Northern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andrew Deleon, age 27, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and to the distribution of methamphetamine.
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 Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement.
Deleon admitted that he received multiple packages in the U.S. Mail that he knew contained controlled substances and intended to give the controlled substances to the leader of his drug trafficking organization. Deleon further admitted that he also distributed methamphetamine on behalf of the organization. As part of the conspiracy, Deleon distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 1,827.18 grams of pure methamphetamine and 10.68 grams of fentanyl.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 12, 2024 before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Deleon faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a supervised release term of at least 3 years and up to life, to begin 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.
Three other defendants charged as part of this conspiracy have pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and to the distribution of methamphetamine, and are scheduled to be sentenced as follows:
- Melissa Karwan, age 37, of Schenectady, New York, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2024.
- Flor Arencibia, age 39, of Albany, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 7, 2024.
- Stefanie Plass, age 37, of Schenectady, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2024.
The DEA and USPIS investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.
This case 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.
Four More Defendants Arraigned in Connection with Nationwide Conspiracy Targeting Credit UnionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Victor Barriera, age 63, of the Bronx, New York, Jerjuan Joyner, age 49, of Brooklyn, New York, Akeem Balogun, age 53, of Brooklyn, and Lesley Lucchese, age 53, of Brooklyn, have been arrested on an indictment charging a bank fraud conspiracy that targeted credit unions all over the country starting in December 2021. All eight defendants have now been arraigned on the indictment.
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.
According to the indictment, court filings, and statements made by prosecutors in court, beginning in at least December 2021, Oluwaseun Adekoya, a/k/a “John Calling,” age 38, a Nigerian citizen residing in Newark, New Jersey, and David Daniyan, a/k/a “Bamikole Laniyan,” a/k/a “David Enfield,” a/k/a “Tajudeen Dosunmu,” a/k/a “David James,” a/k/a “Tony James,” a/k/a “James Bush,” age 59, a Nigerian citizen residing in Brooklyn, obtained the personal identifying information of scores of individuals who banked at credit unions throughout the United States.
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 was designed to allow customers of localized credit unions easier access to their accounts when traveling throughout the country. However, according to the indictment, the defendants exploited this network by creating fake identifications in the names of real credit union customers, but with photographs of other individuals, whom they employed to conduct fraudulent transactions at shared branch member credit unions all over the country. In total, the indictment charges the eight defendants with obtaining more than $900,000, which ringleaders allegedly used to purchase luxury items including Rolex watches, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and high-end clothing and apparel. The fraud was perpetrated in Albany, Clinton, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties in the Northern District of New York, and all over the country.
According to statements made by prosecutors and court filings, authorities have seized over $45,000 in cash proceeds of the conspiracy, and an estimated tens of thousands of dollars in jewelry and merchandise, including Rolex watches, Gucci handbags, and Jimmy Choo shoes – many of which were new in their boxes.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The following defendants are charged in the indictment:
- Adekoya is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Daniyan is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Gaysha Kennedy, age 45, of Brooklyn, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
- Danielle Cappetti, age 45, of the Bronx, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Barriera is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Lucchese is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft;
- Joyner is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud; and
- Balogun is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Adeyoka, Daniyan, Barriera and Joyner have each been ordered detained pending trial; the other defendants were released with conditions.
The bank fraud conspiracy charges carry a maximum term of 30 years in prison and the aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed on the bank fraud charge. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
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.
Utica Man Sentenced for Possession of Cocaine for Distribution and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Edgar Tejada, age 36, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 12 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and 60 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Those sentences were ordered to run consecutively, for a total of 72 months (6 years) imprisonment.
The announcement was made by 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, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea, Tejada admitted to possessing over 500 grams of cocaine for distribution at his residence in Utica, as well as possessing a loaded silver Ruger handgun to protect himself and the drugs he kept at that location.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the New York State Police, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, the Utica Police Department, the Syracuse Police Department, the Rome Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, New York Army National Guard Counter Drug Program, the Yorkville Village Police Department, and the Whitesboro Village Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.
This case 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.
Leader of the Rodriguez Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Ivan Rodriguez, Senior, age 48, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 121 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of more than 400 grams of fentanyl, and money laundering, 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, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office.
After a lengthy investigation, Rodriguez, Sr. was identified as the head of a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl in and around Oneida County from May 2020 to October 2021. On September 20, 2021, the defendant and his son, Ivan Rodriguez, Jr. arranged for co-conspirator Eric Ares to drive to a source of supply in New York City to pick up fentanyl for redistribution in the Utica area. Law enforcement officers interdicted the vehicle en route back to Utica and recovered three kilograms of fentanyl from a speaker inside of Ares’ rental car. During the conspiracy, Rodriguez, Sr. also provided cash obtained from drug trafficking to a straw purchaser to buy cars, including a BMW.
Ivan Rodriguez, Jr. will be sentenced on May 2, 2024. Eric Ares will be sentenced April 11, 2024.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the New York State Police, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, the Utica Police Department, the Syracuse Police Department, the Rome Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, New York Army National Guard Counter Drug Program, the Yorkville Village Police Department, and the Whitesboro Village Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.
This case 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.
Albany Man Indicted for Fentanyl SalesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jahvan Martin, age 28, of Albany, was arrested and arraigned yesterday on two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
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.
Martin is charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl in June-July 2023. Both sales involved more than 40 grams of the controlled substance. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Martin faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, and at least 4 years of supervised release after completing his term of imprisonment. 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.
Martin was arraigned yesterday in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and detained pending a hearing on March 11.
The DEA and the Watervliet Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case.
Oneida County Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Carol Evans, age 56, of Sauquoit, New York, pled guilty today to multiple counts of wire fraud. 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.
As part of her guilty plea, Evans admitted that, while she was employed at Sullivan Contracting, Inc., she doctored invoices from vendors to reflect inflated charges. Unaware that the invoices were altered, Sullivan Contracting, Inc. then issued checks for the amount due in the doctored invoices and gave the checks to Evans to pay the invoices. Instead, Evans deposited the checks into her own bank account. Thereafter, Evans paid the vendors the amount due in the unaltered invoices or kept the entire payment herself. Altogether, Evans admitted to depositing approximately $1,800,000 in checks into her personal bank account from Sullivan Contracting, Inc.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2024, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd. Evans faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 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.
The FBI is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck is prosecuting the case.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States After an Aggravated FelonyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Altagracios De La Cruz-Calderon, age 60, who was living in Oneida County, pled guilty yesterday to illegally reentering the United States after previously being convicted of an aggravated felony. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas P. Brophy, Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ICE-ERO) Buffalo, NY announced.
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, De La Cruz-Calderon admitted that he had been convicted of federal drug and gun charges in the 1990s and spent several years in federal prison. After his prison sentence he was deported to the Dominican Republic. De La Cruz-Calderon admitted that, after he was deported, he returned to the United States illegally and was later found in New Hartford, New York.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2024, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. De La Cruz-Calderon faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years, to begin after the imposition of any term of imprisonment. 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE-ERO investigated the case with the help of the United States Marshall Service and the New Hartford Police Department and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck.
Former New York Cheese Producer Pleads Guilty in Connection with Raw Milk Products Linked to Listeria OutbreakRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Johannes Vulto, age 64, a former raw milk cheese manufacturer, and Vulto Creamery LLC, the company Vulto founded and owned, each pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to guilty to one misdemeanor count of causing the introduction of adulterated food into interstate commerce, relating to the sale and distribution of cheese that was linked to a 2016-2017 outbreak of listeriosis, the disease caused by the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. These guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division; and Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillan of FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office.
In pleading guilty, Vulto admitted that he oversaw operations at the Vulto Creamery manufacturing facility in Walton, New York, including those relating to sanitation and environmental monitoring. Vulto and Vulto Creamery both admitted that between December 2014 and March 2017, they caused the shipment in interstate commerce of adulterated cheese. According to the plea agreement, environmental swabs taken at the Vulto Creamery facility between approximately July 2014 and February 2017 repeatedly tested positive for Listeria species. The Listeria family includes both harmless species and L. monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis in humans. In March 2017, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked Vulto Creamery’s cheese to an outbreak of listeriosis, Vulto shut down the Vulto Creamery facility and issued a partial recall that was expanded to a full recall within weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the listeriosis outbreak resulted in eight hospitalizations and two deaths.
“This investigation and prosecution hold accountable the defendant and his business who through unsafe practices caused illness and death to consumers in an entirely preventable tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Freedman. “The law enforcement and regulatory partners involved in this case will continue to work together to bring to justice those who endanger the public through unsafe and unsanitary products and facilities.”
“It is crucial that American consumers be able to trust that the foods they buy are safe to eat,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Boynton. “The department will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to hold responsible food manufacturers that sell dangerously contaminated products.”
“U.S. consumers rely on the FDA to ensure that their food is safe and wholesome,” said Special Agent in Charge McMillan. “When companies and individuals put themselves above the law by producing food that endangers and harms the public, as occurred in this case, we will see that they are brought to justice.”
Listeriosis is a severe, invasive illness that can be life-threatening in some cases. Persons who have the greatest risk of experiencing listeriosis due to consumption of foods contaminated with L. monocytogenes are pregnant women and their newborns, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems.
The charge to which Vulto pled guilty carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison, a term of supervised release of up to one year, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge to which Vulto Creamery pled guilty carries a maximum sentence of Probation and a maximum fine of up to $500,000. 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. Vulto and Vulto Creamery will be sentenced on July 9, 2024, by United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks.
The case has been investigated by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and it is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney James T. Nelson of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Northern District of New York Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Further information about the case will be posted under “Information for Victims in Large Cases” at the Consumer Protection Branch’s website: www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the enforcement efforts of the Consumer Protection Branch visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of a Drug Dealer in GuilderlandRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jorge L. Rosario, age 53, of Albany, pled guilty today to robbing a marijuana dealer and brandishing a pistol in furtherance of the robbery at the dealer’s residence in Guilderland.
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); and Guilderland Police Chief Daniel P. McNally made the announcement.
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.
Rosario will be sentenced on July 9, 2024 by Chief United States District Judge Branda K. Sannes. Under the terms of Rosario’s plea agreement, the parties have jointly recommended that Rosario receive a prison term of between 168 and 188 months, and a 5-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.
Madera previously pled guilty to armed robbery and brandishing charges, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 3, 2024. He faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 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.
This case was investigated by ATF and the Town of Guilderland Police Department, with the assistance of the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmet O’Hanlon and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting 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.
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ocyris Morgan, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
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.
Morgan admitted that he intended to sell the 21.4 grams of methamphetamine law enforcement seized from his house on June 1, 2023, and when he overheard agents saying they found between one-half and one ounce of methamphetamine, Morgan corrected them, “21.7, to be exact.” Morgan also admitted to receiving $10,130 over the course of 12 instances in which he sold a total of 93 grams of methamphetamine and 50 grams of cocaine base to several customers. He further admitted to possessing a firearm and bullet proof vest.
When sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes, Morgan faces a mandatory prison term of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 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.
The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Task Force – made up of FBI Special Agents, as well as members of other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies including the Schenectady Police Department – investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.
Albany Felon Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Charles E. Williams, age 35, of Albany, was sentenced today to 55 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement.
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force tracked Williams to a hotel in Albany County to arrest him for a kidnapping. When searching his hotel room on November 18, 2021, Deputy Marshals found a .357 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver. Williams was prohibited under federal law from possessing the firearm as a result of a prior New York State felony conviction for assault in the first degree.
Since committing this federal offense, Williams has also been convicted of additional felonies for kidnapping, robbery, assault and witness intimidation charges in state courts in Albany and Rensselaer Counties; and he faces additional armed robbery charges in Albany County.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 3-year-term of supervised release.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case with assistance from the North Greenbush Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case.
Three Onondaga County Residents Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Devon Drake, age 33, Lacey Fontaine, age 33, and Henry Townsend, age 28, each of Syracuse, have been indicted and charged with distributing and conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Drake is also charged with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.
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.
The charges filed against Drake, Fontaine, and Townsend carry a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a term of 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.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DEA is investigating the case with assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Carbone and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck are prosecuting the case.
Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 70 Months for Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Danielle Simonson, age 52, of Fort Ann, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations, made the announcement.
In previously pleading guilty, Simonson admitted that from at least January 2020 through October 2022, she unlawfully prescribed controlled substances to a total of 54 patients. Simonson issued hundreds of unlawful prescriptions, including for the opioids hydrocodone and oxycodone, benzodiazepines (clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam), and the stimulants amphetamine (e.g. Adderall) and methylphenidate. For instance, Simonson admitted that she issued a total of 63 oxycodone prescriptions to two residents of Suffolk County, New York, without treating either of them for a medical condition. The Suffolk County residents usually paid Simonson by mailing her packages of cash concealed within DVD cases.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a $10,000 fine and ordered Simonson to serve a 2-year term of supervised release following her term of imprisonment. Simonson has already surrendered her nurse practitioner and nursing licenses to the State of New York, and surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).
In a separate civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Simonson admitted that she improperly prescribed controlled substances to 105 patients (including the 54 listed in her criminal plea agreement), often without ever examining patients and maintaining medical records justifying her decision to prescribe controlled substances. Simonson paid $200,000 to settle claims that the United States could have brought against her pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act.
The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated the criminal case, with assistance from the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran represented the United States in the civil matter.
Montgomery County Man Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Francis T. DiCaprio, age 29, of Amsterdam, New York, was ordered detained today on charges that he received and possessed child pornography, announced 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).
According to a criminal complaint, on February 15, 2024, DiCaprio possessed a phone that contained numerous electronic files depicting the sexual abuse of children. The complaint also alleges that the phone contained a conversation on an encrypted instant messaging service wherein the apparent owner of the device solicited and received child pornography files. The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted of the charges in the complaint, DiCaprio 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. DiCaprio may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his offenses and forfeit the device used in the offenses. DiCaprio would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The case is being investigated by FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and investigators from state and local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Allen J. Vickey are 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), 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.
Ithaca Man Sentenced to 156 Months on Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Odell, Tindley, age 31, of Ithaca, New York was sentenced yesterday to serve 156 months (13 years) in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (methamphetamine and cocaine) in Watertown, New York.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office; and Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna S. Mills made the announcement.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Tindley admitted that he distributed 83 grams (over two ounces) of cocaine in Watertown on May 25, 2021, and arranged for delivery of a large quantity of methamphetamine later the same day. Investigators of the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force interdicted a car driven by a coconspirator of Tindley as it entered Watertown late in the evening of May 25, 2021. A search of this vehicle resulted in the recovery of 904 grams (just under 32 ounces) of methamphetamine and approximately a pound of marijuana.
Tindley was also sentenced to a 5-year term of supervised release following completion of his federal prison sentence.
At the time of his arrest on his federal drug charges, Tindley was residing in Watertown as part of a mandated pre-sentence drug rehabilitation program stemming from his guilty plea to a New York State felony drug charge in Tompkins County Court. On October 6, 2022, Tindley was sentenced to serve two-years in state prison for that offense.
The case was investigated by the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, consisting of Special Agents from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol Agents, Detectives from the Watertown Police Department, Detectives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, and Investigators from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck prosecuted the case.
Former Marine Corps Private from Kingston Pleads Guilty to Gun Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Rylan Peterson, age 22, of Kingston, New York, pled guilty on Wednesday to conspiring with others to unlawfully obtain firearms from a licensed dealer by making false statements, also known as “straw purchasing” firearms, and to unlawfully transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
Peterson, a native of Kingston then serving as a private first class in the Marine Corps at a base in North Carolina, admitted that he entered into an agreement with Oryn McLeod, for Peterson to acquire six semi-automatic handguns on behalf of McLeod and others. Peterson then obtained the guns from North Carolina resident Mitchell Locke, who purchased them from a licensed dealer in North Carolina, falsely representing at the time of the purchase that he was acquiring the firearms for himself. McLeod paid Peterson for the guns, which Peterson transported to New York from North Carolina. McLeod was subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of two of the handguns.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2024, before Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. Peterson faces up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 5 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 has pled guilty to conspiracy to make false representations in connection with purchasing firearms. Locke is pending trial on the same charge. The charges against Locke are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
ATF and the Kingston Police Department are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin C. Segovia and Emmet O’Hanlon are prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
Long Island Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kenny Gonzalez, age 30, of Bayshore, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
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, Gonzalez admitted that he and his co-conspirator drove from Long Island to Queens where they picked up approximately two kilograms of cocaine from their drug supplier. Gonzalez and his co-conspirator intended to distribute the cocaine in the Northern District of New York.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release to follow Gonzalez’s prison term.
The case was investigated by DEA Albany with the assistance DEA Long Island and members of the Suffolk County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted the case.
Colonie Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Rocco Resciniti, a/k/a “Rock,” age 50, of Colonie, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to defraud the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) by obtaining unemployment insurance benefits under the name of another person, including benefits funded by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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, North East Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG).
Resciniti admitted that he provided Carl J. DiVeglia III with the personal identifying information of three individuals, which DiVeglia used to file false claims via the NYSDOL website. Resciniti further admitted that as a result of the fraudulent applications submitted by DiVeglia, the NYSDOL paid $69,718 in unemployment insurance benefits. As part of his plea agreement, Resciniti agreed to pay $69,718 in restitution to the State of New York. DiVeglia previously pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $1.6 million in unemployment insurance benefits as part of the scheme. Charges against two of Resciniti’s three co-defendants, Todd Ward and Jamaine Myers, are still pending; the charges against them are merely allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The third co-defendant, Christopher Ward, pled guilty earlier this month.
Resciniti faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on July 18, 2024 by United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
The FBI and USDOL-OIG are investigating this case, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.
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.
Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Stolen Valor Offense and Unlawfully Forging Military Discharge PaperworkRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Randall J. Montour, age 45, a resident of Cornwall, Ontario, pled guilty today to violating the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 and to falsifying his military discharge certificate. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement.
Montour admitted that he falsely altered his Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Form DD-214, to reflect he received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and that he earned numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations or campaign ribbons, including the Purple Heart. Military records show, however, that Montour received a bad-conduct discharge from the Air Force in 2001 and was awarded only the Air Force Training Ribbon during his time in service. He is not a Purple Heart recipient. Montour also admitted that he used his altered Form DD-214 to purchase Purple Heart Recipient license plates from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, which he then affixed to his vehicle.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2024. Montour faces up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 1 year. 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 United States Marshals Service investigated the case with assistance from the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas G. Collyer is prosecuting the case.
Motorcycle Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Six FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael C. McDermott, age 30, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for stealing six firearms from a Walmart, a federally licensed firearms dealer. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Bethlehem Police Chief Gina F. Cocchiara made the announcement.
When pleading guilty last October, McDermott admitted to forcing his way into the Walmart in Glenmont, New York, while it was closed overnight, smashing the glass gun case, and stealing five shotguns and one rifle. McDermott also admitted that when employees chased him into the woods, he pointed a firearm at them.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year-term of supervised release, which includes a special condition of supervision barring McDermott from any association with members, associates and/or prospects of the Suicide Squad motorcycle gang.
The ATF and Bethlehem Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.
Jury Convicts Oswego County Man of Receiving, Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Austin Tennant, age 29, of Phoenix, New York, was convicted on Friday, after a four-day jury trial, on four counts of Distribution of Child Pornography, three counts of Receipt of Child Pornography, and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. The charges relate to Tennant’s distribution of child pornography he downloaded from the Internet as well as child pornography he received directly from child victims he chatted with online.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The evidence at trial established that, between September 2022 and January 2023, Tennant obtained from the Internet and directly from child victims hundreds of videos and thousands of images of child pornography. The evidence further established that Tennant later redistributed that same child pornography to others, including to other children in an effort to induce them to provide him with sexually explicit images and videos of themselves.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2024, in Syracuse, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. For each of his convictions on Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, Tennant faces a term of imprisonment between five and twenty years, and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years on his conviction for Possession of Child Pornography. Tennant also faces a fine of up to $250,000, mandatory restitution to the victims, and a term of supervised release between five years and life. Tennant will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by HSI Syracuse with assistance from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck 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.
Sex Offender Indicted for Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dustin Smith, age 30, of Rome, New York, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with distributing, 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.
Smith was previously convicted in Oneida County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and is rated a Level 3 Sex Offender. The indictment filed against Smith alleges that, in April 2022, he sent and received images and videos of child pornography with two other individuals using Snapchat, and that he possessed images of child pornography on his cellphone.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, and a maximum term of 40 years, in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between 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.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HSI investigated this case with assistance from New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit, New York State Parole, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone 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.
Utica Woman Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Melisa Muminovic, age 26, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to 72 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division, and Chief Mark Williams, Utica Police Department.
As part of her prior guilty plea, Muminovic admitted that between approximately January 2021 and July 2021, she conspired with Jahari Brown, Jr. and others to knowingly and intentionally distribute fentanyl in the Utica area. More specifically, she acknowledged that she agreed to keep bags of fentanyl mixture at her residence and other locations, which she delivered to Brown and others, who in turn sold the fentanyl mixture to customers. Muminovic also admitted that in furtherance of the conspiracy, she accompanied Brown to the New York City area for the purpose of purchasing fentanyl and bringing it back to the Utica area, where it would be packaged for sale.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Muminovic to serve a term of supervised release of 4 years, upon her release from prison.
Five other defendants were charged in the indictment as co-conspirators with Muminovic. All of them pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced as follows:
Jahari Brown, Jr., aka “JB,” aka “Yay,” age 23, of Utica, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced on April 26, 2023, to serve 216 months (18 years) in federal prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release and an order of forfeiture totaling $177,874. He also pleaded guilty in Oneida County Court to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, and was sentenced to serve a total of 18 years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision. The Federal and New York State sentences are to be served concurrently. The cases in Oneida County Court were prosecuted by the Oneida County District Attorney's Office.
Kymani K. Minott, aka “Bizz,” aka “K-Bizz,” age 20, of Utica, was sentenced on July 14, 2022, to 60 months’ imprisonment, 4 years’ supervised release, and an order of forfeiture of $2,500. Minott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and distribution of, a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
Daequon D. Perkins, age 26, of Utica, was sentenced on November 10, 2022 to 27 months’ imprisonment, 4 years’ supervised release, and an order of forfeiture of $2,500. Perkins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and distribution of, a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
Mark W. Baker, age 45, of Utica, was sentenced on May 18, 2023, to 110 months’ imprisonment, 4 years’ supervised release, and forfeiture of $1,193, three firearms (a .40-caliber pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a 12-caliber shotgun), and assorted rounds of ammunition. Baker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possession with the intent to distribute, a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Matthew Brooks, age 37, of Utica, was sentenced on July 25, 2023, to 108 months’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, and forfeiture of $3,377 and four firearms (a Mossberg .22 caliber rifle, an Armalite M-15 semiautomatic rifle, a Mossberg Maverick 88 12-gauge shotgun, and a Mossberg 500A, 12-gauge shotgun). Brooks pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
New York State Police-Special Investigations Unit (NYSP-SIU) and investigators from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the City of Utica Police Department, DEA, and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Richard R. Southwick prosecuted the case.
Middleburgh Woman Sentenced to 36 Months for Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Teirra Pickering, age 59, of Middleburgh, New York, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison on four counts of distributing controlled substances, including heroin-fentanyl mixtures. 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 her prior guilty plea, Pickering admitted that she distributed heroin-fentanyl mixtures on four occasions between late February 2021 and early March 2021. One of the people Pickering distributed to died hours later of an overdose.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to follow the prison term.
DEA and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia prosecuted the case.
Greene County Sex Offender Sentenced to 175 Months for Possessing Child Pornography and Supervised Release ViolationsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gregory Kurzajczyk, age 76, of East Durham, New York, was sentenced today to a total of 175 months in prison following trial convictions for possessing child pornography – crimes he committed while on federal supervised release.
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.
Kurzajczyk was convicted of four counts of child pornography possession following a 3-day jury trial in October 2023. Kurzajczyk had prior federal convictions for receiving and distributing child pornography, and was sentenced in January 2017 to 72 months in prison and a life term of supervised release. Kurzajczyk was released from prison in October 2021 and returned home to Greene County under the supervision of the United States Probation Office.
The trial evidence showed that during a routine home visit on February 16, 2022, a United States Probation Officer saw an unauthorized laptop computer in plain view in Kurzajczyk’s bedroom, which led to the discovery of two more unauthorized laptops, and dozens of other unauthorized computer devices, many of them hidden under the covers of Kurzajczyk’s bed. Two laptops and two USB drives each contained a large amount of child pornography, including image and video files depicting the sexual abuse of small children.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Kurzajczyk to a total of 175 months in prison – 151 months for the trial convictions, to run consecutively to a time-served term of 24 months for Kurzajczyk’s violation of his conditions of supervised release. Judge D’Agostino also imposed a 15-year term of post-imprisonment supervision, ordered forfeiture of the devices on which Kurzajczyk possessed child pornography, and ordered Kurzajczyk to pay $39,000 to victims whose images of sexual abuse Kurzajczyk possessed. Kurzajczyk will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The United States Probation Office for the Northern District of New York initiated this investigation, and the case was also investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this 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.
Former New York Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Timothy Blackman, age 53, of Daniel Island, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Utica to 24 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to filing a false federal income tax return. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), New York Field Office, made the announcement.
In previously pleading guilty, Blackman admitted that while living in Auburn, New York, he was a self-employed contractor providing construction and remodeling services to customers. During the years 2007 through 2010, Blackman failed to file income tax returns with the IRS and failed to pay income taxes. After learning of an IRS criminal investigation in June 2010 concerning his income taxes, Blackman filed his 2007 individual tax return late, and willfully falsified that return by understating his true business receipts and total income from his construction and remodeling business. In addition to the term of imprisonment, United States District Judge David Hurd ordered Blackman to serve 1 year of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $42,121.
Blackman previously pled guilty to felony tax evasion in the Northern District of New York on March 19, 2004, for which he received a term of 15 months in prison.
IRS-CI investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Perry and Acting Section Chief John N. Kane of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison Following his Jury Trial Convictions for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - James Mack, age 40, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 15 years (180 months) in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile (SPD), Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division Frank A. Tarentino III, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) John B. DeVito made the announcement.
The evidence at trial established that Mack used his Honda Accord as a stash location for his drug trafficking operation. During a search of the defendant’s vehicle on February 12, 2020, SPD Detectives located a hidden compartment (or “trap”) in the dashboard. From within the trap, Detectives recovered over 400 grams of cocaine, over 100 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine), and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The defendant was at that time under federal supervision from a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Mack was also sentenced today to serve an 8-year term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence, and a concurrent term of imprisonment for violating his previous federal supervision.
The Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division (SID), DEA, and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian LaRochelle and Jessica Carbone prosecuted the defendant.
Queens Man Sentenced for Smuggling SnakesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Calvin Bautista, age 38, of Richmond Hill, New York, was sentenced today to one year of probation and fined $5,000 for smuggling three Burmese pythons into the United States at the Champlain Port of Entry.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Ryan Noel, Regional Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, made the announcement.
Bautista previously admitted that on July 15, 2018, he smuggled three Burmese pythons in his pants as he rode on a bus that crossed the U.S.-Canadian border at the Champlain Port of Entry in Clinton County, New York. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers discovered the snakes while reviewing Bautista’s passport and conducting a border search. The young adult snakes were in snake bags attached to Bautista’s pants near his inner thigh. Bautista did not obtain the required permits and documentation to import the snakes into the United States. As their name suggests, Burmese pythons are not native to North America and are an invasive species.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and CBP investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case.
Kingston Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Straw Purchase FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Oryin McLeod, age 23, of Kingston, New York, 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 John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
McLeod admitted that he entered into an agreement with Rylan Peterson, a native of Kingston then serving in the Marine Corps at a base in North Carolina, for Peterson to acquire six semi-automatic handguns on behalf of McLeod and others. Peterson then obtained the guns from North Carolina resident Mitchell Locke, who purchased them from a licensed dealer in North Carolina, falsely representing at the time of the purchase that he was acquiring the firearms for himself. McLeod paid Peterson for the guns, which Peterson transported to New York from North Carolina. McLeod was subsequently arrested in unlawful possession of two of the handguns.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2024, before Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. McLeod 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.
Peterson and Locke are indicted on the same charge and pending trial. Peterson is also charged with two additional firearms crimes. The charges against these defendants are merely accusations, and they presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
ATF and the Kingston Police Department are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin C. Segovia and Emmet O’Hanlon are prosecuting the case.
Essex County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Logan Lafountain, age 27, of Essex County, New York, pled guilty today to sexually exploiting two children and possessing child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino of the Buffalo Field Office; and Acting New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
Lafountain admitted that in 2021 and 2022, he sexually abused two girls between the ages of 6 and 8 years old and used his phone to photograph the victims’ genitals. Lafountain further admitted that along with the images he produced, he possessed images of other prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2024. Lafountain faces at least 15 and up to 80 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The judge may also order Lafountain to pay restitution to the victims of his offenses. Lafountain will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI and NYSP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita 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.
Schenectady Woman Indicted on Social Security Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – AnnMarie Ditoro, age 41, of Schenectady, New York, was indicted earlier this month on charges of social security fraud.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Sharon B. MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
The indictment alleges that Ditoro misused her children’s Social Security benefits after Schenectady County Department of Social Services removed her children from her custody. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ditoro was arraigned on February 7 and ordered released pending further proceedings.
If convicted, Ditoro faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised 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.
The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is investigating this case, which is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Paul Tuck.
Nurse Practitioner Arrested for Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Viagrande, age 41, of Latham, New York, was arrested earlier this week and charged with 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.
A criminal complaint charges Viagrande, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, with prescribing amphetamine (a Schedule II controlled substance) on 40 occasions to someone who was never his patient, from May 2021 to December 2023. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Viagrande was arrested on Tuesday and ordered released on Thursday with conditions, including a prohibition on his prescribing controlled substances.
If convicted on the charge in the complaint, Viagrande faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million, as well as up to 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.
Anyone wishing to report information about Viagrande or his Latham-based practice, Crossroads Psychiatry NP, may contact the DEA Albany District Office at (518) 782-2000.
The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS) is investigating 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 investigating this case.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 60 Months for Alien Smuggling and Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Rey Felix-Rubio, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and unlawful possession of a firearm. 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.
As part of his earlier guilty plea, Felix-Rubio, an illegal alien who entered the United States unlawfully in 2021, admitted that in February 2023, he traveled to the northern border in Chateauguay, New York, where he smuggled five Mexican citizens into the United States for profit. Felix-Rubio smuggled the aliens while unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm as an illegal alien.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 1-year term of supervised release following Felix-Rubio’s release from prison. Felix-Rubio will be taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
HSI and the Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Stitt prosecuted the case.
Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Ward, a/k/a “Reek,” age 45, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to defraud the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) by obtaining unemployment insurance benefits under the name of another person, including benefits funded by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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, North East Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG).
Ward admitted that he provided Carl J. DiVeglia III with the personal identifying information of another individual, which DiVeglia used to file a false claim via the NYSDOL website. Ward further admitted that as a result of the fraudulent application submitted by DiVeglia, the NYSDOL paid $15,006 in unemployment insurance benefits. As part of his plea agreement, Ward agreed to pay $15,006 in restitution to the State of New York. DiVeglia previously pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $1.6 million in unemployment insurance benefits as part of the scheme.
Charges against Ward’s three co-defendants, his brother Todd Ward, Rocco Resciniti and Jamaine Myers, are still pending. The charges against these defendants are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ward faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on June 27, 2024 by United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. 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 FBI and USDOL-OIG are investigating this case, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.
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.
Schoharie County Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – John C. Hotaling, age 62, of Esperance, New York, was sentenced today to serve 188 months (15 years and eight months) in federal prison for possessing child pornography. 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 New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James.
As part of his earlier guilty plea on the eve of trial, Hotaling admitted that in 2020, he possessed child pornography images, some of which he created by photoshopping the faces of children onto nude adult bodies engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a process known as “morphing.” Hotaling was on supervised release at the time for a 2009 conviction for engaging in the same conduct. He also admitted to violating his terms and conditions of supervised release and was sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison for the supervised release violation. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby ordered Hotaling to serve the 12 months consecutively to the 188-month term imposed for new criminal conduct.
Judge Suddaby also imposed a life term of supervised release to begin upon Hotaling’s completion of his prison term, and ordered Hotaling to forfeit the laptop he used to commit the offenses. Hotaling must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the New York State Police and the United States Probation Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas Collyer, Ashlyn Miranda and Rick Bellis 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.
California Woman Pleads Guilty to Nationwide Marijuana Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ruby Ledesma, age 25, of Fresno, California, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC).
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.
Ledesma admitted that she was a member of a marijuana and THC trafficking organization that shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region, between 2016 and June 2022. The marijuana and THC was shipped through UPS and FedEx from a shipping store, Fast Pack & Ship, in Fresno.
Fast Pack & Ship was owned by Ledesma’s brother, Sammy Olague, from 2016 through June 2018, when he sold the business to Nehemiah Fane, aka “Neil.” Olague received a portion of the purchase money for Fast Pack & Ship from Dwight A. Singletary II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” and James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” helped manage Fast Pack & Ship when it was owned by Fane. In April 2020, Fane transferred ownership of Fast Pack & Ship to Singletary’s partner, McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” who operated Fast Pack & Ship through M.M.M.C. Management, Inc. The defendant worked with Olague, Fane, Daniels, Singletary and Coles to ship the packages of marijuana and THC.
Ledesma also arranged for Singletary to obtain distribution-quantities of THC “edibles,” which Singletary, in turn, sold.
Ledesma was charged in an indictment with Singletary, Coles, Olague, Fane, Daniels and 18 other people charging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Singletary, Coles, Fane, and Daniels have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.
In addition to Ledesma, Olague and five other defendants, Rosemary Coles, Latrice Mumphrey, Jazell Shuler, Victor Turner, and Kristle Walker, 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.
Utica Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of RestaurantRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Nay Thar, age 25, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to serve 157 months (13-years and one month) in federal prison for committing the armed robbery of a restaurant in Utica, and use of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun to commit the robbery, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Chief Mark Williams, City of Utica Police Department, New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James, Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Thar admitted that on August 5, 2022, he used an unregistered short-barreled 12-gauge shotgun to rob the Zam Zam Restaurant in Utica. Upon entering the restaurant wearing a ski-mask, Thar pointed the sawed-off shotgun at an employee and demanded she open the cash register. After she fled to the rear of the restaurant without opening the register, Thar stole a donation box on the counter containing cash for a charity, exited the building, and fled in a car. New York State Parole officers who happened to be in the area responded with Utica Police (UPD). After a short vehicle pursuit, Thar was taken into custody by Utica Police. The ski-mask, unregistered shotgun, and stolen money were recovered from the car Thar was driving.
Thar was also sentenced today to serve a 5-year term of post-incarceration supervised release following completion of his prison sentence.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Utica Police Department (UPD), the New York State Police (NYSP), and Officers of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (Parole) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick prosecuted (with assistance from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office) 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.
Jury Convicts Glens Falls Man of Transmitting ThreatsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jesse Bedell, age 35, of Glens Falls, New York, was convicted yesterday of transmitting threats to injure another person, following a 2-day trial. 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 evidence at trial established that Bedell applied to work at Medline Industries’ NAMIC Division in Glens Falls and received an employment offer conditioned upon passing a background investigation. Bedell, however, failed to disclose a prior criminal conviction. As a result, on January 9, 2020, Medline withdrew the employment offer. The following morning, Bedell phoned Medline employees in Neptune, New Jersey, and Northfield, Illinois, and threatened to burn down and blow up the Glens Falls plant. Bedell also threated to kill the employee in Illinois.
The jury took 20 minutes to convict Bedell on both counts. Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2024, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany, at which time the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The 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 the Glens Falls Police Department and HSI, with assistance from the Warren County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer is prosecuting the case.
Queens Man Charged with Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Osei, a/k/a “Kyngjo,” age 29, of Jamaica, New York, has been indicted on mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges for fraudulently obtain pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
The indictment alleges that from about August 2020 through November 2020, Osei fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits worth more than $100,000 in the names of four other people. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The mail fraud charges carry a 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. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment. 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.
Osei appeared yesterday in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, New York, and was released pending an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel that is scheduled for February 6, 2024 in Albany.
This case is being investigated by USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and HSI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.
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.
Latham Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Weinbloom, age 49, of Latham, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possessing child pornography, announced 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).
Weinbloom admitted that on May 18, 2022, he possessed approximately 1,300 images and 1,500 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2024. Weinbloom faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The judge may also order Weinbloom to pay restitution to the victims of his offense and forfeit the device used in the offense. Weinbloom will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia 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.
Manlius Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – William Gladney, age 41, of Manlius, New York, pled guilty today to multiple charges of 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) Acting Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Gladney admitted that he possessed thousands of videos and images of child pornography on several of his personal devices. Gladney has a previous conviction for possession of child pornography in Texas.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2024, before United States District Glenn T. Suddaby. Gladney faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life, to begin after imprisonment. Gladney will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. 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, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit, and the Auburn Police Department investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson prosecuted Gladney 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.
Massachusetts Resident Pleads Guilty to Traveling to Capital Region to Meet Minor for SexRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Martin Connearney, age 34, of Lenox, Massachusetts, pled guilty today to traveling across state lines to the Capital Region with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. 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.
Connearney admitted that between April 6, 2022 and May 5, 2022, he communicated with an individual to discuss and plan Connearney’s sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl in the Capital Region. Connearney and the individual ultimately devised a plan for Connearney to travel from Lenox to the Capital Region so Connearney could engage in sexual contact with the 10-year-old. On the morning of May 5, 2022, Connearney drove from Lenox to a location in Columbia County, New York, where he was encountered by law enforcement officials at a prearranged location and arrested.
Connearney is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on May 30, 2024. He faces a maximum term of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and mandatory registration 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. Connearney also agreed to forfeit the phone he used to commit the offense.
The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force investigated this case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark 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.
Schenectady Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Matthew Shaver, age 23, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to illegally possessing a loaded shotgun as a felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Shaver admitted that on December 15, 2022, he knowingly possessed a loaded shotgun at his residence in Schenectady. On that date, federal investigators recovered the shotgun while executing a search warrant on the residence. A prior felony conviction for assault in the first degree prevented Shaver from legally possessing the firearm in New York. Shaver was arrested following the search and has remained in custody since then.
Shaver faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on May 29, 2024, by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. 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.
ATF and HIS investigated this case with assistance provided by the Rotterdam Police Department, the Schenectady Police Department, and the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon is prosecuting 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.
Chenango County Man Indicted for Facebook Threats and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Kenyon, age 52, of Smithville Flats, New York, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with transmitting a threat to injure another person 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.
The charges filed against Kenyon carry a combined maximum term of 20 years in prison 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 was arraigned today in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and released pending a detention hearing.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting this case.
Canadian Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jonathan Woodworth, age 45, of Riverside-Albert, New Brunswick, Canada, was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in prison for attempting to entice and coerce a 10-year-old child into sexual activity.
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 previously entered guilty plea, Woodworth admitted that between June 23 and September 28, 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit messages with someone he believed was the mother of a 10-year-old girl, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. On September 28, 2022, Woodworth traveled by plane and train from New Brunswick to Rensselaer County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the minor. Woodworth was arrested after exiting the Rensselaer train station.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 15-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release. Woodworth will be required to register as a sex offender, and faces deportation/removal from the United States, upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping and Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted 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.
Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Roles in Conspiracy Targeting Credit UnionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Davon Parson, age 20, of Albany, and Dnauticah Taylor-Sterman, age 21, of Albany, have pled guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. 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.
In separate pleas before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Parson and Taylor-Sterman each admitted that between February and October 2022, they were members of a conspiracy to defraud SEFCU by, among other things, applying for loans using stolen identities of real people and withdrawing the loaned money in cash. Both Parson and Taylor-Sterman admitted that they applied for loans in other people’s names using fake New York driver’s licenses with their photographs but bearing the names and dates of birth of other people. Taylor-Sterman pled guilty today and Parson pled guilty on January 10, 2024.
Parson and Taylor-Sterman were previously charged by an indictment, along with Evan Cutler and Allahson Allah, formerly known as Gwyn Cancer. 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 withdrew the proceeds in cash.
The charges to which Parson and Taylor-Sterman pled guilty carry a minimum term of 2 years in prison and a maximum term of 32 years, a fine of up to $1.25 million, and a supervised release term of up to 5 years. Parson will be sentenced on May 10, 2024 and Taylor-Sterman will be sentenced on May 17, 2024.
Cannon pled guilty on September 14, 2023 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. She is scheduled for sentencing on July 12, 2024.
The following charges remain pending against the following individuals:
- Allah, age 53, of Albany, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
- Cutler, age 24, of Queensbury, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
As to these defendants, the charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HSI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Bethlehem Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.
Binghamton Felon and Escapee Sentenced to 48 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK –Charles Harrison, 35, of Binghamton, New York, was sentenced today to serve 48 months in federal prison following his trial and conviction for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person (convicted felon).
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York David L. McNulty made the announcement.
The trial evidence demonstrated that, following his 2012 conviction in the Northern District of New York for Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute controlled substances, Harrison was serving the final portion of his sentence at a halfway house in Connecticut. Harrison absconded from the halfway house, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest. On March 29, 2022, the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force found Harrison hiding under a mattress in an apartment in Binghamton, New York. The U.S. Marshals also located a loaded handgun in the bedroom next to where Harrison was hiding. Forensic and testimonial evidence presented at trial linked Harrison to the handgun that was in the apartment, and the jury voted to convict him of possessing the firearm as a prohibited person by reason of his prior felony conviction.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Harrison to serve 3 years of supervised release to begin after his prison sentence.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshalls Service with assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New York State Police, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Binghamton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone and Thomas R. Sutcliffe.
Yonkers Man Sentenced to 12 Months for Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Errol Murray, age 22, of Yonkers, New York was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain nearly $70,000 in unemployment insurance benefits, including benefits funded by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Murray admitted that he provided Jamie Johnson with his personally identifiable information (PII) and the PII of another person, which Johnson used to file false claims online with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). Murray further admitted that as a result of the two fraudulent applications submitted by Johnson, the NYSDOL paid out $69,954 in unemployment insurance benefits.
Johnson previously pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $701,441 in unemployment insurance benefits as part of the scheme. Murray’s co-defendants, Taliek Lanier, age 23, of Albany, and Thomas Brace, a/k/a “Justice,” age 62, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, previously pled guilty to charges stemming from their roles in the scheme with Johnson. Lanier was sentenced to 12 months in prison to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, while Brace was sentenced to time served and 3 years of supervised release.
Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Murray is released from prison, and ordered him to pay $69,954 in restitution to the State of New York.
This case was investigated by HSI, USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and the New York State Inspector General’s Office, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations, the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, and the Albany County Department of Social Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Joseph S. Hartunian prosecuted the case.
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.
Warren County Man Indicted for Defrauding Investors, Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael E. Conner, age 55, of Warrensburg, New York, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with perpetrating a scheme to defraud investors.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Conner held himself out to be an inventor of household products and to hold patents on his inventions, such as a knife with a heated blade and a rotatable refrigerator shelf. Starting in about 2008, Conner convinced other people to invest in his patents and loan him money that would help him market and sell his patents.
The indictment alleges that Conner fraudulently sought and obtained loans from investors, who believed they were loaning money to Conner for business purposes, including to complete the sale of his patents, and to pay attorney’s fees and accountant’s fees associated with anticipated patent sales. But Conner had no intention of using the loaned funds for business purposes, and instead used the money for personal expenses and to fund his lifestyle. Since 2008, Conner has received, from investors, approximately $4 million in connection with this fraudulent scheme; he has also never sold a patent or earned revenue from any of his inventions.
The indictment also alleges that Conner failed to file personal income tax returns, despite knowing he had an obligation to do so, during tax years 2017 through 2021. Conner, who moved from Virginia to New York in 2017, has not filed a personal income tax return since 2008.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Conner appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was ordered released pending a bail hearing scheduled for January 19, 2024.
Conner is charged with 23 counts of wire fraud and 5 counts of failing to file a tax return. On the wire fraud charges, Conner faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. On the tax charges, which are misdemeanors, Conner faces up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $100,000. 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.
IRS-CI is investigating this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett is prosecuting this case.
Vermont Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Traveling to Lake George for Sexual Contact with MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Westervelt, age 46, of Bennington, Vermont, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for traveling from Vermont to Lake George in 2022 to engage in sexual conduct with a 12-year-old. 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 prior guilty plea, Westervelt admitted that between January and June 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with someone posing as a man who was sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy. Over the course of those exchanges, Westervelt expressed his desire to engage in illicit sexual conduct with the 12-year-old, and ultimately Westervelt arranged to meet the man and the boy in Lake George for that purpose. On June 14, 2022, Westervelt left his residence in Bennington and drove to a prearranged meet-up location in Lake George, where he was arrested.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also sentenced Westervelt to serve 10 years of supervised release to begin after Westervelt is released from prison. He was also ordered to forfeit the phone he used to commit the crime. Westervelt will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney 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 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.