Northern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Watertown Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Possession of Controlled Substances with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Stuart Chambers, age 44, of Watertown, New York, was sentenced today to serve 120 months in prison for his attempted possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his prior plea, Chambers admitted that, on January 30, 2024, he travelled to Syracuse from Watertown and purchased what he believed to be one pound of methamphetamine and nine ounces of cocaine, which he intended to distribute. He further admitted that, before he committed this offense, he had previously been convicted in federal court in the Middle District of Pennsylvania of Possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute.
In addition to the 10-year sentence, Chambers was sentenced to serve an additional 24 months in prison for violating the conditions of supervised release from his prior offense. Senior United States District Court Judge Frederick J. Scullin also ordered Chambers to serve an 8-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit - Syracuse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.
Schenectady Man Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Richard Nejame, age 29, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to serve 240 months (20 years) in federal prison, to be followed by 25 years of supervised release, for receiving and attempting to receive child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Nejame admitted that between about October 2022 and May 1, 2023, he communicated with several different minor females over various social media applications to include Snapchat. Nejame further admitted that his online personas on social media claimed that he was a teenage boy. During Nejame’s online communications with the minor females, he encouraged them to take nude pictures and videos of themselves, and to then send the pictures and videos to him. Once in receipt of the nude picture and videos of the minor females, Nejame directed the females to take more sexually explicit pictures and videos of themselves, to send those sexually explicit pictures and videos of themselves to him, and that if the females did not comply with his demands, Nejame would threaten to embarrass and expose the females by publishing their pictures and videos on the Internet.
In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, Nejame will be required to register as a sex offender upon release from imprisonment.
The FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case. The Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Rick Belliss and Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Kris Roglieri Indicted on Five Counts of Wire FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kris Roglieri, age 44, of Queensbury, New York, has been indicted on wire fraud charges.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Roglieri operated Prime Capital Ventures, LLC (“Prime Capital”) and Prime Commercial Lending, LLC (“Prime Commercial”), among other companies, that were based in Albany.
The indictment and an earlier-filed criminal complaint allege that Prime Capital held itself out as a commercial lending business. As part of contractual arrangements with its borrower clients situated across the country, Prime Capital obtained upfront interest payments from prospective borrowers while it sought to secure loans for those borrowers; these upfront interest payments were characterized by Prime Capital as the “Interest Credit Account Payment,” or “ICA” payment for short. ICA payments did not represent fees to Prime Capital. Instead, each borrower’s upfront ICA payment would be debited over time as the loan was funded and accrued more interest. An ICA payment would also be refundable if Prime Capital failed to secure a loan for the borrower client.
Roglieri is alleged to have defrauded a Minnesota company in December 2023, by committing to fund, through Prime Capital, an approximately $100 million commercial project, even though, at the time, Prime Capital had failed to fund numerous loans promised to earlier clients; failed to return tens of millions of dollars in ICA payments to earlier clients once those loans did not materialize; and had been sued multiple times by clients alleging fraud and seeking the return of ICA payments.
On December 22, 2023, Roglieri, on behalf of Prime Commercial, signed a Deposit Agreement by which he agreed to keep the Minnesota company’s ICA payment in a “separate and distinct” bank account, and to hold it as a “trust fund.” That same day, the Minnesota company wire transferred a $5 million ICA payment to a Prime Capital account controlled by Roglieri. Roglieri then transferred and spent these funds, including by transferring $950,000 in order to meet a financial obligation to another Prime Capital client; paying $84,000 for his purchase of a Rolex day-date 36 mm yellow gold diamond bezel watch; paying $101,000 to a private jet services company, for round-trip, private air travel between Albany International Airport and Anguilla, for a family vacation that Roglieri took from about December 29, 2023 to January 5, 2024; and paying $400,000 to a law firm that represented Prime Capital in court proceedings.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Roglieri faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine per count, as well as up to 3 years of supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel ordered Roglieri detained after Roglieri’s May 31, 2024 arrest on the criminal complaint.
The FBI is conducting this ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Michael Barnett are prosecuting this case.
Central New York Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – David Hughes, aka Danielle Starr, 50, of Syracuse, and formerly of Oneida County, was sentenced today to serve 10 years in federal prison for possession of a sexually explicit video of a 13-year-old boy he received from the child over the internet.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.
In his earlier guilty plea, Hughes, who previously served 210 months in federal prison for a prior conviction for receipt and possession of child pornography, admitted that while on federal supervised release he used his monitored smart phone to communicate with a person he knew to be a 13-year-old boy. Hughes identified himself as, “Danielle Starr.” In communications captured by the monitoring program, Hughes discussed engaging in sexual conduct with the child, and knowingly received a sexually explicit video the child produced for and sent to Hughes. Law enforcement identified the child as a minor from out of state, and notified the child’s parents of the online activity.
In addition to the 10-year sentence, Hughes was sentenced to a concurrent 2-year term of imprisonment for violating the conditions of supervised release from his prior offense. He will be placed on supervision for 20 years when released from prison, and will continue to be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the United States Probation Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
California Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Franklin W. Jackson, age 29, of San Diego, California, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for his role in a drug-trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine in Onondaga County and elsewhere in Central New York.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Jackson admitted that from approximately October 2020 through December 2020, he conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Central New York, which had been transported from California. Jackson further admitted that in December 2020, he and others loaded 11 vacuum-sealed packages containing more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine into a rental car, which a coconspirator planned to drive from California to Syracuse, New York. Jackson admitted that he drove a separate car close behind the rental car, to make sure that the coconspirator did not abscond with the methamphetamine and also to act as a diversion to any law enforcement officers who attempted to stop the rental car carrying the drugs. Before ultimately being stopped by police in the area of Oklahoma City, Jackson did attempt to prevent them from stopping the rental car carrying the drugs.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also ordered Jackson to serve a 4-year term of supervised release to follow his release from prison.
This case was investigated by DEA, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York State Police-Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (NYSP-VGNET), Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, Syracuse Police Department, Oklahoma City Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.
Michigan Resident and Heavy-Duty Diesel Parts Supplier Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kyle Offringa, age 33, of Caledonia, Michigan, and Highway and Heavy Parts, LLC (“HHP”), a heavy-duty diesel parts supplier headquartered in Coleman, Michigan, recently pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act (“CAA”). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”)’s Criminal Investigations Division (“CID”), Northeast Area Branch, made the announcement. Offringa pled guilty to the indictment today and HHP pled guilty to the indictment last month.
Offringa and HHP were indicted by a grand jury in the Northern District of New York earlier this year. As alleged in the indictment, the purpose of the CAA is, among other things, “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its population.” Pursuant to the CAA, the EPA enacted regulations that required heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers to limit emissions on those engines. To comply with these regulations, manufacturers install hardware components, including filters, exhaust recirculation systems, and exhaust aftertreatment systems. Heavy-duty diesel trucks are also required under the CAA to maintain an onboard-diagnostic system (“OBD”), which monitors the functionality of the hardware emissions control components. If the OBD detects that an emissions control component is not working, or has been removed, it will ultimately put the truck into what is known as “limp mode,” which limits the top speed to as low as 5 miles per hour. This is designed to incentivize truck operators to repair any faulty components.
As further alleged in the indictment, truck operators deleted the emissions control hardware on their heavy-duty diesel trucks, which significantly increased pollution emitted by those trucks but allowed them to run at higher horsepower, with greater fuel efficiency, and with reduced maintenance cost.
As part of their pleas, Offringa and HHP admitted that between at least June 2017 and March 2019, they conspired together and with HHP’s customers, including coconspirators DAIM Logistics, Inc. and Patrick Oare of Fultonville, New York, to tamper with (“tune”) the emission control monitoring devices and systems of numerous diesel vehicles. As part of the conspiracy, HHP referred its customers who had removed emissions hardware on their heavy-duty diesel trucks to Offringa, who then reprogrammed the OBDs to bypass the CAA monitoring functions so the trucks would remain operational in exchange for a fee of $1,000 to $1,500 per OBD. HHP charged its customers approximately $250 for each tune performed by Offringa on top of what Offringa charged.
HHP is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2024, and Offringa is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany. If HHP’s plea agreement is accepted, it will be required to pay a fine of $25,000. Offringa has agreed to pay a fine of $100,000 and also faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Coconspirators Patrick Oare and DAIM Logistics, Inc., of Fultonville, New York, previously pled guilty to violating the CAA and are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany on October 23, 2024.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigations Division (EPA CID) is investigating the case, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case.
Research Foundation Pays $313,574 to Resolve Claims That University Research Scientist Failed to Disclose Foreign SupportRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Research Foundation of the State University of New York (RFSUNY) has paid $313,574 to resolve civil allegations that a research scientist at the State University of University at Albany (UAlbany) failed to disclose his affiliations with and support from a foreign government in connection with federal research funding.
The settlement relates to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States Department of Commerce (NOAA) grants and research support agreements that provided funding to UAlbany. In the funding application process, NASA and NOAA require disclosure of, among other things, foreign government support received by any principal investigator (PI) on the grant or agreement. The settlement resolves allegations that Research Scientist Dr. Qilong Min failed to disclose his affiliations with and/or funding from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in connection with Min’s work as PI on three federal research grants from which RFSUNY received funding (the Subject Grants). In particular, UAlbany’s Dr. Min did not disclose that he was receiving funding from PRC during the period of the Subject Grants in connection with: (i) Min's employment with Wuhan University, a public university in China; (ii) Min's participation in a Chinese Talent Plan, a program established by the PRC to recruit individuals with knowledge or access to foreign technology intellectual property; and (iii) grants that funded Min’s research efforts for projects in China from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other Chinese funding sources. During the United States’ investigation, UAlbany terminated Dr. Min’s employment.
“Universities, institutions and researchers are required to make certain disclosures when applying for federal grants so that the government can assess whether to fund their research and development,” said United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman. “My office will hold accountable applicants who undermine the integrity of the grant process by knowingly failing to submit complete and truthful applications.”
“This settlement demonstrates NASA OIG’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable those who engage in deliberate concealment of affiliations with foreign entities to illegally obtain research funding,” said Adelle K. Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Field Office, NASA Office of Inspector General. “I am proud of the exceptional teamwork of our law enforcement partners and the USAO for the Northern District of New York that resulted in securing this settlement and ensuring aggressive oversight of taxpayer funds awarded for academic research.”
“The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Office of Inspector General is determined to protect the integrity of NOAA programs and grant funding,” said Eric Arcand, Special Agent in Charge, DOC Office of Inspector General. “Failure to comply with level of effort reporting requirements when working on NOAA-funded research projects undermines the trust placed in those receiving federal grant funds. We greatly appreciate the efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners in investigating and resolving this matter.”
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John D. Hoggan, Jr., with substantial assistance from DOC OIG and NASA OIG.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
North Carolina Native Pleads Guilty to Gun Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kenneth Locke, age 23, who currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today to conspiring with others to unlawfully obtain firearms from a licensed dealer by making false statements, also known as “straw purchasing” firearms.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
Locke, a native of North Carolina, admitted that he entered into an agreement with Rylan Peterson, a Kingston native and former Marine then living in North Carolina, to acquire six semi-automatic handguns on behalf of Oryin McLeod and others residing in Kingston, New York. After McLeod paid Locke through Peterson, Locke purchased the firearms from a licensed dealer in North Carolina, falsely representing at the time of the purchase that he was acquiring the firearms for himself. Peterson later transported the firearms from North Carolina to New York where he provided them to McLeod and others. McLeod was subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of two of the firearms acquired through the straw purchasing scheme.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2025, before Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. Locke faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
McLeod and Peterson previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their unlawful acquisition of the firearms.
ATF and the Kingston Police Department are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted the case.
Former Utica Mayor and School Board President Sentenced for Mail Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Louis LaPolla, age 79, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Syracuse to 3 years of probation, after previously pleading guilty to mail fraud for soliciting and then stealing donations intended for a scholarship fund in his late wife’s name. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
In pleading guilty previously, LaPolla admitted that he set up a scholarship fund in honor of his late wife, Andrea LaPolla, after she passed away in 2018, with the stated intention of benefitting Utica City School District students who planned to pursue post-secondary education in health-related fields. LaPolla further admitted that he received nearly $40,000 in donations intended for the scholarship fund from individuals and businesses and that he spent nearly all the donated money on himself rather than depositing it into the scholarship fund. LaPolla served as the mayor of Utica from 1984 to 1995, and he served as President of the Utica City School Board from 2018 to 2022, following 21 years of service as a member of the board.
As part of his sentence, LaPolla will pay restitution in the amount of $38,616, and he will separately owe a forfeiture money judgment in the same amount.
Earlier this year, LaPolla pled guilty in Oneida County Court to a misdemeanor petit larceny charge after admitting that he used envelopes, stamps, and mailing labels belonging to the Utica City School District to send out fundraising flyers relating to the scholarship. In that case, LaPolla was sentenced to 60 days of house arrest, 3 years of probation, and ordered to pay $3,100 in restitution.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the New York State Police and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry prosecuted the case.
Amsterdam Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Samuel Payano, age 24, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 130 months in prison for engaging in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, and methamphetamine, for distributing fentanyl pills, and for using a firearm during or in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Payano admitted that he conspired with Bernardo Tovar to distribute counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as cocaine and methamphetamine, from May 2022 to December 2022. Payano also admitted that he distributed fentanyl pills and a firearm to another person on October 12, 2022. He also admitted that he and Tovar possessed fentanyl pills, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well two firearms in their apartment, on December 7, 2022, when their apartment was searched.
Chief United States District Judge Branda K. Sannes also ordered that Payano serve a 4-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
Payano’s co-conspirator, Tovar, previously pled guilty and was sentenced to 181 months in prison.
The DEA and ATF investigated this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping prosecuted the case.
Virginia Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brian Tierney a.k.a. “Wodanaz,” age 31, of Lynchburg, Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for conspiring to commit bank robbery.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Tierney admitted that between November 14 and November 27, 2022, he agreed to and planned to commit an armed bank robbery at a bank branch in Johnstown, New York, with two co-conspirators, Luke Kenna a.k.a. “Lt.” and Michael Brown, Jr. a.k.a. “Russ.” As part of that conspiracy, Kenna conducted surveillance of the bank and purchased items, including weapons, to commit the robbery; Tierney ordered handgun parts for use in the robbery and sent photographs to Kenna of a handgun and a radio scanning and jamming device for use in robbing the bank; and Brown drove to New York to conduct surveillance of the bank with Kenna.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered that Tierney serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
Tierney’s two co-conspirators, Luke Kenna, and Michael Brown, Jr., pled guilty and were sentenced on June 14, 2024, to 41 months and 37 months in prison, respectively.
The FBI Albany Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes FBI Special Agents, and federal, state, and local investigators, including from the New York State Police, investigated the case. The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, the FBI’s Richmond Field Office and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
Albany Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Armed Robbery of a Drug Dealer in GuilderlandRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jorge L. Rosario, age 54, of Albany, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for robbing a marijuana dealer and brandishing a pistol in furtherance of the robbery at the dealer’s Guilderland residence.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Guilderland Police Chief Daniel P. McNally made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Rosario admitted that on January 23, 2022, at about 5 a.m., he and Alexander G. Madera, armed with a pistol and a rifle, respectively, entered a single-family residence in Guilderland with the goal of robbing a marijuana dealer. After entering the residence, Rosario remained on guard in the living room while Madera robbed the dealer of $172 in drug money, at gunpoint, in the dealer’s bedroom. Before they could leave the residence, however, another resident awoke and encountered Rosario, who pointed his pistol at the resident, warning the resident not to move or say anything. A struggle over the pistol ensued, with other residents joining in. In the course of the struggle, Rosario and Madera were disarmed. They were then restrained until the police arrived and arrested them. Bost have remained in custody since that time.
Chief United States District Judge Branda K. Sannes also ordered that Rosario serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. Rosario’s sentence was within a recommended sentencing range and supervised release term that the parties agreed upon in Rosario’s plea agreement.
On June 14, 2024, Chief Judge Sannes sentenced Madera to 85 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by ATF and the Town of Guilderland Police Department, with assistance from the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Transfer of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Devon Newsome, age 31, of Forrest Park, Georgia, pled guilty today to unlawfully transferring firearms to a New York resident.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division; and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
Newsome admitted that on May 21, 2023, he delivered 29 firearms to a New York resident in Georgia, including stolen firearms and a handgun equipped with a conversion device that allowed it to function as a machinegun. Those firearms were then transported from Georgia to a property on Western Avenue in Albany. Newsome knew the firearms were destined for New York and knew that neither he nor the person for whom the guns were destined were licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers or collectors of firearms. On May 23, 2023, law enforcement searched the Western Avenue property and found 34 firearms, including the firearms that Newsome had transferred.
Law enforcement also found significant quantities of drugs at the Western Avenue property, which has resulted in criminal charges against Anthony Luizzi and Brandon Bartley, and supervised release revocation proceedings against Jabree Jones.
Sentencing for Newsome is scheduled for January 6, 2025, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Newsome faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of up to 3 years, to begin after he finishes his prison term. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The following defendants have been charged in connection with this investigation:
- Anthony Luizzi pled guilty on March 18, 2024, to drug and gun crimes in connection with his trafficking of large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, and his possession of more than 30 firearms, including drugs and guns found at the Western Avenue property. Luizzi is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1, 2024.
- Brandon Bartley pled guilty on May 24, 2024, to drug and gun crimes in connection with his trafficking of large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, and his possession of more than 30 firearms at the Western Avenue property. Bartley is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2024.
- Jabree Jones was charged with a violation of the terms of his supervised release on May 23, 2023, based on violations of federal gun and drug trafficking laws, and has been detained pending the resolution of the supervised release violation petition. A final revocation hearing is currently scheduled for September 23, 2024. These supervised release violations are merely accusations. Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The DEA and the ATF are investigating the case, with assistance from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), and the Henry County Police Department in Georgia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
Peruvian Citizen Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Possessing Fraudulent Visa and Social Security CardRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andre Paolo Juarez-Oliva, age 27, and a citizen of Peru, pled guilty and was sentenced today to time served (over 5 months in jail) for possessing a fraudulent visa and a fraudulent social security card. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
Juarez-Oliva admitted that he entered the United States illegally and that on June 4, 2023, police arrested him in Waterford, New York, after observing him driving a vehicle with fraudulent license plates. The police then found the fraudulent visa and social security card in Juarez-Oliva’s vehicle.
HSI agents in Albany and Newark, New Jersey, investigated this case with assistance from the Waterford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa prosecuted this case.
Oswego County Man Charged with Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Rylin Turley, age 25, of Cleveland, New York, with transportation and possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
The indictment alleges that on August 3, 2024, Turley entered the United States from Canada, and knowingly possessed and transported an iPhone that contained child pornography. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Turley faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison for the transportation count, and up to 20 years for his possession of child pornography. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Turley would also have to register as a sex offender, forfeit the device used to commit the crimes and pay restitution to victims. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
HSI is investigating the case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Rensselaer County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zachary Frye, age 29, of Rensselaer County, New York, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison, to be followed by a life term of supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, made the announcement.
When Frye pled guilty, he admitted that he had been convicted in 2017 in New York State court of promoting the sexual performance of a child. He also admitted that, while being required to register as a sex offender due to that conviction, he took several sexually explicit photographs of an approximately 5-year-old child in fall 2019. The images that Frye created included depictions of the child’s genitals and of the child’s hand on Frye’s penis. On the same day he created those images, Frye sent them to another person on social media with whom he had been discussing the sexual abuse of children.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci imposed the sentence.
Frye will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Binghamton Woman Pleads Guilty to Escaping Federal Custody and Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jade A. Pittsley, age 34, of Binghamton, New York, pled guilty today to escaping from federal custody, and possessing and intending to distribute methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office; and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement.
Pittsley admitted that in November 2023, while she was serving a federal term of imprisonment for a drug offense involving methamphetamine, she was under the supervision of a halfway house. Pittsley was directed to return to the halfway house but never did. Days later, law enforcement found Pittsley carrying methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in her purse.
At sentencing, scheduled for December 30, 2024, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, Pittsley faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The case was investigated by HSI and the U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Kristen Grabowski are prosecuting this case.
Amsterdam Man Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years for Distributing Crack Cocaine, Money Laundering and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Angelo Dalmau, age 54, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 93 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for drug, money laundering, and firearm offenses.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Dalmau admitted to selling cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine) to another person on five occasions between September 2021 and March 2022; the total amount sold was approximately 250 grams. Dalmau further admitted to delivering $149,500 in drug money to another individual in January 2022 for the purpose of laundering those funds. When investigators searched Dalmau’s residence pursuant to a warrant on April 14, 2022, they recovered approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, $191,843 in cash, and a pistol loaded with ammunition. Dalmau was arrested on that date has remained in custody since that time.
The DEA, IRS and Amsterdam Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Segovia and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Conspiring with Michael Mann to Defraud LendersRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Derek R. Schwartz, age 55, of Coppell, Texas, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for conspiring with former ValueWise CEO Michael T. Mann to defraud companies that loaned millions of dollars to ValueWise subsidiaries.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Schwartz pled guilty in September 2023 to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. He admitted to helping Mann fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in loans from financing companies.
Mann obtained millions of dollars in loans from two financing companies, located in New York and Colorado, by falsifying his companies’ receivables. Mann falsely told the financing companies that Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (“UHG”) and its subsidiary OptumInsight Inc. (“Optum”), owed millions of dollars to his Clifton Park-based companies. Mann routinely created fake invoices reflecting the fictitious debt and assigned them to the financing companies as collateral for loans.
Schwartz was a high-level executive at Optum, and then began working for ValueWise in October 2013. Until about August 2016, he operated TrueHR, LLC, a ValueWise subsidiary based in Dallas, Texas.
Schwartz admitted that in October 2013, he and Mann asked Luke Steiner, a UHG/Optum employee whom Schwartz used to supervise, to represent to the financing companies that the fake invoices created by Mann were valid and payable by Optum. With Schwartz’s encouragement, Steiner regularly made these false verifications for six years, ending in August 2019.
Schwartz also admitted he took these other actions in furtherance of the fraudulent scheme:
- In 2014 and 2015, he asked two other UHG/Optum employees to verify false invoices that Mann submitted to one of the financing companies, identified in court papers as “Financing Company-1.” He instructed these employees to respond to Financing Company-1’s inquiries in the same manner as Steiner.
- From 2014 through 2018, Schwartz lied directly to one of Mann’s lenders, “Financing Company-2.” Mann falsely represented to Financing Company-2 that one of his companies, Weitz & Associates, needed loans in order to pay its vendors. As part of its due diligence process, Financing Company-2 verified, with Weitz’ purported vendors, that they were receiving payments from Weitz. One such purported vendor was TrueHR, a ValueWise company operated by Schwartz. In fact, TrueHR was not a Weitz vendor, and Schwartz regularly lied to Financing Company-2 about TrueHR receiving payments from Weitz – and continued to do so even after TrueHR ceased to exist as a company.
Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also ordered Schwartz to serve 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release and to pay a total of $12,968,505.20 in restitution to Financing Company-1 and Financing Company-2; Judge Kahn ordered Schwartz to pay $2,000 in restitution per month, including while incarcerated. In addition, Schwartz has already made a $1 million restitution payment to the Court for distribution to his victims.
Mann, formerly of Saratoga County, New York, pled guilty to various crimes in connection with his fraudulent scheme, and was sentenced in August 2021 to 144 months in prison. Steiner pled guilty in February 2020 to conspiring with Mann and was sentenced to probation.
The FBI investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Barnett and Cyrus P.W. Rieck prosecuted this case.
Latham Man Arrested for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eduardo Abreu, age 48, of Latham, New York, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with receipt of child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The criminal complaint alleges that on or about August 21, 2024, Abreu received approximately 225 images of child pornography over the internet. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Abreu appeared yesterday in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, August 29.
Abreu faces at least 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Abreu may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his offense and forfeit any devices used in the offense. Abreu would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Albany Man Sentenced to Prison in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Targeting SEFCURead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Davon Parson, age 20, of Albany, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison, to be followed by 2 years of post-release supervision, for his role in a bank fraud conspiracy targeting SEFCU. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Parson previously pled guilty to one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of aggravated identity theft. He admitted that he was a member of a conspiracy to defraud SEFCU by, among other things, applying for loans using stolen identities of real people, and withdrawing the money in cash. Parson admitted that he applied for a $25,000 loan in another person’s name using a fake driver’s license. Parson also admitted that he had cashed and attempted to cash fraudulent checks drawn on real customers’ accounts.
Parson was charged by indictment, along with Evan Cutler, of Queensbury, New York, Dnauticah Taylor-Sterman, of Albany, and Allahson Allah, formerly known as Gwyn Cancer, of Albany. According to the indictment and statements made by prosecutors in court, the conspirators obtained customer account information from Caeshara Cannon, age 33, of Albany, a former Member Service Manager at SEFCU, and used that information to create counterfeit checks, which were presented for negotiation at SEFCU branches in the Northern District of New York. The conspirators also obtained personal identifying information of real people, which they used to fraudulently obtain loans from SEFCU and then withdraw the proceeds in cash.
Parson was also ordered to pay $9,000 restitution to SEFCU. The remaining defendants have all pled guilty and are due to be sentenced later this year. In addition, Caeshara Cannon was previously arrested and pled guilty on September 14, 2023 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. She is scheduled for sentencing on October 4, 2024.
HSI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Bethlehem Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.
Albany Felon Sentenced to 27 Months for Illegally Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alexander Wilson, age 31, of Albany, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for illegally possessing a pistol as a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; United States Marshal David L. McNulty; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Wilson, who has two prior felony convictions, admitted that on March 16, 2023, he threw a loaded pistol from a vehicle while being pursued by a New York State Trooper on Interstate 90 in Albany.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Wilson is released from prison. Judge D’Agostino also ordered Wilson to forfeit the firearm.
The United States Marshals Service, ATF, and NYSP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
New York City Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Rasheed Mingues, age 45, a resident of New York City, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison following his convictions for possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Mingues admitted that between April and October 2022, he sold over 100 grams of methamphetamine and over 30 grams of fentanyl in the Utica, New York area, where he had been temporarily staying. He also admitted that on December 9, 2022, he possessed over 700 grams of fentanyl, over 700 grams of methamphetamine, and over 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute them, and that he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun in the same bag as the drugs. Federal law prohibits Mingues from possessing the firearm as a result of his prior felony conviction.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release, to begin after Mingues is released from prison. Chief Judge Sannes also ordered Mingues to forfeit the firearm.
The DEA and New York State Police investigated the case with assistance from the Utica Police Department, Syracuse Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone and Benjamin Gillis prosecuted the case.
Bronx Resident Sentenced to 96 Months for Possessing and Intending to Distribute over Five Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jevon Henry, age 43, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Henry admitted that on January 29, 2024, he travelled to Syracuse from New York City carrying approximately 5.5 kilograms of cocaine in two pieces of luggage. Henry also admitted that he intended to distribute the cocaine in Syracuse. DEA agents were able to stop Henry at a local hotel before he could distribute any of the cocaine.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, to begin after Henry is released from prison.
DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.
Latham Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Weinbloom, age 49, of Latham, New York, was sentenced today to 97 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Weinbloom admitted that on May 18, 2022, he possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on a USB flash memory stick found in his residence and that two computers recovered from his residence had also been used to store and view child pornography.
In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, Weinbloom was ordered to pay a total of $72,000 in restitution to child victims depicted in the files he possessed, and will be required to register as a sex offender upon release from imprisonment.
The FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case. The Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin C. Segovia prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Fulton Varsity High School Coach Sentenced to 12 Years for Receiving, Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joshua Demars, age 38, of Fulton, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 12 years in federal prison following his conviction for multiple charges of receipt, transportation, and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Demars admitted that he communicated with minors using the Snapchat application to receive images and videos of child pornography. Demars also admitted that he used his Dropbox account to upload a video of a 5–7-year-old female being sexually abused by an adult male. Moreover, Demars acknowledged that he possessed hundreds of videos and images of child pornography on several of his personal devices.
Following his term of imprisonment, Demars will be placed on supervised release for 10 years, and will be required to register as a sex offender. Demars was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims that he solicited on Snapchat.
HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Carbone prosecuted Demars as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former State Employee Sentenced to 20 Months for Pandemic Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Carl J. DiVeglia III, age 36, of Albany, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain more than $1.6 million in unemployment insurance benefits by abusing his position with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG).
As part of his previously entered guilty plea to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, DiVeglia admitted that he and another former NYSDOL employee, Wendell Giles, abused their state computer access to create and approve false unemployment insurance applications in 2020 and 2021, including applications for the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. DiVeglia admitted responsibility for over $1.6 million in losses to NYSDOL and to personally receiving approximately $225,000 in fraud proceeds.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 2-year term of supervised release, to begin after DiVeglia is released from prison. Judge Suddaby also ordered DiVeglia to pay $1,662,819 in restitution to the State of New York and to forfeit a $225,000 money judgment to the United States.
Giles was previously sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment for his role in the scheme. Four related defendants—Todd Ward, a/k/a “Fats,” age 45, of Troy, New York; Christopher Ward, a/k/a “Reek,” age 46, of Troy; Rocco Resciniti a/k/a “Rock,” age 50, of Albany; and Jamaine Myers, age 46, of Troy—have also pled guilty to fraud charges for their involvement in DiVeglia’s scheme. Resciniti was sentenced to three years of probation on July 31, 2024, and the remaining defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in the fall.
The FBI and USDOL-OIG investigated these cases, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Joseph S. Hartunian are prosecuting the cases.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Former Corrections Officer Admits Providing Firearm to FelonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brian Mills, age 39, a resident of Dannemora, New York, pled guilty yesterday to knowingly providing a firearm to a felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office; and Plattsburgh Police Chief Peter Mitchell made the announcement.
Mills admitted that at various times during summer 2022, he traded a New England Firearms Company Model Pardner-SP1 .410-gauge shotgun, an Armalite rifle, ammunition, an ammunition magazine and two body armor vests to Dustin J. Manor at Manor’s apartment in Plattsburgh, New York, knowing that Manor was a felon. On October 20, 2022, the Plattsburgh Police Department seized the shotgun, one (1) .44 magnum round of ammunition, shotgun rounds, and a set of RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic body armor from Manor’s Plattsburgh apartment after responding to a domestic incident there.
Manor was federally prohibited from possessing the firearms and ammunition due to 2014 drug felony convictions for which he was sentenced to five years in state prison.
Mills had been employed as a corrections officer with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision at Clinton Correctional Facility, but resigned his position following his arrest.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2024. Mills faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Yesterday, Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn sentenced Manor to 57 months in prison and 3 years supervised release for possessing the .410-gauge shotgun and ammunition as a felon.
HSI and the Plattsburgh Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas G. Collyer is prosecuting the case.
Border Patrol Agent Charged with Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Shane Millan, age 53, of Jefferson County, New York, was arrested today on four counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Vance Kuhner, Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, New York, NY, made the announcement.
The misdemeanor information alleges that Millan, while acting under color of law as a Border Patrol Agent, willfully deprived four different victims of their constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches when, during virtual processing concerning their admission to the United States, he commanded three women to expose their bare chests to him over webcam and a fourth woman to expose her breasts to him while her bra remained on. The information further alleges that Millan told the women that these were legitimate searches incident to admission into the United States, though Millan’s demands to see the victims’ breasts were for his own gratification.
Millan was arraigned today in Syracuse, before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks and released pending a trial.
The charges in the information are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility Investigative Operations Directorate is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting the case.
Manhattan Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Possessing and Intending to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – William De La Rosa, age 29, of Manhattan, was sentenced on Friday to 60 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 1 kilogram of cocaine.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea earlier this year, De La Rosa admitted that on January 25, 2024, he drove to a hotel in Amsterdam, New York, where he planned to distribute 1 kilogram of cocaine to another person. When he arrived, law enforcement searched his vehicle and discovered the cocaine.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, which will start when De La Rosa is released from prison. The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa prosecuted the case.
U.S. Department of Justice Awards $1.4 Million in Grants to City of SyracuseRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The City of Syracuse has been awarded two grants totaling $1.4 million dollars through the U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants program to enhance neighborhood street cameras, and to expand programs run by the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League, announced Carla Freedman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York.
“I could not be happier that the Department of Justice has awarded these grants to the City of Syracuse to support and expand the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL), and to enhance the already successful COPS cameras program. The Syracuse PAL engages kids in healthy programming and sports and builds positive relationships with law enforcement officers who volunteer their time. The COPS cameras make neighborhoods safer and are an asset to the Syracuse Police in preventing and combatting crime. These two grants fund the kind of twenty-first century public safety that supports kids in activities that keep them away from crime and gangs, and provides police with the tools they need to keep neighborhoods safe.”
Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said, "Cops Cameras are the number one technology requested by both Syracuse residents and Syracuse Police Officers, and for good reason. They have been instrumental in both prevention and apprehension of all crimes, ranging from homicides to stolen vehicles. I would like to thank the United States Department of Justice for this generous award, and also for their continued partnership with the Syracuse Police Department and the Syracuse community."
Jimmy Oliver, Syracuse Director for Community Engagement (Police Athletic/Activities League), said, “We are very excited about this funding coming to Syracuse PAL so that we can connect Teens, Cops, and Communities. We want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for sowing this seed into our mission, and vision. This will impact teens, and law enforcement in Syracuse, and Onondaga county. We will continue to build positive, and intentional relationships with law enforcement and our teenagers.”
The project description for the $415,000 awarded to the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League says that the funds will be used to support programs for youths 14 to 19 years of age aimed at keeping, “kids safe and help put them on a path to success” through programs like “sports and other activities, and [to] create a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride.” The creation of the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League was announced in June 2021.
The project description for the $1 million awarded to City of Syracuse for neighborhood street cameras (known as COPS cameras) says they are “essential tools for public safety” and aid “in response to emergencies,” “play a key role in criminal investigations,” and have been “the top requested technology by the citizens of Syracuse for over a decade.”
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program is a U.S. Department of Justice formula grant program. The JAG program allocates funds to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, America Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands for a variety of state and local criminal justice initiatives. The program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
Two More Defendants Plead Guilty in Conspiracy Targeting Credit UnionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Lesley Lucchese, age 54, and Danielle Cappetti, age 45, both of New York City, have pled guilty in connection with their roles in a bank fraud conspiracy that targeted credit unions all over the country since at least December 2021. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of their pleas, Lucchese and Cappetti each admitted that between at least December 2021 and April 2023, they fraudulently withdrew funds from credit unions while acting as runners for a nationwide bank fraud conspiracy that targeted credit unions insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Many of the credit unions were members of a shared branching network, which allowed customers of member credit unions to withdraw funds from their accounts at other member credit unions by presenting an identification with their photograph, their account number, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. The network allowed customers of localized credit unions easier access to their accounts when traveling throughout the country. The conspirators exploited this network by creating fake identifications in the names of real credit union customers, but with photographs of other individuals, including Lucchese and Cappetti, who conducted fraudulent transactions at shared branch member credit unions all over the country in exchange for drugs or a small portion of the stolen funds. In total, Lucchese and Cappetti fraudulently obtained nearly $500,000 from credit unions, the vast majority of which went to supervisors in the conspiracy.
Lucchese pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and Cappetti pled guilty to the same offense on August 5, 2024. Cappetti, who is from the Bronx, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5, 2024. Lucchese, of Manhattan, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2024.
Both defendants face up to 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release of up to 5 years, and a fine of up to $1 million. Both defendants will be ordered to pay restitution to victims of their offenses, and Lucchese agreed to forfeit $9,512.67 in U.S. currency seized by the Escambia County and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Offices in Florida in October 2022 when Lucchese was arrested with co-defendants David Daniyan and Akeem Balogun after traveling there to conduct fraudulent withdrawals.
The pleas of Lucchese and Cappetti resolve the charges against them in a federal indictment returned last December, allegedly involves more than $1 million in total losses. Five defendants have now pled guilty in connection with the indictment.
The following defendants are also charged in the indictment:
- Oluwaseun Adekoya, age 38, of New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- David Daniyan, age 59, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Akeem Balogun, age 53, of Brooklyn, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
- Gaysha Kennedy, age 45, of Brooklyn, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
- Victor Barriera, age 63, of the Bronx, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud; and
- Jerjuan Joyner, age 49, of Brooklyn, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
As to the defendants who have not pled guilty, the charges in the indictment are merely accusations. These defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
FBI Albany is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in New York and Newark, and Resident Agencies in Westchester, New York; Garrett Mountain, New Jersey; and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Additional assistance was provided by other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement & Removal Operations (New York Field Office & Albany sub-office); U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (Buffalo Field Office & St. Albans Resident Office); U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the New York State Police; Cohoes Police Department; Colonie Police Department; Elmira Police Department; Corning Police Department; Plattsburgh Police Department; Florida law enforcement agencies including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire, including the Rochester Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Amherst Police Department; the Norwich, CT Police Department; law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts, including the Springfield, MA Police Department; the Pennsylvania State Police; the Delaware State Police; and law enforcement agencies in Maryland, including the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.
Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Viagrande, age 42, of Latham, New York, pled guilty today to distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
Viagrande admitted that from May 2021 through January 2024, he issued a total of 149 controlled substance prescriptions, to a total of five people, for no legitimate medical purpose. Viagrande also admitted to improperly issuing an additional 28 controlled substance prescriptions, to two people, from June 2019 to April 2020. Nearly all of the prescriptions were for amphetamine.
Viagrande admitted to prescribing dangerous amounts of amphetamine to someone (identified in court papers as “Individual-1”) who was not seeing him for patient visits in 2023 and 2024, while he also failed to keep medical records for Individual-1 and ignored indications that she was abusing the drug.
Viagrande also admitted to regularly prescribing amphetamine to “Individual-2” at Individual-1’s request, even though Individual-2 was never his patient. Viagrande admitted to ignoring indications that Individual-1 was picking up Individual-2’s prescriptions at pharmacies.
At sentencing, before Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr., Viagrande faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million, as well as at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
As part of his plea agreement, Viagrande surrendered his DEA registration, which had allowed him to prescribe controlled substances.
The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS) investigated this case. TDS is comprised of DEA Special Agents and Diversion Investigators, as well as Investigators from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett is prosecuting this case.
Albany County Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Taykwun Smoaks, age 32, of Albany, pled guilty today to receipt of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
Smoaks admitted that from February to March 2023, he received and possessed images and videos of child pornography on his computer and external hard drive. Smoaks admitted that he downloaded more than 600 images, including images of prepubescent minors, images that involved sadistic and masochistic conduct, and images involving the sexual abuse of toddlers.
At sentencing scheduled before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on December 16, 2024, Smoaks faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Smoaks may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his offenses and forfeit the devices used in the offenses. Smoaks would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI and the State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Lawrence County Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Skyler Keleher, age 23, of St. Lawrence County, was sentenced today to serve 30 years in federal prison for his conviction on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
In his prior guilty plea, Keleher admitted that on at least two separate occasions in 2017 he sexually abused a two-year-old child and livestreamed the abuse to others over the Internet, using Facebook Messenger and Facebook Live. Since then, video recordings of the abuse have been widely circulated over the Internet, and recovered by law enforcement in at least 26 separate investigations across the United States and abroad. While the videos were first documented by law enforcement in 2018, Keleher’s identity was not confirmed until 2022, at which time he was arrested by authorities.
Following his term of imprisonment, Keleher will be placed on a term of supervised release for life, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by FBI Operation Rescue Me, the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the New York State Police, Troop B. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Utica Man Sentenced for his Role in Large Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Bernabe Lopez, age 59, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to serve 88 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Carla Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office. Lopez was also ordered to serve a 4-year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, pay a $100 special assessment and a $4,950.00 money judgment, representing proceeds of his drug trafficking offense.
From May 2020 through October 2021, Lopez acquired quantities of fentanyl from co-conspirators in the Rodriguez Drug Trafficking Organization (Rodriguez DTO), which he then re-distributed to others in the Utica, New York area. Lopez also sold a cutting agent to members of the conspiracy for $10 a gram, knowing that the co-conspirators were adulterating fentanyl with the cutting agent to increase volume for sales.
Lopez was one of 9 defendants charged in the Rodriguez DTO. To date, all of the other defendants pled guilty and were sentenced as follows:
- Ivan Rodriguez, Sr., the head of the Rodriguez DTO, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl and one count of money laundering and was sentenced to 121 months incarceration.
- Eric Ares pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 120 months incarceration.
- Ivan Rodriguez, Jr. pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 120 months incarceration.
- Jose Morales pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and was sentenced to 120 months incarceration.
- Harry Rodriguez pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 84 months incarceration.
- Edgar Tejada pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced to 72 months incarceration.
- Angel Calderon Ortiz pled guilty to conspiring distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 60 months incarceration.
- Jose Aponte pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 40 months incarceration.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, Utica Police Department, Syracuse Police Department, Rome Police Department, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, New York Army National Guard Counter Drug Program, Yorkville Police Department, Whitesboro Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Four Counts of Workers’ Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEWYORK -- Christopher Gleason, age 36, of Auburn, New York appeared before U.S. District Court Judge David N. Hurd today and pleaded guilty to four counts of false statement to obtain federal employees’ compensation, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General - Northeast Region.
Gleason was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. On January 20, 2022, Gleason sprained his ankle while delivering mail. Shortly thereafter, Gleason began receiving workers’ compensation benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). To continue receiving benefits, Gleason was required to electronically complete, sign and file a Claim for Compensation Form CA-7 biweekly. On each form, Gleason was instructed to report any and all earnings from employment outside his federal job during the period claimed in the CA-7. The defendant admitted to filing multiple false claims affirming that he had not worked outside of his federal job, when the defendant was in fact working and earning income performing construction work while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. As a result of the false statements, Gleason received benefits totaling $14,858.94.
At sentencing, scheduled for December 11, 2024, Gleason faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00 a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, and Gleason will be required to pay restitution in the amount of the fraudulently obtained benefits. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson is prosecuting the case.
Former Cornell Student Sentenced for Posting Online Threats Against Jewish Students on CampusRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Patrick Dai, age 22, formerly a junior at Cornell University and originally from Pittsford, New York, was sentenced today to 21-months imprisonment for posting threats to kill or injure another person using interstate communications. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, and Cornell University Police Chief Anthony Bellamy.
Patrick Dai was also sentenced to a three-year term of post-incarceration supervised release to include no contact with Cornell University, mental health treatment, as well as restrictions and monitoring of his electronic devices and internet use.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Dai admitted that on October 28 and 29, 2023, he posted threatening messages to the Cornell section of an online discussion forum, including posts that said “gonna shoot up 104 west” (a dining hall at Cornell University that caters predominantly to Kosher diets and is next to the Cornell Jewish Center that provides residential accommodations for students) and “gonna bomb jewish house.” In another post, Dai threatened to “stab” and “slit the throat” of any Jewish man he saw on campus, to rape and throw off a cliff any Jewish women he saw, and to behead any Jewish babies. In that same post, Dai threatened to “bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig jews.”
“Every student has the right to pursue their education without fear of violence based on who they are, how they look, where they are from or how they worship,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Antisemitic threats of violence, like the defendant’s vicious and graphic threats here, violate that right. Today’s sentencing reaffirms that we will hold accountable those who violently threaten and intimidate others based on their religious practice or background. The Justice Department will continue to protect all Americans against bias-motivated crimes wherever they occur, including college campuses.”
“Today former Cornell University student Patrick Dai was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison for posting anonymous threats to kill Jewish students,” said United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman. “Before imposing sentence, the court found that this was a hate crime under the federal Sentencing Guidelines because Dai targeted Jewish students and substantially disrupted the university’s core function of educating its students. The defendant’s threats terrorized the Cornell campus community for days and shattered the community’s sense of safety. My office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute threats and acts of violence motivated by antisemitism and by hatred of any kind.”
“Mr. Dai’s actions serve as a disturbing reminder of the terrifying hatred our Jewish communities encounter simply because of their beliefs,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “Thanks to the strong partnerships between our Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the New York State Police, and the Cornell University Police Department, Dai was quickly identified, charged, and has remained in custody since that hateful day in October 2023. This sentence should serve as a reminder that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate any individual who perpetuates hate crimes to ensure our college campuses and communities at large remain free of hateful individuals who threaten the safety of Americans.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “No person should fear being attacked for who they are or what they believe. The sentencing of Mr. Dai is a reminder that there is zero tolerance for any individual that perpetuates hate crimes within our communities. I thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and our partners in law enforcement for their shared commitment to intercepting these crimes.”
Cornell University Police Chief Anthony G. Bellamy said, “The Cornell University Police Department is dedicated to the safety and security of our community. We appreciate the close collaboration of the U.S. Attorney Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New York law enforcement partners investigating this case and making a timely arrest. This sentencing affirms that threats against our community will not be tolerated.”
FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the New York State Police, investigated the case, with assistance from the Cornell University Police Department and the Ithaca Police Department
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J. L. Brown, Stephen C. Green and Michael D. Gadarian for the Northern District of New York prosecuted the case, with assistance from the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Cornell Student Sentenced for Posting Online Threats Against Jewish Students on CampusRead the Press Release
Patrick Dai, 22, formerly a junior at Cornell University and originally from Pittsford, New York, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a special assessment in the amount of $100 for posting threats to kill or injure another person using interstate communications.
“Every student has the right to pursue their education without fear of violence based on who they are, how they look, where they are from or how they worship,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Antisemitic threats of violence, like the defendant’s vicious and graphic threats here, violate that right. Today’s sentencing reaffirms that we will hold accountable those who violently threaten and intimidate others based on their religious practice or background. The Justice Department will continue to protect all Americans against bias motivated crimes wherever they occur, including college campuses.”
“Today, former Cornell University student Patrick Dai was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison for posting anonymous threats to kill Jewish students,” said U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman for the Northern District of New York. “Before imposing a sentence, the court found that this was a hate crime under the federal Sentencing Guidelines because Dai targeted Jewish students and substantially disrupted the university’s core function of educating its students. The defendant’s threats terrorized the Cornell campus community for days and shattered the community’s sense of safety. My office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute threats and acts of violence motivated by antisemitism and by hatred of any kind.”
“Mr. Dai’s actions serve as a disturbing reminder of the terrifying hatred our Jewish communities encounter simply because of their beliefs,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “Thanks to the strong partnerships between our Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the New York State Police and the Cornell University Police Department, Dai was quickly identified, charged and has remained in custody since that hateful day in October 2023. This sentence should serve as a reminder that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate any individual who perpetuates hate crimes to ensure our college campuses and communities at large remain free of hateful individuals who threaten the safety of Americans.”
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Dai admitted that, on Oct. 28 and 29, 2023, he posted threatening messages to the Cornell section of an online discussion forum, including posts that said “gonna shoot up 104 west” (a dining hall at Cornell University that caters predominantly to Kosher diets and is next to the Cornell Jewish Center that provides residential accommodations for students) and “gonna bomb jewish house.” In another post, Dai threatened to “stab” and “slit the throat” of any Jewish man he saw on campus, to rape and throw off a cliff any Jewish women he saw and to behead any Jewish babies. In that same post, Dai threatened to “bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig jews.”
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the New York State Police, investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Albany Field Office, Cornell University Police Department and Ithaca Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J. L. Brown, Stephen C. Green and Michael D. Gadarian for the Northern District of New York prosecuted the case, with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fraudulent Immigration and Employment DocumentsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gilberto Robles Gonzalez, age 39, and a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to possessing fraudulent immigration and employment documents.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas P. Brophy, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) Buffalo Field Office Director, made the announcement.
Gonzalez admitted that on May 6, 2024, he possessed a counterfeit permanent resident card and a counterfeit social security card, both in his name, and knew that the cards were fraudulent.
At sentencing scheduled for December 5, 2024, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
ICE-ERO investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss is prosecuting the case.
Two Plead Guilty in Nationwide Marijuana Trafficking and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – LaFay Pearson, aka “Lala,” age 23, and Alyssa June White, age 31, both of Troy, New York, pled guilty to offenses related to their involvement in nationwide marijuana trafficking and money laundering conspiracies.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf; and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Pearson admitted to being a member of a marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) trafficking organization that cultivated marijuana on a commercial scale in Fresno, California, and shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region of New York.
Pearson admitted to receiving packages of marijuana shipped by Dwight A. Singletary, II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” and McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, at her home in Troy. Pearson was notified of the packages of marijuana by Coles and David Singletary, aka “DB,” and was paid between $300 and $400 in cash per package of marijuana received. Pearson worked with her brother, Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, aka “Zay,” to receive the packages of marijuana, and between May 2020 and January 2021, received 11 packages containing approximately 72 kilograms, or 159 pounds, of marijuana. Pearson also admitting to packaging marijuana for sale and to texting with Coles, Clements, and David Singletary about doing so.
White admitted to conspiring with Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, and Lawrence Mumphrey, aka “L,” to launder the proceeds of marijuana and THC sales by purchasing cashier’s checks with cash drug proceeds.
Federal law requires financial institutions to complete a currency transaction report for cash transactions over $10,000. To avoid the reporting requirement and otherwise conceal the cash drug proceeds, White purchased six cashier’s checks in amounts slightly below the reporting threshold for cash transactions with $57,240 in cash drug proceeds. The cashier’s checks were payable to Dwight Singletary; Dwight Singletary’s real estate lawyers; and Dwight Singletary’s company, DAS Empire, Inc.
Pearson faces up to 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release of between three years and life, and a fine of up to $1 million for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
White faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and may also be required to serve up to three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit money laundering.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Pearson and White were charged in an indictment with Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, Coles, Clements, Mumphrey, and 17 other people charging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, Coles, Clements, and Mumphrey have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.
In addition to Pearson and White, 12 other defendants, Rosemary Coles, Latrice Mumphrey, Sammy Olague, Victor Turner, Kristle Walker, Ruby Ledesma, Lateek White, Onisha Smith, Jazell Shuler, Earnest Flood, aka “Pop,” Consanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” and James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” previously pled guilty and are pending sentencing.
The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Dustin C. Segovia are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Liberian Citizen Admits to Unlawfully Possessing Two Firearms as a FelonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mana Sambola a/k/a “Coffee,” age 41, a Liberian citizen residing in Saratoga Springs, New York, pled guilty today to illegally possessing two firearms.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
A search warrant executed at Sambola’s apartment on May 22, 2023, led to the recovery of a Glock 43 pistol; an Anderson Manufacturing AM15 assault rifle; and four boxes of ammunition. Sambola has prior felony convictions that prevent him from lawfully possessing those firearms and ammunition.
Sambola faces a maximum term of 15 years in prison; a fine of up to $250,000; and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); the Warren County District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices; the New York State Police; and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.
Chenango County Man Admits to Posting Facebook Threats and Illegally Possessing Three FirearmsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – James Kenyon, age 52, of Smithville Flats, New York, pled guilty yesterday to transmitting a threat to injure in interstate commerce and unlawfully possessing three firearms while subject to a domestic violence order of protection.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Kenyon admitted that on December 10, 2022, he made a profanity-laced Facebook post in which he threatened to decapitate another individual and told the individual to move out-of-state. Kenyon also admitted to possessing two rifles and a shotgun on December 29, 2022, while subject to a domestic violence restraining order that prohibited him from possessing any firearms.
The charges to which Kenyon pled guilty carry a combined maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Kenyon also agreed to forfeit all three firearms.
The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.
Felon Sentenced to 63 Months for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Derbie Michel, age 33, formerly of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
In previously pleading guilty, Michel, who has three prior felony convictions, admitted that he possessed five rounds of ammunition on October 15, 2022. According to court documents filed by the Government, Michel threw these rounds of ammunition from a car while fleeing from members of the Troy Police Department on October 15, 2022. He also threw a privately made firearm, or “ghost gun,” from the car during the same pursuit.
In imposing the sentence, Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. found that Michel recklessly endangered others by instructing the driver of the car to engage in the car chase and later obstructed justice by making materially false statements about that conduct in connection with his sentencing. Judge Scullin also ordered Michel to serve a 3-year term of supervised release upon Michel’s release from prison.
The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Troy Police Department, investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Allen J. Vickey prosecuted the case.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Mergim Ademi, age 24, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to firearms offenses including Dealing in Firearms Without a License, Sale of Firearms and Ammunition to a Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
As part of his guilty plea, Ademi admitted that between approximately January 2023 and March 2024, he obtained firearms and firearm parts, advertised them for sale through Facebook and other means, then sold them to customers in exchange for cash, knowing that he did not hold a license as a firearms dealer. Ademi further admitted that in 7 transactions between December 19, 2023 and March 28, 2024, he sold a rifle, 9 handguns (including some that were privately made firearms, and some that had been reported stolen), a forced reset trigger, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Ademi acknowledged that he sold firearms and ammunition to an individual whom he had reasonable cause to believe was a felon. Ademi also admitted that he sold firearms to a customer at a location that was within approximately 260 feet of the grounds of a charter high school in Syracuse, New York.
At sentencing scheduled for November 27, 2024, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd, Ademi faces a combined maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment and a criminal fine of up to $750,000. Additionally, Ademi may be required to serve a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
ATF and the Syracuse Police Department investigated the case, with the assistance of the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Forestport Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Henry C. Albrecht, Jr., age 54, of Forestport, New York, was sentenced today to serve 180 months (15 years) in federal prison for presenting, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
During his previously entered guilty plea, Albrecht admitted that, from at least May 2021 through February 28, 2023, he received child pornography images and videos using social media messaging applications and from another adult who gave him a flash drive with child pornography files saved onto it. Albrecht admitted further that, in December 2022, he had a live video call with another adult and shared his screen with that person and presented multiple videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Albrecht also possessed more than 2,500 files of child pornography on various devices on the day of his arrest.
In addition to imposing a 15-year term of imprisonment, United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Albrecht to serve a 15-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, at which time Albrecht will be required to register as a sex offender. Albrecht also was ordered to forfeit to the United States the electronic devices he used to commit the offenses.
HSI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Utica Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Carlos Pena Uceta, age 34, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 130 months in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his plea on February 27, 2024, Pena Uceta admitted that, on June 4, 2023, he possessed a duffel bag in his vehicle containing five kilograms of cocaine, which he had just purchased in New York City and was transporting back to the Northern District of New York. Pena Uceta further admitted that, on the same date, he also possessed two kilograms of cocaine and a Polymer 80 9mm “ghost gun” in a suitcase at his apartment.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda Sannes also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, which will start when Pena Uceta is released from prison.
The DEA investigated the case with assistance from New York State Police, Utica Police Department, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.
Slingerlands Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Fuino, age 75, of Slingerlands, New York, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Fuino admitted that between the summer of 2022 and April 2023, he babysat a young female child at his residence. During this period, Fuino used the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. The victim was 6 years old when the conduct began.
If United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing on November 26, 2024, Fuino will receive a prison term of 180 months, at least 15 years of supervised release to follow that term of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000. He will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim, forfeit the device used in the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force – comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department – investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Utica Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Distributing, Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dustin Smith, age 30, of Utica, New York, pled guilty yesterday to a four-count indictment charging him with distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Smith admitted that he has a 2013 conviction for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree in Oneida County Court, and that in 2022, while under parole supervision for that conviction, he possessed a cell phone which he used to send, receive, and possess thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Specifically, Smith admitted that he used the cell phone to exchange videos of child pornography with at least two identified minor children.
At sentencing scheduled for November 20, 2024, Smith faces a statutory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 15 years, and a maximum of 40 years on each of the receipt and distribution counts, and a term of at least 10 years, with a maximum of 20 years imprisonment on the possession count. Additionally, Smith will be required to serve a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of between 5 years and life, must register as a sex offender upon release, pay restitution to the victims of his offenses, and forfeit the device he used to commit the crimes. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
HSI investigated this case with assistance from the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit, New York State Parole, and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt, Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Lawrence Boone, age 28, of Syracuse pled guilty today to multiple counts of receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James.
On several occasions from August through November 2023, Boone received images and videos of child pornography from other users on a smartphone messaging application. In exchange, Boone sent those users images and videos of child pornography that he possessed. Law enforcement arrested Boone on November 21, 2023, and seized multiple electronic devices used by Boone. Digital forensic analysis revealed that Boone possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on each of the devices.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2024, before United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Boone faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison on the receipt and distribution charges, a maximum term of 20 years in prison for each of the indicted charges, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between 5 years and up to life. Boone will also be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The case is being investigated by HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.