said of the criminals.

Criminals will also use the websites where they sell fake goods to steal identities.

“People are victimized twice,” he said.

Bringing in consultants who understand the risks, working with insurance companies, and working with law enforcement before there is a problem are all ways to reduce risk and reduce potential losses, Albence said.

CONCORD, N.H. – Stefan Gauthier, 35, of Tilton, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

According to evidence presented during a three-day federal jury trial, on November 1, 2018, Tilton police arrested Gauthier for driving after suspension of his license.  During a search of his person, police located a baggie containing a small amount of methamphetamine and $1,375 in cash.  Police executed a search warrant for Gauthier’s vehicle.  Inside the vehicle, they found a handgun and a backpack that contained more than 350 grams of crystal methamphetamine, $1,500 in cash, a digital scale, ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia.

On December 2, 2018, while a warrant was pending for Gauthier’s arrest, Franklin police responded to a report of a man unconscious at the wheel of a vehicle.  After determining that the man was Gauthier, the police arrested him and transported him to a hospital.  Police then obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found four clear plastic baggies containing more than 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine.  Police also found a scale, baggies, needles, and three mobile phones.

A jury found Gauthier guilty of two methamphetamine trafficking charges in November of 2020.  The jury also acquitted Gauthier of firearms charges related to the November 1, 2018, incident.

“Drug traffickers who seek to profit from selling methamphetamine and other dangerous substances are endangering public health and safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant was distributing significant amounts of highly-pure methamphetamine.  Thanks to the hard work of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire, this methamphetamine dealer is out of business and behind bars.  As this defendant has now learned, drug trafficking in New Hampshire will not be tolerated and will lead to significant prison time.”

“As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

This matter was investigated by the Tilton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, the Alexandria Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

CONCORD – Joshua Schneider, 34, of Keene, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to distribution of fentanyl and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2020, Keene police received information that Schneider was distributing narcotics.  During surveillance over three months, police observed numerous subjects enter Schneider’s apartment and leave a short time later.  On July 9, 2020, a cooperating individual purchased fentanyl from Schneider.

On July 13, 2020, law enforcement officers observed Schneider and two others enter a van and drive to Lawrence, Massachusetts, for an apparent drug transaction.  When the van returned to Schneider’s apartment in Keene, police executed search warrants and located approximately 250 grams of fentanyl in the rear of the van where Schneider was sitting.  Forensic examination of Schneider’s cell phone revealed messages consistent with drug trafficking.

Schneider is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2021.

“Fentanyl traffickers seek to profit from the sale of a deadly substance that has ravaged communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect public health and safety, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who distribute fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in the Granite State.”

“The devastation wreaked on families, businesses and communities by fentanyl dealers like Schneider cannot be overestimated.  Today’s conviction was achieved only with the critical assistance of our dedicated local law enforcement partners in the Keene, New Hampshire Police Department and through the tireless work of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI continues to strengthen our commitment to combatting the impacts of the deadly plague of fentanyl use and to pursuing those who seek to profit from the destruction these drugs bring into our communities.”

This matter was investigated by the Keene Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.

WASHINGTON – A New Hampshire man was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor, operation of a prostitution enterprise, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The court also ordered $20,800 in restitution to the victims.

After a three-day trial in March of 2019, a federal jury found Steven Tucker, 36, of Manchester, guilty of one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of operating an interstate prostitution enterprise and one count of maintaining a property for drug trafficking.

Evidence presented at trial established that, between October 2013 and June 2014, the defendant operated drug and prostitution businesses in the Manchester area. He sold heroin to numerous individuals, including young women and a minor. Witnesses described how the defendant used their addictions to cause them to prostitute for his profit. The defendant would often front heroin to the women and then arrange prostitution “dates” for them. The women were required to give the defendant half of the proceeds and then purchase heroin from him with the remainder.

On other occasions, the defendant withheld heroin from the women, causing them to suffer painful withdrawal symptoms and then instructed them to prostitute to earn money to purchase heroin from him. The defendant’s scheme guaranteed that he had a steady source of drug customers and money. Some of the women were required to help the defendant sell his heroin and received heroin in exchange. The defendant used violence and threats to maintain control of the women. The investigation began in 2014, when the mother of one of the women called the Manchester Police Department after the defendant beat her daughter.

“The Civil Rights Division is committed to pursuing justice on behalf of vulnerable members of our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant preyed on young women and teenage girls living in the shadows and on the margins. He cruelly exploited their drug addictions for his own profit.  This sentence sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate human trafficking and will work tirelessly to restore the rights and dignity of its victims.”

“By exploiting and trafficking multiple victims, including a minor, this defendant committed egregious and reprehensible crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John Farley of the District of New Hampshire. “The substantial sentence imposed today finally holds Mr. Tucker responsible for his actions and sends a clear message to the community that this conduct will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and members of the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force to combat the human trafficking in the Granite State.”

“Today’s sentence brings to a conclusion one of the most disturbing cases of exploitative treatment of human trafficking victims that we have seen,” said William S. Walker, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston.  “Mr. Tucker’s trial of harm and pain will unfortunately live within his victims for years to come, but, hopefully, they will take solace in knowing that the sentence imposed upon Mr. Tucker today effectively prevents him from causing more physical and psychological trauma to future victims. HSI was pleased to partner in this case with the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, the Manchester Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office. Without the tireless work of these partners, Mr. Tucker’s victims would never have had even the opportunity to achieve any measure of justice while continuing the healing process.”

This prosecution is the result of the joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire and the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU). The Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office provided victim assistance in the case.

The New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force is a multidisciplinary effort comprised of law enforcement as well as social, medical, and legal services for victims of human trafficking. The Task Force is funded by a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) and Bureau of Justice Programs (BJA).

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Aframe, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen for the District of New Hampshire and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao for the Civil Rights Division’s HTPU, with assistance from HTPU Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky.

CONCORD – Justin McInnes, 32, of Manchester, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison on Tuesday for unlawful possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 6, 2018, Manchester police officers approached McInnes as he was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle that had just backed out of a parking spot.  As officers approached, McInnes accelerated toward the officers causing at least one to jump out of the way.  Officers fired at the vehicle and, once the vehicle came to a stop, officers arrested McInnes.  During a search incident to his arrest, officers found suspected cocaine and crack cocaine on McInnes’ person.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found three firearms, counterfeit money, and materials for manufacturing counterfeit money.  Multiple cellular telephones were also seized that contained text messages related to drug distribution.

McInnes is legally prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of prior felony convictions in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2018.

“Armed criminals present a serious threat to the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Thanks to the work of the Manchester Police Department and ATF, this dangerous armed drug trafficker will be in federal prison where he can no longer endanger the citizens of Manchester.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the violent criminals who threaten public safety in the Granite State.”

“I am very pleased with the sentence that the defendant received in this matter. His actions directly put the lives of Manchester Police officers and the community as a whole in grave danger and for that he is being held accountable. I am grateful to the officers, detectives and prosecutors who dedicated a great amount of effort and time to this case which directly impacted the defendant receiving the sentence that he did,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg.

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

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