Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 8, 2022 Director of biotech fi rm sentenced for obstruction of justice relating to attempts to acquire ricin T he director of advanced research at a MassachuFor Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net We Sell Cigars & Accessories R.Y.O. TOBACCO ---------TUBES CIGAR GIFT PACKS UNDER $50 Celebrating our 50th Year! HUMIDOR SPECIAL! $99.95 Complete! Reg. Priced $149.95 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 STORE HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday & Holidays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cigar Bundles starting at $49.95 ---------GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE Buy Cigars by the Box & SAVE! Competitive prices on all Brands, Great Selection setts biotechnology fi rm was sentenced on March 31 in federal court in Boston for obstructing an investigation into his eff orts to acquire the deadly toxin ricin. Dr. Ishtiaq Ali Saaem, 37, a Bangladeshi national residing in Massachusetts, was sentenced to three years of probation, six months of which will be served on home confi nement. Ali Saaem was also ordered to pay a fi ne of $5,500. The government recommended a sentence of one year in prison. In April 2021, Saaem pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. “Dr. Ali Saaem showed callous disregard for public safety and federal authority,” said United States Attorney Rachael Rollins. “This prosecution sends a clear message that the attempted procurement of deadly weapons or toxins will be taken as a direct threat against the safety and security of American communities. Thanks to the swift action by authorities, no one was harmed.” “There is serious cause for concern when anyone tries to acquire a deadly biological toxin such as ricin, but it’s even more troubling when they lie to us about it, like Dr. TOP SCORE | FROM PAGE 4 James. “CHA’s long history of caring for marginalized groups provides a framework for creating a welcoming, safe and respectful environment. It’s an honor to receive the Leader designation from HEI acknowledging the work we’re doing to ensure LGBTQ+ patients get the care they deserve.” “Every person deserves to have access to quality healthcare, be respected and heard by their doctor, and feel safe in the facility where they are receiving care. But LGBTQ+ people are often subject to discrimination in all spaces, including healthcare facilities, which leads to members of the community avoiding care and anticipating our Ishtiaq Ali Saaem did,” said the FBI’s Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Division, Joseph Bonavolonta. “Today’s sentence should be a warning to others that you can’t obstruct a federal investigation and get away with it.” Saaem held a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, resided in Massachusetts and worked as the director of advanced research at a biotechnology fi rm based in Massachusetts. Saaem became interested in acquiring ricin from castor beans as well as convallatoxin, a poison found in lily of the valley plants, after watching “Breaking Bad,” a popular television show. Saaem ordered 100 packets of castor beans online, each containing eight seeds. Saaem falsely told law enforcement agents that he purchased castor beans for planting at his apartment for decoration and that he had accidentally purchased 100 packets instead of one. After he spoke to agents, Saaem researched tasteless poisons that could be made at home. During subsequent meetings with law enforcement, Saeem stated that his interest in buying castor beans related to an interest in gardening. He also made misleading statements about his knowledge of ricin. voices will not be respected in an incredibly vulnerable environment,” said the Human Rights Campaign’s Health and Aging Program Director, Tari Hanneman. “The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affi rmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services. Our HEI active participants are truly pioneering the healthcare industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that hopefully, because of their work, will become standard practice.” HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under TOP SCORE | SEE PAGE 7 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA
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