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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts

Local Interim Madam Pleads Guilty To Sex Trafficking Local Interim Madam Pleads Guilty To Sex Trafficking
Local Interim Madam Pleads Guilty To Sex Trafficking An interim madam who ran a local prostitution network for about a month has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking. On Thursday, March 11, Virginia Maldonado, 32, of Springfield, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts, said. Maldonado was a co-conspirator of William Coleman who pleaded guilty in 2020 to sex trafficking crimes. Maldonado managed Coleman’s prostitution business on a temporary basis while he was in jail for 30 days. She took instruction from Coleman while he was in jail and took photos of female …
Local Pimp's Accomplice Faces Life In Prison For Recruiting, Exploiting Prostitutes Local Pimp's Accomplice Faces Life In Prison For Recruiting, Exploiting Prostitutes
Local Pimp's Accomplice Faces Life In Prison For Recruiting, Exploiting Prostitutes A Springfield woman has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from her work recruiting vulnerable females into a life of forced sex work, violence, and drug addiction. On Tuesday, March 9, Shannon Yelinek, 36, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts, said. Yelinek was accused of working with co-conspirator/pimp William Coleman who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking crimes in September 2020 and received a sentence of 186 months in prison. Coleman operated a prostitution business that used violence and drug addiction as mea…
Man Accused Of Converting Profits From Knock-Off 'Gucci' Into Bitcoin Is Indicted Man Accused Of Converting Profits From Knock-Off 'Gucci' Into Bitcoin Is Indicted
Man Accused Of Converting Profits From Knock-Off 'Gucci' Into Bitcoin Is Indicted A Central Mass man has been accused of using Bitcoin to launder profits from the sale of illegal items such as knock-off Gucci bags. On Thursday, March 4, Alan Joseph 32, of Fitchburg, was indicted by a grand jury on the charges of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and 4 counts of money laundering, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts, said. From August 2020 to February 2021, Joseph allegedly engaged in 4 financial transactions in which he used money he thought had been obtained through the sale of contraband and turned it into Bitcoin as a way to make the source of…
Auto Shop Owner Admits To Running Mountains Of Drugs From Texas To Mass. Auto Shop Owner Admits To Running Mountains Of Drugs From Texas To Mass.
Auto Shop Owner Admits To Running Mountains Of Drugs From Texas To Mass. The owner of a local auto shop has pleaded guilty to allegations that he intended to distribute a mountain of heroin and cocaine in Massachusetts. On Friday, Feb. 26, Javier Gonzalez, 52, and owner of TWC Auto Body on Jackson Street in Holyoke, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin and 5 kilograms of cocaine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts, said. That Gonzalez was trying to move more than 1-5 kilos is an understatement. When police arrested Gonzalez they discovered more than 50 kilograms of cocaine and heroin. To get an idea of just how large …
Owners Of Big Rig That Hit And Killed 7 Motorcyclists Accused Of Cover-Up Effort Owners Of Big Rig That Hit And Killed 7 Motorcyclists Accused Of Cover-Up Effort
Owners Of Big Rig That Hit And Killed 7 Motorcyclists Accused Of Cover-Up Effort The owners of the Westfield trucking company involved in a horrific big rig crash that killed seven people have been indicted on charges related to the 2019 accident. The U.S. Attorney's office said that Dartanayan Gasanov, 36, is charged with one count of falsification of records, while Dunyadar Gasanov, 35, is charged with one count of falsification of records, one count of conspiracy to falsify records, and one count of making a false statement to a federal investigator following a federal grand jury indictment, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Massachusetts, said. According to court document…
Ex-House Ethics Committee Chairman Admits To Spending Campaign Money On Lavish Lifestyle Ex-House Ethics Committee Chairman Admits To Spending Campaign Money On Lavish Lifestyle
Ex-House Ethics Committee Chairman Admits To Spending Campaign Money On Lavish Lifestyle A heavily in-debt ex-Massachusetts state representative, who once served as chairman of the House Ethics Committee, has admitted to funding his lavish lifestyle with public money and fraudulent bank loans. On Wednesday, Feb. 24, former state representative David M. Nangle, 60, pleaded guilty in U.S. Senior District Court to 10 counts of wire fraud, 4 counts of bank fraud, 4 counts of making false statements to a bank, and 5 counts of filing false tax returns, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts said. Nangle, a Democrat, represented Massachusetts’ 17th Middlesex District, which include…
Latin Kings 'Snitch Detective,' Second-In-Command Pleads Guilty To Gang-Related Charge Latin Kings 'Snitch Detective,' Second-In-Command Pleads Guilty To Gang-Related Charge
Latin Kings 'Snitch Detective,' Second-In-Command Pleads Guilty To Gang-Related Charge The Second-in-Command of the Massachusetts Latin Kings has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from his lead role in finding and punishing gang members who spoke to the police. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Angel “King Big A” Roldan, 35, pleaded guilty in U.S. Senior Court to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. From at least 2018 to 2019, Roldan served as the “Cacique,” aka second-in-command, of the Massachusetts chapter. As part of his leadership role, Roldan was responsible for investigating "snitches,"…
Gun Shop Owner Gets 18 Months In Prison On Machinegun, Other Charges Gun Shop Owner Gets 18 Months In Prison On Machinegun, Other Charges
Gun Shop Owner Gets 18 Months In Prison On Machinegun, Other Charges A local firearms dealer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison on a variety of charges relating to the illegal sale, possession, and manufacturing of weapons. On Friday, Feb. 5, U.S. District Court Judge Mark D. Mastroianni sentenced Max T. Gaj, 30, of Belchertown, to one-and-a-half years in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2020, Gaj, the co-owner of Dark Horse Gunsmithing in South Hadley, pled guilty to: receipt and possession of unregistered firearms, receipt and possession of National Firearm Act (NFA) firearms not identified by serial number, making a …
Women Accused Of Running $100 Million Health Care Scam Using Poor, Disabled People Women Accused Of Running $100 Million Health Care Scam Using Poor, Disabled People
Women Accused Of Running $100 Million Health Care Scam Using Poor, Disabled People Two Massachusetts women were arrested on Sunday, Jan. 31, in connection to a $100 million home health care fraud. The government is seeking to recoup funds as well as five properties allegedly bought with stolen funds. On Monday, Feb. 1, Faith Newton, 52, of Westford, and Winnie Waruru, 41, of Lowell, were each indicted on counts of conspiracy to commit health care fraud; health care fraud - aiding and abetting; and conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. Newton was also charged with money laundering conspiracy and seven counts of mo…
Undercover Cop Nabs Man, Who Was 'Talking' With 10 Girls, On Child Porn, Intent Charges Undercover Cop Nabs Man, Who Was 'Talking' With 10 Girls, On Child Porn, Intent Charges
Undercover Cop Nabs Man, Who Was 'Talking' With 10 Girls, On Child Porn, Intent Charges An undercover police officer posing online as a teenager nabbed a man who appears to have been grooming at least 10 girls to be sexually assaulted. On Wednesday, Jan. 20, Patrick Plummer, 29, of Parsonsfield, Maine, was charged in federal court in Boston for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under 18 years of age and transportation of child pornography, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts said. According to court documents, Plummer is accused of using various messaging apps to communicate with an undercover officer posing online as a 13-year-…
Ex-State Troopers Arrested For Embezzlement In Alleged Overtime Scheme Ex-State Troopers Arrested For Embezzlement In Alleged Overtime Scheme
Ex-State Troopers Arrested For Embezzlement In Alleged Overtime Scheme A former Central Massachusetts State Police Trooper was among the men arrested Friday and charged with embezzlement from the department. On Friday, Dec. 11, former State Police Sergeant William W. Robertson of Westborough, and former MSP Lieutenant Daniel J. Griffin of Belmont were arrested and charged in federal court in Boston, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusets, said. Robertson, 58, was indicted on one count of conspiracy, one count of theft concerning a federal program, and four counts of wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Griffin, 57, was indicted on one count of consp…
Local Landlord Accused Of Exchanging Rent For Sex Faces Federal Lawsuit Local Landlord Accused Of Exchanging Rent For Sex Faces Federal Lawsuit
Local Landlord Accused Of Exchanging Rent For Sex Faces Federal Lawsuit A local landlord is being accused of exchanging coerced sex for rent payments, according to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department. Under the U.S. Fair Housing Act, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts on Monday, Dec. 7, that alleges Salazar dos Santos subjected women, tenants of his Chicopee properties, to sexual harassment on multiple occasions going back to at least 2008, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. Dos Santos manages residential rental properties in Chicopee. The properties he manages are owned by two family trusts - at l…
Accused Of Buying Vacations, Puppies With Stolen Cards, 6 Rappers Indicted In Springfield Accused Of Buying Vacations, Puppies With Stolen Cards, 6 Rappers Indicted In Springfield
Accused Of Buying Vacations, Puppies With Stolen Cards, 6 Rappers Indicted In Springfield Six rappers accused of using stolen payment cards to buy private jets, designer puppies, and charter yachts have been indicted on fraud charges by a federal grand jury in Springfield. The rappers - a group that includes G Herbo and Rockstar Rodie - are from the Chicago area and were indicted for participating in an alleged nationwide wire fraud and identity theft scheme.  The indicted men are Antonio Strong, 28; Herbert “G Herbo” Wright, 25; Demario Sorrells, 34; Steven Hayes, 28; Joseph “Rockstar Rodie” Williams, 28; and Terrance Bender, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massac…
Son Gets 13 Years In Prison For Selling Fatal Drug-Dose; Father Pleads Not Guilty Son Gets 13 Years In Prison For Selling Fatal Drug-Dose; Father Pleads Not Guilty
Son Gets 13 Years In Prison For Selling Fatal Drug-Dose; Father Pleads Not Guilty A city man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in an alleged father-son drug dealing team that sold a lethal dose of fentanyl in Massachusetts. On Wednesday, Dec. 2, Anthony Baez, 32, of Fitchburg, was sentenced to 156 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman. Baez had pleaded guilty to a raft of drug dealing charges in July, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. The investigation that led to Baez’s sentence began in September 2018 following a fatal overdose in the Fitchburg area. Law enforcement l…
8-Time Sex Offender Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charges 8-Time Sex Offender Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charges
8-Time Sex Offender Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charges A registered level 3 sex offender - who has been convicted on sexual assault charges 8 times - is facing 15 to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, Nicholas Robillard, 39, of North Attleboro, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to the charges of distribution and possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. ATtorney’s Office, Massachusetts. Robillard, 42, admitted to distributing and possessing child porn between October 2018 and February 2019. Due to a prior record, Robillard faces the possibility of a longer prison sentenc…
Latin Kings 'Second In Command' Gets 18 Years In Prison Latin Kings 'Second In Command' Gets 18 Years In Prison
Latin Kings 'Second In Command' Gets 18 Years In Prison The former “second in command” leader of the Latin Kings in Massachusetts has been sentenced to 18 years in prison on drug and racketeering charges. Jorge “King G” Rodriguez, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO) conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts, said. On Thursday, Nov. 5, Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 years in prison plus three years of supervised release. Rodriguez was first charged with the crimes in December 2019. Rodriguez ran a vast c…
Suspected Pimp Faces Life Sentence; Allegedly Forced 5 Victims Into Prostitution Suspected Pimp Faces Life Sentence; Allegedly Forced 5 Victims Into Prostitution
Suspected Pimp Faces Life Sentence; Allegedly Forced 5 Victims Into Prostitution A man who allegedly prostituted five victims in Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as other states, is facing at least 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison if convicted. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Ronald Hall, 48, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and formerly of Connecticut, was indicted on five charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of transportation of an individual with the intent to engage in prostitution, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. Hall is accused of pimping in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and …
To Avoid Jail, Worcester Scammer Makes A Run For US-Canada Border To Avoid Jail, Worcester Scammer Makes A Run For US-Canada Border
To Avoid Jail, Worcester Scammer Makes A Run For Us-canada Border A Worcester man who scammed families out of more than $880,000 made a run to the Candian border to avoid his jail sentence but was foiled by the Mounties. Ashokkumar “Andy” Patel, formerly of Worcester and Plainville, was sentenced in September to 40 months in prison for his role in an international scheme that used high-pressure communications claiming to be from the IRS to squeeze people for money. On Thursday, Oct. 15, Patel was apprehended by the Candian Royal Mounted Police who found him diving into a border ditch in a blueberry field near Washington State, according to the Worcester …
Exotic Animal Smuggler In Worcester Sentenced For International Crimes Exotic Animal Smuggler In Worcester Sentenced For International Crimes
Exotic Animal Smuggler In Worcester Sentenced For International Crimes A man who was illegally smuggling salamanders and turtles has been found guilty and sentenced for the crimes. Nathan Boss, 27, of Worcester, was sentenced to two years of supervised release with the first five months to be served in home confinement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts said Monday, Oct. 5. Boss is also not allowed to possess any wildlife and he must complete a community service project, Judge Timothy S.Hillman ruled. In June Boss pleaded guilty to two counts of smuggling wildlife into the U.S., two counts of smuggling wildlife out of the eU.S., and making a false sta…
Gun Shop Owner Admits To Selling/Owning Illegal Firearms - Including Homemade Machinegun Gun Shop Owner Admits To Selling/Owning Illegal Firearms - Including Homemade Machinegun
Gun Shop Owner Admits To Selling/Owning Illegal Firearms - Including Homemade Machinegun The co-owner of a local gun shop has admitted to owning and/or selling illegal machineguns and other banned firearms. Max T. Gaj, 29, of Belchertown and co-owner of Dark Horse Gunsmithing in South Hadley, pleaded guilty on Friday, Sept. 25, to receipt and possession of unregistered firearms, receipt, and possession of National Firearm Act (NFA) firearms not identified by serial number, making a firearm in violation of the NFA, selling firearms in violation of state and local laws, as well as making false entries and properly maintaining records, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Massac…
Undercover Officer Busted Child Pornographer; Many Victims Under 12 Undercover Officer Busted Child Pornographer; Many Victims Under 12
Undercover Officer Busted Child Pornographer; Many Victims Under 12 A Fitchburg man has admitted to making and distributing child pornography with numerous victims younger than 12 years old. He was caught due to an undercover officer. Ryan Decarolis, 27, of Fitchburg, pleaded guilty on Monday, Sept. 21, in U.S. District Court, to five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. Decarolis was busted by an undercover officer, according to court documents. In 2019, law enforcement agents had taken over the s…
Stealing 17 Firearms Capped Off Crime Spree, US Attorney Says Stealing 17 Firearms Capped Off Crime Spree, US Attorney Says
Stealing 17 Firearms Capped Off Crime Spree, US Attorney Says Two men went on an alleged crime spree before stealing 17 firearms from a local store. The men have been arrested and charged with theft. Fernando Rivera, 24, and Christian Castro, 29, both of Connecticut, were each charged with one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. On Aug. 29, according to court documents, Rivera and Castro, as well as others, allegedly drove in two cars - one of which was stolen - and proceeded to drive around Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire stealing, or at least atte…
Worcester Priest/Holyoke Teacher Gets Prison For Child Pornography Charge Worcester Priest/Holyoke Teacher Gets Prison For Child Pornography Charge
Worcester Priest/Holyoke Teacher Gets Prison For Child Pornography Charge A former Holyoke kindergarten teacher and Worcester priest has been sentenced to six years in prison for possession of child pornography. Gregory Lisby, 40, of Worcester, was sentenced on Friday, Sept. 18, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts, said. In February, Lisby pled guilty to a charge of possession of child pornography. Lisby was the rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester, 2015 to 2018. In addition to Holyoke, Lisby claimed to have been an aid or substitute teacher in the Shrewsbury and Worcester public schools, according to MassLive. Lisby was arrested and resigned…
Springfield Pimp Gets 15 Years In Jail For Sex Trafficking In CT, MA Springfield Pimp Gets 15 Years In Jail For Sex Trafficking In CT, MA
Springfield Pimp Gets 15 Years In Jail For Sex Trafficking In CT, MA A pimp who ran a sex trafficking ring in Springfield and Hartford has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. William Coleman, 49, of Springfield, has been sentenced to 186 months in prison and five years of supervised police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts, said. In February, Coleman pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges. From 2016-2018, Coleman ran a prostitution ring in the Springfield and Hartford areas as well as other parts of Connecticut, the Attorney’s Office said.  Coleman used violence and drug addictions - typically heroin - to coerce 8 female victims into enga…
Sentenced: Deputy Abused Worcester Area Girls He Met Through Minecraft Sentenced: Deputy Abused Worcester Area Girls He Met Through Minecraft
Sentenced: Deputy Abused Worcester Area Girls He Met Through Minecraft A former Texas Deputy Sheriff has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing and stalking two Worcester County girls. Pasquale “Gino” Salas, 26, a former deputy with the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, pleaded guilty in May to sexual exploitation of a minor and cyberstalking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. On Tuesday, Sept. 14, Salas was sentenced in Worcester district court to 220 months - about 18 years - in federal prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Salas met his victims through the online video game Minecraft in 2014 when they …
Woman Smuggles Synthetic-Marijuana-Soaked Papers Into MA Prisons Woman Smuggles Synthetic-Marijuana-Soaked Papers Into MA Prisons
Woman Smuggles Synthetic-Marijuana-Soaked Papers Into MA Prisons Papers soaked in synthetic marijuana, “K2,” were smuggled into correctional facilities around Massachusetts by a Marlboro woman who was sentenced for the crime on Thursday, Sept. 9. Caitlin Marcey, 28, was sentenced to two years of probation with the first six months to be served in home confinement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts said. In January, Marcey pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance. She was arrested in June 2019, according to court documents. Marcey’s smuggling scheme involved soaking papers in synthetic marijuana and then mailing them or hand-deliv…
Second Grade Teacher/Swim Coach Arrested For Child Pornography Second Grade Teacher/Swim Coach Arrested For Child Pornography
Second Grade Teacher/Swim Coach Arrested For Child Pornography A second-grade teacher and swim coach who has spent one-on-one time with children on the autism spectrum has been arrested on a child pornography charge. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Milford Public School District second-grade teacher Vincent Kiejzo, 33, was charged with possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. He has been with the district for seven years. Kiejzo had many other opportunities to come in contact with children, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was also a swim instructor for the past 19 years through the Milford Community School …
Police Arrested For Embezzling Taxpayer Funds In Overtime Scheme Police Arrested For Embezzling Taxpayer Funds In Overtime Scheme
Police Arrested For Embezzling Taxpayer Funds In Overtime Scheme Nine Massachusetts Police Officers have been arrested in connection with an overtime fraud scheme that allegedly bilked taxpayers out of $200,000. The police were arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 2, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Massachusetts. The officers arrested are retired and still on the force. They are: Lt. Timothy Torigian, 54, Walpole; Sgt. Gerard O’Brien, 62, Braintree (retired); Sgt. Robert Twitchell, 58, Norton (retired); Off. Henry Doherty, 61, Dorchester (retired); Off. Diana Lopez, 58, Milton (retired); Off. James Carnes, 57, Canton (retired); Off. Michael Murph…
Western Mass Man Defrauded Veterans By Not Inspecting Medical Equipment Western Mass Man Defrauded Veterans By Not Inspecting Medical Equipment
Western Mass Man Defrauded Veterans By Not Inspecting Medical Equipment The owner of a medical gas company has admitted to taking money from Veterans Affairs hospitals for inspections that he lied about having performed. Chester Wojcik, 49, of Agawam, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Thursday, Aug. 20, in U.S. District court. He will be sentenced on Nov. 19, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts said. Wojcik was the owner of Alliance Medical Gas Corporation. From Mahy 2014 through March 2015, Wojcik falsified invoices and reports for medical gas inspections that never took place. Medical gas supply systems deliver piped gases, such as oxygen or compressed a…
No Jail Time For Teen Holyoke Drug Dealer No Jail Time For Teen Holyoke Drug Dealer
No Jail Time For Teen Holyoke Drug Dealer A 19-year-old man who was found guilty of selling heroin in Holyoke will not serve any time in jail. Alexis Santana, 19, of Holyoke was sentenced to three years of probation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts. The government had recommended a four-month prison sentence. Court records indicate that Santana sold heroin in October of 2019 in Holyoke. Santana pleaded guilty to distributing and possession with intent to distribute heroin in March.
Milford Addiction Specialist Accused Of Selling Illegal Drugs To Patients Milford Addiction Specialist Accused Of Selling Illegal Drugs To Patients
Milford Addiction Specialist Accused Of Selling Illegal Drugs To Patients The owner of Novel Psychopharmacology in Milford - a psychiatrist who treats opioid and alcohol addiction - is being charged in an international money laundering scheme involving the importation of illegal drugs. Rahim Shafa, 62, and his wife Nahid “Nina” Tormosi Shafa, 62, were each indicted on Friday, Aug. 7, on charges of international money laundering conspiracy. Rahim Shafa was also charged with three counts of money laundering, receiving and delivering misbranded drugs with an intent to defraud and mislead, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and three counts of importing merchan…