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US Attorney for Massachusetts

Berkshire County Sex Offender Gets 10 Years For Child Porn Berkshire County Sex Offender Gets 10 Years For Child Porn
Berkshire County Sex Offender Gets 10 Years For Child Porn A Berkshire County registered sex offender will return to prison after admitting to having child sexual abuse material and an illegal shotgun, federal authorities said.  Brian Hohman, 60, of Sandisfield, pleaded guilty in January to one charge of possession of child pornography and one charge of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday, May 2.  Hohman was arrested in September 2023 after police found a laptop at his home with more than 300 images and two videos featuring children b…
Ex-Chicopee Schools Superintendent Who Sent Threats To Police Chief Candidate Sentenced Ex-Chicopee Schools Superintendent Who Sent Threats To Police Chief Candidate Sentenced
Ex-Chicopee Schools Superintendent Who Sent Threats To Police Chief Candidate Sentenced The former superindentent of a Hampden County school district will avoid jail time for lying to FBI agents about sending nearly 100 threatening messages to a candidate for Chicopee police chief, authorities said.  Lynn Clark, 53, of Belchertown, was sentenced to a year of probation and a $1,000 fine on Tuesday, April 30, after pleading guilty to two counts of making false statements in January, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Clark had been head of the Chicopee School District when she made the threatening texts, authorities said.  Acting US Attorney for Massachuset…
Mass Man Who Hired Hitman To Kill Ex-Wife For Her 'Independent Thinking' Gets 8 Years: Feds Mass Man Who Hired Hitman To Kill Ex-Wife For Her 'Independent Thinking' Gets 8 Years: Feds
Mass Man Who Hired Hitman To Kill Ex-Wife For Her 'Independent Thinking' Gets 8 Years: Feds A 47-year-old Boston man who attempted multiple times to hire a hitman to kill his ex-wife and her new boyfriend will spend nearly eight years behind bars, federal authorities announced.  Mohammed Chowdhury, who pleaded guilty in January to two counts of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, was sentenced last week to 92 months in federal prison, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  “Mr. Chowdhury literally thought he could get away with murder,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Mr. Chowdhury’s disturbing conduct – in co…
Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds
Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds A 41-year-old Worcester County man is accused of multiple sex crimes against children, including coercing several into producing child sexual assault material, authorities announced on Friday, April 26.  Michael Lamountain, of Oxford, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  He was previously arrested and charged in February with a Rhode Island man for filming their assault of an underage girl. He has remained in custod…
Ex-Postal Employee In Revere, Melrose Stole Cash From Mail, Created Fake Money Orders: Feds Ex-Postal Employee In Revere, Melrose Stole Cash From Mail, Created Fake Money Orders: Feds
Ex-Postal Employee In Revere, Melrose Stole Cash From Mail, Created Fake Money Orders: Feds A 36-year-old former postal clerk has been arrested and charged with stealing hundreds of pieces of mail containing cash, checks, and gift cards and generating fake money orders worth more than $8,000 in total, authorities said.  Michael Murray, of Lynn, was arrested Friday morning, April 26, and charged with one count of theft of mail matter by an employee and one count of theft of government money, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Murray worked at the Beach Street Post Office in Revere and the Melrose Post Office from September 2022 until July 2023. During that…
Pittsfield Man Drove Child Across State Lines For Sex: Feds Pittsfield Man Drove Child Across State Lines For Sex: Feds
Pittsfield Man Drove Child Across State Lines For Sex: Feds A 50-year-old Berkshire County man is accused of driving a minor to have sex, authorities said.  Paul Newton-Irelan is charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Newton-Irelan allegedly drove the minor to New York and Massachusetts on Nov. 26, 2023, as part of a scheme for sex, authorities said. He told police he thought the girl was 18, but she was 11 years old, reports said.  According to federal sentencing guidelines, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted followed …
'I Obey': Man Threw Bomb At Satanic Temple In Salem Because God Told Him To, Feds Say 'I Obey': Man Threw Bomb At Satanic Temple In Salem Because God Told Him To, Feds Say
'I Obey': Man Threw Bomb At Satanic Temple In Salem Because God Told Him To, Feds Say An Oklahoma man has been arrested and charged with throwing a pipe bomb at the Satanic Temple in Salem after the group did not heed his God's warnings to repent, federal authorities said.  Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., is charged with using an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Surveillance video taken just before 4:15 a.m. shows a person in all-black clothing, a black face mask, a tactical vest, and gloves approach and throw something at the "temple." Moments later, the prosec…
Lynn Sex Trafficker Used Pandemic To Force Women Into Prostitution: Feds Lynn Sex Trafficker Used Pandemic To Force Women Into Prostitution: Feds
Lynn Sex Trafficker Used Pandemic To Force Women Into Prostitution: Feds A 34-year-old Lynn man is accused of exploiting vulnerable women who were newly unemployed, homeless, or unable to find work during the Covid-19 pandemic and forcing them into a life of prostitution and sexual servitude under unmitigated violence, authorities said.  Anthony Coleman faces three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of transporting a person for purposes of prostitution, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He was arrested on Friday, March 29.  Investigators said Coleman used the chaos that followed the Covid-19 lockdowns to coerce t…
Sutton Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds Sutton Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds
Sutton Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds A Worcester County, Massachusetts, magician who has performed in the area for 20 years was sentenced Thursday, March 28, to six years behind bars for having child sexual abuse material in his luggage after returning from an overseas flight, authorities said.  Scott Jameson, age 47, of Sutton, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and one count of transportation of child pornography, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He had faced potentially decades in prison for the charges.  Action Pour Les Enfants, a Cambodian child-protection group, …
Lynn Man Who Shared Child Porn Of Kids Younger Than 12 Sentenced To Prison: Feds Lynn Man Who Shared Child Porn Of Kids Younger Than 12 Sentenced To Prison: Feds
Lynn Man Who Shared Child Porn Of Kids Younger Than 12 Sentenced To Prison: Feds A Lynn man who admitted to having and sharing child sexual abuse material online was sentenced to five years behind bars this week, federal authorities said.   Ever Edilberto Zuniga Ramirez, 35, who pleaded guilty to distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography in October 2023, was sentenced to 62 months in prison on Monday, March 18, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Investigators said Ramirez shared the child sexual abuse material online beginning in July 2020 and through March 2022 when he was arrested. Some of the images and videos featured children …
Waltham Man Guilty Of Trying To Pay To Rape 12-Year-Old Girl: Feds Waltham Man Guilty Of Trying To Pay To Rape 12-Year-Old Girl: Feds
Waltham Man Guilty Of Trying To Pay To Rape 12-Year-Old Girl: Feds A Waltham man was found guilty of negotiating with what he believed to be a human trafficker to have sex with a child, authorities said.  Misael Fabian Medina, 38, was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child; and one count of attempted coercion and enticement, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Medina responded to an online advertisement offering sex with two young girls for cash in November 2022, federal authorities said. What he didn't know was it was a sting, and he was speaking with a police officer.  He agreed to pay $200 to have sex with a …
Ex-Stoughton Water Dept. Employee Tampered With Water Supply: Feds Ex-Stoughton Water Dept. Employee Tampered With Water Supply: Feds
Ex-Stoughton Water Dept. Employee Tampered With Water Supply: Feds A former Stoughton Water Department employee was arrested on Thursday, March 7, and charged with tampering with the city's water supply, authorities announced.  Robert J. Bullock, 58, of Brockton, was indicted on two counts of making false statements and one count of tampering with a water system, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He potentially faces decades in prison if convicted.  Investigators said Bullock went into one of the Water Department's pumping stations on Nov. 29, 2022, and turned off the pump that introduces chlorine to the water supply. Chlorine helps disinfe…
Quincy Man Admits To Writing 100 Bad Checks Worth Over $1M: Feds Quincy Man Admits To Writing 100 Bad Checks Worth Over $1M: Feds
Quincy Man Admits To Writing 100 Bad Checks Worth Over $1M: Feds A Quincy man faces up to 30 years behind bars after he admitted to writing more than 100 bad checks worth more than $1 million, authorities said.  Hui Zhang, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on Friday, March 1, and will be sentenced on May 28, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Prosecutors said Zhang opened multiple bank accounts under fake names from June 2020 through at least May 2022 and deposited 114 counterfeit checks worth more than $1 million into them. The checks were drawn on the account of a Boston-based retailer. Zhang withdrew hundreds of thousands …
Man Who Threatened To Harm Boston Doctor Over Her Work With Trans Kids Gets 3 Months: Feds Man Who Threatened To Harm Boston Doctor Over Her Work With Trans Kids Gets 3 Months: Feds
Man Who Threatened To Harm Boston Doctor Over Her Work With Trans Kids Gets 3 Months: Feds A Texas man who threatened a Boston doctor for her work with transgender children will spend three months behind bars.  Matthew Jordan Lindner, 39, of Comfort, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transmission of threatening communication, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. Along with his prison sentence, he must pay nearly $3,000 in restitution and spend three years on probation.  Investigators said Lindner called the Boston-based National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center on Aug. 31, 2022, and left a hate-filled voicemail.  “You sick motherf*****s, you’re a…
Man Admits To Robbing Malden Market With Fake Pistol: Prosecutor Man Admits To Robbing Malden Market With Fake Pistol: Prosecutor
Man Admits To Robbing Malden Market With Fake Pistol: Prosecutor A 58-year-old Malden Man has admitted to his role in a 2021 robbery, where he used an Airsoft pistol that looked like a real firearm, authorities said.  John Schurko pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced in May, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Related: Ex-FedEx Driver Who Stole Gun, Sold Them From Truck In Mass Gets 6 Days In Jail Schurko was accused of robbing the Harvard Market in Malden on Dec. 12, 2021, when he walked in waving what looked like a black handgun, walked behind the …
Woman Busted Bringing 4 Pounds Of Heroin To Methuen Gets 8 Days In Prison: Feds Woman Busted Bringing 4 Pounds Of Heroin To Methuen Gets 8 Days In Prison: Feds
Woman Busted Bringing 4 Pounds Of Heroin To Methuen Gets 8 Days In Prison: Feds A Philadelphia woman who admitted to driving to Methuen, Massachusetts, to deliver four pounds of heroin to an undercover agent will not return to prison, federal authorities said.  Elba Pena, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and was sentenced to time served and a year of home confinement, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. She will serve three years of probation. Federal prosecutors asked the judge to sentence her to three years in prison.  Pena was arrested in November 2021 after she drove mor…
Mass Ex-FedEx Driver Who Sold Guns He Stole From Truck Gets 6 Days In Prison: Feds Mass Ex-FedEx Driver Who Sold Guns He Stole From Truck Gets 6 Days In Prison: Feds
Mass Ex-FedEx Driver Who Sold Guns He Stole From Truck Gets 6 Days In Prison: Feds A former FedEx driver who sold guns he stole from his truck will not return to prison despite his guilty plea, authorities announced.  Frank P. O’Toole, 40, of Middleborough, was sentenced to time served on Friday, Feb. 2, after he admitted to two counts of possession or sale of a stolen firearm, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. The government had requested the judge impose a 10-month sentence.  O'Toole took three packages during his time as a Fed-Ex driver from Oct. 2021 until June 2022 that contained two rifles and a shotgun, the prosecutor said. He sold those g…
Martha's Vineyard Man Who Wore Wig, Used Fake Bomb In Bank Robbery Gets 8 Years: Feds Martha's Vineyard Man Who Wore Wig, Used Fake Bomb In Bank Robbery Gets 8 Years: Feds
Martha's Vineyard Man Who Wore Wig, Used Fake Bomb In Bank Robbery Gets 8 Years: Feds A 40-year-old Martha's Vineyard former clothing store owner who admitted to robbing a bank on Cape Cod last year will spend more than eight years behind bars, authorities announced.  Petar Petyoshin, of Edgartown, pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery in October and was sentenced to 100 months in prison on Monday, Feb. 5, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faced a potential 25-year prison sentence.  Investigators said Petyoshin robbed the Rockland Trust Bank branch in the Cape Cod town of Falmouth on April 8, wearing a blonde wig and face mask and pointing a pi…
Ex-Foxborough Special Ed Teacher Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison On Child Porn Charge Ex-Foxborough Special Ed Teacher Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison On Child Porn Charge
Ex-Foxborough Special Ed Teacher Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison On Child Porn Charge A former Foxborough High School teacher was sentenced to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to trading child sexual abuse material, federal authorities said.  Thomas Davis, 43, of Mansfield, was arrested in August 2021 after police raided his home and found sexual images of children as young as 12 years old, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Davis pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and receiving child pornography over the internet in February 2023.  Davis served as a special education teacher for three years at Foxborough High until FBI a…
Billerica Sex Offender Admits To Having 5,000 Child Porn Files, Mutilated Dolls: Feds Billerica Sex Offender Admits To Having 5,000 Child Porn Files, Mutilated Dolls: Feds
Billerica Sex Offender Admits To Having 5,000 Child Porn Files, Mutilated Dolls: Feds A Billerica registered sex offender has pleaded guilty to possessing more than 5,000 of child sexual abuse material that featured children as young as infants being abused, federal authorities said.  Eric Robert Johnson, 50, a lifetime Level 2 sex offender, admitted to one count of child porn possession Monday, Jan. 29, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison when he's sentenced in May.  Johnson was arrested in February 2022 after police searched his home and found 25 electronic devices, including laptops, hard drives, and other electronic …
'We Should Kill You All': Millis Man Threatened To Kill Jews, Bomb Synagogues, Feds Say 'We Should Kill You All': Millis Man Threatened To Kill Jews, Bomb Synagogues, Feds Say
'We Should Kill You All': Millis Man Threatened To Kill Jews, Bomb Synagogues, Feds Say Police arrested a 59-year-old Norfolk County man after investigators say he left voicemails threatening to kill Jewish people and blow up their places of worship.  John Reardon, of Millis, is charged with one count of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said on Monday. Reardon was arrested last week.  Investigators say Reardon called Congregation Agudas Achim, a synagogue in Attleboro, Thursday morning, Jan. 25, and left a voicemail threatening horrific violence over the …
‘No Evidence’: Boston Man Admits Paying Hitman $8K To Kill Wife, Her New Boyfriend, Feds Say ‘No Evidence’: Boston Man Admits Paying Hitman $8K To Kill Wife, Her New Boyfriend, Feds Say
‘No Evidence’: Boston Man Admits Paying Hitman $8K To Kill Wife, Her New Boyfriend, Feds Say A 47-year-old Boston man pleaded guilty on Thursday, Jan. 25, for violating his wife’s restraining order after offering an informant posing as a hitman $4,000 each to kill her and her boyfriend, officials said. Mohammed Chowdhury admitted to two counts of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, according to the US Attorney for Massachusetts. Chowdhury asked someone to help him find a hitman to murder his wife, but that person took his money and never followed through with the killing. Related: Murder For Hire: Malden Man Admits To Trying To Get Fed…
Sex Offender Admits To Child Porn Charges In Berkshire County: Feds Sex Offender Admits To Child Porn Charges In Berkshire County: Feds
Sex Offender Admits To Child Porn Charges In Berkshire County: Feds A Berkshire County registered sex offender has pleaded guilty to child porn and weapons charges, federal authorities said.  Brian Hohman, 60, of Sandisfield, admitted to one charge of possession of child pornography and one charge of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm on Wednesday, Jan. 24, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He remains in federal custody.  Police arrested Hohman in September after they found a sawed-off shotgun not registered to him at his home and a laptop, two phones, and a sim card containing child sexual abuse material, the prosecutor said.…
Stoughton Sex Offender Busted AGAIN Forcing Vulnerable Women Into Sex Trade: Feds Stoughton Sex Offender Busted AGAIN Forcing Vulnerable Women Into Sex Trade: Feds
Stoughton Sex Offender Busted Again Forcing Vulnerable Women Into Sex Trade: Feds A convicted Stoughton sex offender is again accused of preying on women, exploiting their drug addictions, and using violence to force them into sex work for his benefit, federal authorities said.  Marvin Pompilus, 39, is charged with three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, one count of attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Investigators said Pompilus sought out women who had a history of substance abuse issues and plied …
Ex-Flight Attendant On Boston-Bound Plane Filmed Children As They Used Bathroom: Feds Ex-Flight Attendant On Boston-Bound Plane Filmed Children As They Used Bathroom: Feds
Ex-Flight Attendant On Boston-Bound Plane Filmed Children As They Used Bathroom: Feds A former American Airlines flight attendant attempted to film a child as she used the bathroom and had videos of several other children using the plane's lavatory on his phone, authorities said.  Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  A 14-year-old aboard a Charlotte to Boston flight in September 2023 told her parents that Thompson had escorted her to the first-cl…
eBay To Pay $3M After Ex-Employees Put Natick Couple Through 'Pure Hell': Feds eBay To Pay $3M After Ex-Employees Put Natick Couple Through 'Pure Hell': Feds
eBay To Pay $3M After Ex-Employees Put Natick Couple Through 'Pure Hell': Feds eBay has agreed to pay $3 million in criminal penalties after several former employees targeted a Middlesex County couple in a campaign of harassment that included sending live cockroaches and funeral wreaths to their home in Natick, federal authorities said.  Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said the employee's actions put the couple through "pure hell" and said eBay's conduct was "absolutely horrific." eBay engaged in absolutely horrific, criminal conduct. The company’s employees and contractors involved in this campaign put the victims through pure hell, in a petrifying …
Springfield Man Talked Foster Child Into Sex Trafficking Gets 18 Years: Feds Springfield Man Talked Foster Child Into Sex Trafficking Gets 18 Years: Feds
Springfield Man Talked Foster Child Into Sex Trafficking Gets 18 Years: Feds A Springfield man who talked a child into performing sex acts for money will spend the next 18 years in a federal prison, authorities announced Friday, Jan. 12.  Carlos Casillas, 51, was convicted of sex trafficking a 13-year-old girl in July, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He will serve five years of probation after he is released from prison.  Investigators said Casillas met the 13-year-old girl, who was living in a foster home, on Facebook and communicated through Facebook Messenger. He talked about her leaving the group home and "exchanging money for services," the pr…
Ex-Hyde Park Headmistress Who Used School Money For Tropical Vacations Avoids Jail Time: Feds Ex-Hyde Park Headmistress Who Used School Money For Tropical Vacations Avoids Jail Time: Feds
Ex-Hyde Park Headmistress Who Used School Money For Tropical Vacations Avoids Jail Time: Feds The former leader of a Boston school who admitted to using nearly $40,000 set aside for the children's education on personal expenses and tropical vacations will not go to prison, but she must repay the money, authorities said.  Naia Wilson, 60, of Mattapan, was sentenced on Tuesday, Jan. 9, to 90 days of home confinement, two years of probation, 160 hours of community service, and a $25,000 fine, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. She must also repay the $38,806 she took from Boston Public Schools.  Wilson pleaded guilty in September to a single count of wire fraud.&nbs…
Boston Child Sex Trafficker Sentenced For Trying To Deport Woman He Exposed Himself To: Feds Boston Child Sex Trafficker Sentenced For Trying To Deport Woman He Exposed Himself To: Feds
Boston Child Sex Trafficker Sentenced For Trying To Deport Woman He Exposed Himself To: Feds A Boston man on federal supervised release for sex trafficking has been sentenced in a different case for exposing himself to a woman and then trying to stop her from testifying. Mark Pinnock, 32, was sentenced to 33 months followed by three years supervised release on Friday, Jan. 5, after pleading guilty to one county of witness intimidation in October 2023, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Pinnock served eight years in prison for sex trafficking in 2014. After his release in July 2022, the man worked as an Amazon delivery driver while under federal supervision, officials sa…
Ex-Stoneham Cop Who Scammed Multiple Landlords For Years Avoids Jailtime: Feds Ex-Stoneham Cop Who Scammed Multiple Landlords For Years Avoids Jailtime: Feds
Ex-Stoneham Cop Who Scammed Multiple Landlords For Years Avoids Jailtime: Feds A former Stoneham police officer who admitted to scamming his former landlords for more than a decade will not go to prison for his crimes, federal authorities announced on Thursday, Jan. 4.  Robert Kennedy, 54, of Stoneham, was sentenced to two years of probation and 90 days of home confinement after he pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in September, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He must also repay $14,275 to his victims.  Investigators said Kennedy defrauded three landlords from February 2020 through June 2023. The scheme played out similarly each time. H…
Men Faked Weymouth Armed Robbery, Others So 'Victims' Could Get Immigration Protection: FBI Men Faked Weymouth Armed Robbery, Others So 'Victims' Could Get Immigration Protection: FBI
Men Faked Weymouth Armed Robbery, Others So 'Victims' Could Get Immigration Protection: FBI Two New York men are accused of staging at least eight fake robberies so the store owners could receive immigration benefits, authorities said.  Long Island resident Rambhai Patel, age 36, of Farmingdale, and New York City Balwinder Singh, age 39, of Queens, are charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud, the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts said. FBI agents said they linked the men to four robberies in Massachusetts, two in Pennsylvania, and one in Kentucky and Tennessee.  The dates and locations of the alleged fake robberies are:  March 22: Richdale Food Shops, Hing…