Northern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Albany Sex Offender Sentenced for Escaping from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Samuel Rodriguez, age 48, of Albany, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for escaping from federal custody.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement.
In November 2022, while Rodriguez was serving a prior federal term of imprisonment, the Bureau of Prisons directed him to reside in an Albany halfway house. On November 11, 2022, Rodriguez had permission to leave the halfway house to update his sex offender registration with the police department, but Rodriguez never returned. A week later, he voluntarily surrendered himself to the New York State Police barracks in Auburn, New York.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case.
Oswego County Woman Sentenced to 24 Months for Stealing Her Deceased Son’s Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Lisa Waldron, age 44, of Palermo, New York, was sentenced today to serve 24 months (two years) in federal prison for her conviction on charges of theft of government property, announced 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 (SSA-OIG).
As part of her previously entered guilty plea, Waldron admitted that for years she acted as the representative payee for her disabled minor son, Jordan Brooks, who was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. A representative payee is a person or organization who receives Social Security benefits on another person’s behalf and is required to ensure the benefits are used only to support the beneficiary. Waldron also admitted that despite being legally required to use the benefits for Brooks’s care, Waldron used the money to pay for unrelated expenses.
Based in part on Waldron’s neglect of Brooks, he died on May 9, 2021. In July 2023, in a case brought by the Oswego County District Attorney’s Office, Waldron pled guilty to manslaughter and assault charges related to her involvement in Brooks’s death.
After Brooks died, Waldron failed to notify the SSA of the death and continued to receive SSI benefits intended for Brooks despite knowing she was not entitled to them. During that period, Waldron continued to spend Brooks’s SSI benefits to pay her own expenses including fast food purchases and a trip to Myrtle Beach. Finally, in April 2022, SSA independently discovered the issue and terminated Brooks’s benefits. This prosecution followed.
In addition to imposing Waldron’s sentence to run consecutively (in addition to) to her anticipated state sentence, Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a three-year term of post-release supervision and ordered Waldron to pay $13,292.76 in restitution—with $5,948.06 of that going to SSA and $7,344.70 being paid to the Crime Victims Fund.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Tuck.
New Jersey Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Transport AliensRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juhi Khubani, age 48, of New Jersey, pled guilty today to conspiring to transport seven aliens.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.
Khubani admitted that on June 3, 2023, she drove in an SUV to the U.S. side of the international border with Canada in Chateaugay, New York. Shortly after, seven Indian citizens who had just crossed into the U.S. illegally from Canada got into the SUV. Khubani then drove the aliens away from the border. Border Patrol agents then stopped the SUV and arrested its occupants. Khubani admitted that she expected to be paid for transporting the aliens.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2023, before Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe. Khubani faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting this case.
Fulton County Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Running Narcotics Distribution Conspiracy in Capital RegionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dion Underwood, age 46, of Johnstown, New York, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, for running a narcotics distribution conspiracy in the Capital Region. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
Underwood previously pled guilty and admitted that between January and December 2021, he supervised members of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery Counties. As part of his plea and today’s sentence, Underwood also agreed to forfeit $39,403 seized by federal agents as proceeds of the conspiracy.
The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case.
Warren County Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Peter Bratis, age 43, of Chestertown, New York, pled guilty today to 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.
Bratis admitted to using a Google Drive account to store images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct between February 24, 2021 and August 4, 2022.
Bratis, who has a prior conviction for rape in the second degree, for which he is a registered sex offender, faces at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, when Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes sentences him on January 12, 2024. 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. Bratis would also have to continue to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmet O’Hanlon and Joseph Hartunian 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), 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.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 68 Months for Distributing Fentanyl and Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Prince Smith, age 22, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 68 months in prison following his conviction for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of his drug distribution, announced 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).
As part of his prior guilty plea, Smith admitted that he distributed or intended to distribute approximately 19 grams of fentanyl. He also drove to a drug sale on February 18, 2021, with fentanyl inside the center console of his car sitting on top of a loaded 9mm handgun.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Smith to a three-year term of supervised release to begin after he serves his term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by ATF and the Syracuse Police Department-Criminal Intelligence Section. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Murray, age 71, of Sidney, New York, pled guilty today to multiple counts 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 A. Nigrelli made the announcement.
Murray admitted that in October 2021, he possessed images and videos of child pornography on two cell phones and possessed images and videos of child pornography in two email accounts he controlled. Murray had a previous conviction in New York related to the production, possession and distribution of child pornography at the time of these federal offenses.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2024, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Albany. The parties have jointly recommended to Chief Judge Sannes that Murray receive a term of 144 months in prison. Murray also faces 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 particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Murray will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by HSI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping 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.
Former Ithaca Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Money OrdersRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Stephen Perrine, age 40, of King Ferry, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to stealing money orders from the United States Postal Service (USPS). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Perrine admitted that while working for the USPS in Ithaca, New York, he stole ten money orders totaling $2,480, by issuing them to himself and entering fraudulent justifications in an USPS accounting system. For example, Perrine admitted that he stole and cashed a $400 money order on or about September 13, 2022, and that he documented the money order as having been issued as payment for “local transport.” Similarly, Perrine admitted that on November 15, 2022, he stole and cashed a $200 money order, which he fraudulently documented as having been issued as payment for “office supplies.” Perrine resigned his position with the USPS after he was charged criminally in this case. As part of his plea agreement, Perrine agreed to pay full restitution of $2,480 to the USPS.
The charges to which Perrine pled guilty carry a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, 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. Perrine will be sentenced on December 13, 2023, by United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks, who presides over the case.
USPS-OIG is the investigative agency, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry is prosecuting the case.
Family Members of Woman Convicted of Fraud Settle Claims Arising from Pandemic Relief LoansRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Several family members of an Albany woman convicted of pandemic relief fraud recently agreed to pay the Government a total of about $305,000. The civil settlements are related to the prosecution of Debra Hackstadt, of Albany, who was sentenced to 16 months in prison, on November 8, 2022, for fraudulently obtaining 32 government-backed loans meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Two of the fraudulently obtained loans were made to Albany resident Danielle Hackstadt, Debra’s daughter. Danielle Hackstadt has agreed to pay $114,816 under the False Claims Act for fraudulently obtaining, with her mother’s assistance, a $42,500 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which was issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and a $14,908 loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was issued by a private financial institution and backed by the federal government.
In her July 2020 EIDL application, Danielle Hackstadt was listed as the sole proprietor of a “health services” company with gross revenue of $85,000. And in her August 2020 PPP loan application, Danielle Hackstadt was listed as the sole proprietor of a “cleaning company” with gross receipts of $82,547. She has admitted that, in July and August 2020, she was an employee of an insurance company and had no sole proprietorship. She further admitted that she knew that her mother was applying for the PPP loan and EIDL in her name; she personally received the loaned funds, knowing they came from COVID-relief programs intended to benefit struggling businesses; and she spent the loaned funds for her personal benefit.
In a separate matter, in February 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit seeking the civil forfeiture of a lakefront residence and property off Great Sacandaga Lake in Saratoga County, New York, alleging that a portion of the property had been purchased with pandemic relief funds that Debra Hackstadt fraudulently obtained and then transferred to family members.
In June 2023, the Government and Albany residents Gerald and Traci Hackstadt, Debra’s son and daughter-in-law, entered into a settlement agreement in which the Hackstadts agreed to pay $190,000 to satisfy the claim; payment of the $190,000 has since been made.
United States Attorney Carla Freedman stated: “Debra Hackstadt showered ill-gotten pandemic relief funds upon her family members. These settlements prove that her crimes did not pay, and that we will use every tool at our disposal to follow the money and recover ill-gotten gains. In addition to criminal prosecutions, we can file False Claims Act lawsuits – with the potential for treble damages – and asset forfeiture actions. When appropriate, we can also seek recovery from people who financially benefitted from fraud even if they did not commit fraud themselves.”
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfred Watson stated: “Debra Hackstadt deliberately took money from programs designed to help American businesses struggling financially during the pandemic and instead used it to line the pockets of her own family members. These settlements should prove the FBI is committed to working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to protect federally funded relief programs. Together, we will work diligently to ensure fraudulently obtained funds are tracked down and returned so they can be put to use to assist the millions of honest Americans who need them most.”
The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery Unit conducted the investigation that led to these settlements.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Katz represented the United States in the Danielle Hackstadt matter, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Conger represented the United States in the asset forfeiture action.
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.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Redell Williams, III, age 43, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 33 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his earlier guilty plea, Williams admitted that on November 10, 2022, he possessed a total of approximately 531 grams of cocaine and approximately 211 grams of cocaine base at his home in Syracuse, New York with the intent to distribute it. Williams further admitted that in his residence, he “cooked” powder cocaine to manufacture cocaine base, also known as “crack” cocaine, and that $4,587 in cash found at his residence was narcotics proceeds.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 3-year term of post-release supervision and ordered Williams to forfeit $4,587 as proceeds of the offense.
DEA investigated the case, with assistance from Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.
Onondaga County Man Sentenced to 68 Months for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking and Possession of Crack Cocaine for DistributionRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ernest B. Shaw, Jr., age 26, of Nedrow, New York, was sentenced today to serve 68 months in federal prison for his convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Shaw admitted that on September 25, 2019, he possessed 14 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine) for distribution and a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun at his residence in Nedrow, New York. DEA Special Agents assisted by other law enforcement agencies executed a federal search warrant and seized the cocaine base and the loaded handgun from the defendant’s bedroom, along with digital scales and plastic bags. Federal Agents searched the residence as part of a long-term drug investigation that involved the defendant’s father, Ernest B. Shaw, Sr, and others.[1]
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Syracuse Resident Office, which includes Task Force Officers from the City of Auburn Police Department, the City of Syracuse Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Other Agencies that assisted in this investigation included the New York State Police, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
[1] Ernest B. Shaw Sr. was convicted after trial in federal court in September 2021, and is serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison for his conviction for participating in a federal drug conspiracy.
Albany Man Sentenced to 12 Months for Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Taliek Lanier, age 23, of Albany, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain more than $110,000 in unemployment insurance benefits under the names of three other people, 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; New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG).
As part of his previously entered guilty plea to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, Lanier admitted that he provided Jamie Johnson with the personal identifying information of three other people, which Johnson used to file false claims online with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). Lanier further admitted that as a result of the fraudulent applications submitted by Johnson, the NYSDOL paid out $113,936 in unemployment insurance benefits.
Johnson previously pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining $701,441 in unemployment insurance benefits as part of the scheme.
Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Lanier is released from prison, and ordered him to pay $113,936 in restitution to the State of New York.
This case was investigated by the New York State Inspector General’s Office, HSI, USPIS, and USDOL-OIG, 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.
Albany Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Mozone, age 36, of Albany was sentenced today to serve 41 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain a government loan meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and James Bensley, Resident Agent in Charge of United States Secret Service (USSS)’s Albany Resident Office.
As part of his previously-entered guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Mozone admitted that he conspired to obtain a $124,800 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by falsely representing on a loan application that he owned a business when no such business existed. Mozone then spent the loan proceeds—which were supposed to be used for business purposes—on personal expenses, including nearly $10,000 in jewelry and a trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after Mozone is released from prison, and ordered him to pay $43,378.08 in restitution to the SBA.
This case was investigated by the USSS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Michael D. Gadarian 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.
Former Auburn Physician Pays $135,000 and Forfeits DEA Registration, for Overprescribing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dr. Jang Boo Chi, formerly a physician in Auburn, and his medical practice, Jang Boo Chi M.D. P.C., have agreed to pay the United States $135,000 in civil penalties for overprescribing opioids and other controlled substances in dangerous combinations. 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.
The Settlement Agreement resolves allegations that Dr. Chi wrote prescriptions for non-legitimate medical purposes, outside the usual course of a professional practice, in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, the United States alleges that Dr. Chi allowed patient desires to dictate his prescribing decisions instead of his own medical judgment; he prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, and carisoprodol in a dangerous combination known as the “Holy Trinity”; and he ignored red flags that the controlled substances he prescribed were being diverted for illicit use. Examples of admitted conduct include:
- Dr. Chi prescribed Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, Diazepam (also known as “Valium”), and Carisoprodol (a muscle relaxant known as “Soma”) to Patient #1, even though drug screens indicated the patient was not taking the prescribed medications, while using MDMA (also known as “Molly” or “Ecstasy”), cocaine, and unprescribed Oxycodone. Patient #1 eventually died of acute intoxication by the combined effects of controlled substances- both prescribed, and unprescribed.
- Dr. Chi prescribed Adderall for Patient #2, to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but the medical records lack a sufficient basis to establish an ADHD diagnosis. At various times, Dr. Chi encouraged Patient #2 to decrease their use of Adderall and to not take it with certain other medication, however when they did not, he continued prescribing it.
- In Patient #3’s case, Dr. Chi prescribed Fentanyl patches, Oxycodone, Percocet, Lorazepam, Lyrica, and Zolpidem, among several other controlled substances. During a hospitalization in 2018, another doctor noted Patient #3 “has a problem with polypharmacy” as they were on more than 20 different medications and supplements. Dr. Chi noted Patient #3’s medications were “heavy,” and that “…I felt too [they] take much medication…” (sic.) Dr. Chi did not further reduce the patient’s medications until September 2021, after the DEA questioned his prescribing practices.
This $135,000 payment constitutes civil penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.
Dr. Chi has surrendered his DEA registration, and, as part of the civil settlement, agreed not to seek a renewal for at least 15 years.
This case was investigated by DEA Albany District Office’s Diversion Group, with assistance from the DHHS Office of Inspector General’s New York Region, the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and the Auburn Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran represented the United States in this matter.
Akwesasne Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Six AliensRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shane Barnes, age 38, of Akwesasne, New York, pled guilty today to transporting six aliens.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Barnes admitted that on September 28, 2022, he drove a pickup truck to the riverbank of the U.S. side of the St. Regis River. Shortly after arriving at the riverbank, six aliens emerged from the woods and got into the pickup truck. The defendant then drove the aliens to Hogansburg, NY, and then to Bombay, NY. The defendant further admitted that he expected to be paid for transporting the aliens.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2024, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd in Utica, New York. Barnes faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.
Canadian Man Charged with Traveling to Albany in Attempt to Meet 10-Year-Old for SexRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alexander MacFayden, age 58, a citizen of Canada, appeared in court today on a charge of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
According to a federal complaint, MacFayden engaged in a series of online conversations earlier this year with an individual in Albany whom he believed would allow him to engage in sexual contact with a 10-year-old relative. On August 25, 2023, MacFayden drove from the Toronto area to Albany to engage in sexual contact with the minor. He was arrested in the Town of Colonie that evening, and later admitted he drove to Albany with the intent to engage in sexual contact with a minor. Today, MacFayden was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for tomorrow, August 29.
If convicted of the charge, MacFayden faces up to life 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. MacFayden could also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department, the Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian 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 Man Sentenced for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Doron Tucker, age 27, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarantino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Tucker admitted to conspiring to sell pills containing fentanyl in Troy and Schenectady between June and October 2020. At first, the defendant supplied his co-conspirator, Darren Favreau, with fentanyl pills, which Favreau personally sold to purchasers. Favreau and Tucker then shared the sale proceeds. After Favreau was arrested in August 2020, Tucker personally sold fentanyl pills to purchasers.
In executing a search warrant at Tucker’s apartment in Schenectady in October 2020, law enforcement seized marijuana, a digital scale, approximately $8,000 in cash, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun. Tucker’s black BMW, which was parked outside the apartment, contained 386 fentanyl pills, more marijuana, and another digital scale. Approximately $1,000 in cash was seized from Tucker himself. Tucker admitted to possessing and intending to sell the fentanyl pills and marijuana, and to possessing the handgun to protect his fentanyl, marijuana, and drug proceeds.
Tucker was also sentenced to serve 3 years of post-release supervision.
Favreau, age 52, of Troy, was previously sentenced to 77 months in prison and a 4-year term of supervised release for his role in the fentanyl-trafficking conspiracy.
DEA investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
Schenectady County Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Failing to Update His Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Craig Foley, 57, of Schenectady County, New York was sentenced yesterday to serve 21 months in prison and five years of post-imprisonment supervised release for failing to update his sex offender residential address information with the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and David L. McNulty, United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York, made the announcement.
In previously pleading guilty, Foley admitted that he was convicted of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree in Utica City Court in 2011 and, because of that conviction, was designated a Level III sex offender with a lifetime registration requirement under New York law and became a person required to register as a sex offender under SORNA. He further admitted that he knowingly failed to update his residential address as required after relocating from a residence in Pennsylvania to the State of New York in approximately November 2020.
The United States Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is the prosecutor. This case was brought 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.
Madison County Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Thomas Collins, age 35, of Chittenango, New York, pled guilty yesterday to multiple counts of distribution and possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli.
As part of his guilty plea, Collins admitted that on several occasions in April of 2023, he distributed images and videos of child pornography to two undercover law enforcement officers via the same social networking application. Collins also admitted that on the day of his arrest, May 18, 2023, he possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on several of his electronic devices.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 20, 2023, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd. Collins faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison, a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between 5 years and up to life. Collins will also be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The case is being investigated by HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Columbia County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Stickles, age 35, of Copake, New York, pled guilty today to receiving child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Stickles admitted that between January 2021 and August 2022, he accessed the Internet in order to visit file-sharing sites and websites that contained child pornography. Stickles further admitted that while on these sites, he downloaded more than 15,000 still image and video files that contained child pornography.
At sentencing on December 20, 2023, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Stickles faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to a life term. The court may also impose a fine, restitution, and forfeiture of the computer Stickles used to commit his offense. 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. Stickles will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes FBI special agents, and state and local investigators, including members of the New York State Police. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force assisted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss 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.
Broome County Man Sentenced for Making Interstate Threats to Member of CongressRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joseph F. Morelli, age 51, of Endicott, New York was sentenced today to serve three months in prison for making threatening phone calls from his home to the voicemail in the office of a member of Congress in Washington, D.C.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Morelli was ordered to surrender to prison on October 2, 2023. Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Morelli to serve a three-year term of supervised release after completing his sentence of incarceration. The Court directed the parties to further brief the issue of restitution sought by the victim for a decision at a later date.
As part of his guilty plea, Morelli admitted to that on March 3, 2022, he placed a telephone call to the Washington, D.C. office of a member of the U.S. House Representatives that said in part, ““I'm gonna have to take your life into my own hands… I'm gonna hurt you. Physically, I’m gonna harm you.”
A second voicemail message on March 3, 2022, said in part, “I'm gonna have to show you, to your face, right up front, what violence truly is, and I don't think you're gonna like it.… I can pay someone 500 bucks to take a baseball bat and crack your skull. …You are going to get f**king physically hurt.”
A third voicemail message on March 3, 2022, included, “you're gonna cause people to get hurt, so I'm gonna have to hurt you physically. … I'm gonna make sure that, even if they lock me up, someone's gonna get you ‘cause I'll pay them to.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Capitol Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick was the prosecutor.
Troy Woman Pleads Guilty to Nationwide Marijuana Trafficking and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jazell Shuler, age 35, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute marijuana and launder money.
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; Chief Daniel DeWolf of the Troy Police Department; and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Shuler admitted to being a member of a marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) trafficking organization that cultivated marijuana on a commercial scale in Fresno, California, and shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region. Shuler also admitted to laundering marijuana and THC proceeds for the organization.
The packages of marijuana were shipped through UPS and FedEx from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, by Dwight A. Singletary II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” and McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie.” At the direction of David Singletary, aka “DB,” Shuler received packages of marijuana at her and David Singletary’s respective residences in Troy and notified David Singletary when the packages arrived. Shuler also packaged marijuana for sale.
The marijuana was sold out of “knock spots” in the Capital Region, which advertised various strains and quantities of marijuana and THC “edibles” for sale, with prices, on white boards. The defendant worked at the “knock spots” and updated the information on the white board for David Singletary. In addition to working at the “knock spots,” Shuler sold marijuana.
The defendant also laundered marijuana and THC proceeds for the organization by sending $13,500 in money transfers purchased with cash drug proceeds from Troy to six people in Fresno, Windsor, and Merced, California, including Nehemiah Fane, aka “Neil,” and James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost.” David Singletary provided Shuler with the cash drug proceeds for the money transfers.
Shuler faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the two counts to which she pled guilty, conspiring to distribute marijuana and conspiring to commit money laundering; fines of up to $1 million and $500,000, respectively, on each count; and a term of supervised release of between 3 years and 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.
Shuler was charged in an indictment with Dwight and David Singletary, McKenzie Coles, Fane, Daniels and 18 other people charging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, McKenzie 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 Shuler, five other defendants, Rosemary Coles, Latrice Mumphrey, Sammy Olague, 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.
Lewis County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Nathan Hotchkiss, age 35, of Lewis County, New York, pled guilty today to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo, New York Field Office, and Lewis County District Attorney Leanne K. Moser made the announcement.
As part of Hotchkiss’s guilty plea, he admitted that, from at least October 2021 through August 2022, he sexually exploited two children under the age of five and livestreamed or distributed depictions of the sexual abuse online for cash. When Hotchkiss was arrested in August 2022, he also had a collection of child pornography he had obtained on the Internet or through social media message exchanges with others.
If the parties’ agreed-upon sentence is imposed by the Court at sentencing on January 17, 2024, Hotchkiss will receive a term of imprisonment of 30 years, a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of life, and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. In addition, Hotchkiss will be required to pay restitution to his victims and to forfeit the electronic devices that he used to commit his offenses to the United States.
HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the New York State Police and the Lewis County District Attorney’s Office as part of Project Safe Childhood. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Bronx Man Sentenced for Offering Bribe to Government OfficialRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Muhammad Z. Aabdin, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Syracuse to serve 3 years of probation after previously pleading guilty to offering a bribe to a public official, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office.
In pleading guilty previously, Aabdin admitted that in September 2020, he offered a bribe to a contracting officer with the Veterans Administration (“VA”) in Syracuse. Specifically, Aabdin offered to share profits with the VA contracting officer in exchange for her awarding VA contracts to him for personal protective equipment (“PPE”). Aabdin made the initial bribe offer by email and then reiterated it in subsequent text messages and in a recorded phone conversation with an undercover agent posing as the contracting officer. In text messages dated October 15, 2020, Aabdin offered a bribe of $8,333.33 in the event he received a VA contract for N-95 masks leading to a total profit of $25,000. Aabdin did not receive any VA contracts, and his actions did not cause a loss to the VA.
This case was investigated by VA Office of Inspector General, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Ringleader of Capital Region Cocaine Conspiracy Receives 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jan Lopez-Colon, age 29, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his role as the leader of a Capital Region cocaine distribution conspiracy. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement.
On December 29, 2022, Lopez-Colon pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Lopez-Colon admitted that between June 2021 and December 2021, he and three others worked together to receive over 5 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico and distribute it in the Capital Region. The cocaine was shipped via U.S. mail in 1-kilogram bricks to addresses in Albany and Rensselaer counties; runners then obtained the packages and handed them over to Lopez-Colon for processing and distribution.
Judge Sharpe also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release, which will begin when Lopez-Colon is released from prison.
Lopez-Colon’s three codefendants have also pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. They are:
- Jesus Baez, age 34, of Troy, who was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment on July 11, 2023;
- Ilvin Batista-Figueroa, age 31, of Albany, who is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2023; and
- Sam Calderon, age 20, of Troy, who is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2023.
This case was investigated by the USPIS and its Capital Region Task Force, led by the USPIS and including the Albany Police Department, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the Schenectady Police Department, as well as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case.
Rensselaer Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery and Firearms Charges for Two Capital Region Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ulysses Jessie Walls, a/k/a “Guwala,” age 29, of Rensselaer, New York, pled guilty today to armed bank robbery, firearms and conspiracy charges in connection with two February 2019 armed bank robberies.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Alfred Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Steven A. Nigrelli, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police (NYSP); Chief Eric Hawkins of the Albany Police Department (APD); and Chief David Keevern of the North Greenbush Police Department.
Walls admitted that he committed two armed robberies with Christopher Cohn a/k/a “Wolf.” On February 6, 2019, Walls and Cohn pulled up to an Albany Trustco Bank branch, where Cohn declared he was about to “go do this,” meaning that he planned to rob the bank. Walls and Cohn then entered the bank wearing ski masks. In the bank, Walls displayed a gun, and both men threatened to kill the bank’s employees, who surrendered approximately $150,000 to the pair.
Walls also admitted that on the morning of February 26, 2019, he and Cohn entered an M&T Bank branch in North Greenbush, each wearing a ski mask and brandishing a gun. During the robbery, Cohn fired multiple shots, including one that grazed a bank employee. According to court documents, law enforcement tracked Cohn, Walls, and their getaway driver to an Albany motel using a GPS device placed in the stolen money by a member of the bank’s staff. Cohn was apprehended by officers with more than $10,000 in cash and wearing red sneakers matching those captured by the bank’s surveillance cameras during the robbery. Walls was arrested in the motel’s lobby, where officers found him with several bags containing approximately $3,800 in cash along with ski masks and other clothing matching that worn by the robbers.
Walls will be sentenced on December 27, 2023 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Under the terms of Walls’s plea agreement, the parties have jointly recommended to Judge D’Agostino that Walls receive a prison term of 204 months (17 years) and a 5-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release. Under the plea agreement, Walls will also be required to pay restitution to his victims, including both banks, and to forfeit the money he stole in the robberies.
After pleading guilty to firearms, armed bank robbery and conspiracy charges, Cohn was sentenced to 241 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the NYSP, the Town of North Greenbush Police Department, and APD, with the assistance of the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Binghamton Felon and Escapee of Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – On Friday evening, a jury voted to convict Charles Harrison, age 34, of Binghamton, New York, of being a felon in possession of a firearm, following a 4-day trial in Utica, New York.
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 term of imprisonment at a halfway house in Connecticut. Harrison absconded from the halfway house, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest for Escaping the Custody of the Attorney General. On March 29, 2022, the United States Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force found Harrison hiding under a mattress in an apartment in Binghamton, New York. The Marshals also located a loaded gun in the bedroom next to where Harrison was hiding. Forensic and testimonial evidence presented at trial linked Harrison to the gun that was in the apartment, and the jury voted to convict him of possessing the gun as a prohibited person (previously convicted felon).
At sentencing scheduled for December 20, 2023, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd, Harrison faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the United States Marshalls Service with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York State Police, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and the Binghamton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone and Thomas R. Sutcliffe.
Former Hoosick Falls Resident Sentenced to 144 Months for Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Hines, age 45, formerly of Hoosick Falls, New York, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison for receiving and possessing more than 6,100 images of child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
As a part of his earlier guilty plea, Hines admitted that in December 2016 through January 2017, he downloaded child pornography from a website, and the images he possessed included images depicting the rape of a toddler, adults performing oral sex and using sexual devices upon pre-pubescent children, and images and videos depicting an underaged former girlfriend.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 15-year-term of post-release supervision and ordered Hines to forfeit a phone, laptop, and external hardrive that he used to store the child pornography. Hines will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the Hoosick Falls Police Department and the New York State Police. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner 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 Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Vermont Resident Pleads Guilty to Traveling to Lake George for Sexual Contact with MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Westervelt, age 46, pled guilty today to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a 12-year-old. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
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, New York, for that purpose. On June 14, 2022, Westervelt left his residence in Bennington, Vermont, and drove to a prearranged meet-up location in Lake George, where he was arrested.
Westervelt will be sentenced on December 15, 2023 by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Under the terms of Westervelt’s plea agreement, the parties have jointly recommended to Chief Judge Sannes that he receive a prison term of at least 70 months and no more than 87 months, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Westervelt would also have 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 and former Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Williams 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.
Fulton County Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery Conspiracy and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Luke Kenna, a/k/a. “Lt,” age 44, of Gloversville, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to commit bank robbery and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Kenna admitted that between November 14 and November 27, 2022, he agreed to and planned to commit an armed bank robbery at a bank branch in Johnstown, New York, with two co-conspirators, Michael Brown, Jr. a.k.a. “Russ,” and Brian Tierney a.k.a. “Wodanaz.” Kenna, as part of that conspiracy, conducted surveillance of the bank and purchased items, including weapons, to commit the robbery, and Brown drove to New York to conduct surveillance of the bank with Kenna. Kenna also admitted that he possessed a rifle on November 6, 2022, after previously being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
The charges remain pending against Tierney, who has been arrested and detained pending a trial currently scheduled for October 30, 2023. The charges in his indictment are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brown pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank robbery on June 23, 2023. Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2023.
Sentencing for Kenna is scheduled for December 15, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Kenna faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a post-imprisonment 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.
This case was investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes FBI Special Agents, and federal, state, and local investigators, including from the New York State Police. The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Interstate Transportation of Stolen PropertyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Wu Feng Zhang, age 54, a citizen of China residing in the Town of Colonie, New York, pled guilty today to transporting stolen property across state lines. 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.
Zheng admitted that between June and December 2022, he stole merchandise from home improvement stores in states including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and New York, and transported those stolen items to his residence in Colonie. On January 11, 2023, HSI searched his residence and found about $100,000 in merchandise stolen from home improvement and other stores.
At sentencing on December 15, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes, Zhang faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
HSI, with assistance from Colonie Police Department, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.
Brooklyn Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms in Green IslandRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Burlington E. Nieuenkirk, age 46, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty today to illegally possessing three loaded firearms 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 Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr. made the announcement.
Nieuenkirk admitted that on April 30, 2020, he knowingly possessed three loaded pistols, one of which had been reported stolen, at a residence in Green Island, New York. A prior felony conviction for robbery prevented Nieuenkirk from legally possessing the firearms in New York.
Nieuenkirk faces up to 10 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 December 11, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr.
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 Albany County Sheriff’s Office with assistance provided by the Albany County District Attorney’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.
Watervliet Woman Sentenced for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eunice Ting, age 69, of Watervliet, New York, was sentenced on Friday to 1 year of probation, to pay a $10,000 fine, and to pay full restitution for making a false statement to obtain benefits from the United States Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Ting admitted that between December 2013, and March 2020, she submitted hundreds of materially false and fraudulent forms to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs seeking reimbursement for travel she did not do. Specifically, she falsely claimed workers’ compensation benefits for medically related travel to and from a local YMCA for purported “aquatic therapy” when she had not received any such therapy and did not travel to the YMCA as claimed. She received a total of $26,983 from the Department of Labor because of her fraudulent submissions.
Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. ordered Ting to pay $26,983 in restitution, which Ting paid at sentencing.
USPS-OIG investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted it.
Vermont Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gabriel Charron, age 51, of Milton, Vermont, pled guilty today to the attempted online enticement of a minor.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Charron admitted that between May 2022 and March 4, 2023, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with people he believed were a mother and an 11-year old girl, respectively, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Charron also admitted that on March 4, 2023, he travelled from Vermont to a hotel in Albany County, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 11-year-old girl. Charron was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location.
At sentencing on December 18, 2023, before Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe, Charron faces at least 10 years and up to a life in prison. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life. The court may also impose a fine, restitution, and forfeiture of the smartphone Charron used to commit his offense. 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. Charron will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The FBI’s Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force and Capital Region Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. Each task force is comprised of FBI Special Agents, as well as state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss 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.
Schoharie County Sex Offender Admits Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – John C. Hotaling, age 62, of Esperance, New York, pled guilty today, on the eve of trial, to possessing child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Special Agent in Charge Janeen DiGuiseppi of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli made the announcement.
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 violating his terms and conditions of supervised release. Trial in the case was scheduled to begin tomorrow, August 15.
At sentencing on January 4, 2024, before United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby, Hotaling faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 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 particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The FBI, New York State Police and U.S. Probation Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas Collyer, Ashlyn Miranda and Rick Bellis are 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.
Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Samuel Coleman, age 51, of Albany, pled guilty on Friday to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
Coleman admitted that between March 2020 and January 2021, he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute at least 1,613 grams of methamphetamine.
At sentencing, Coleman faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years and up to life, a fine of up to $10 million, 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.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Colonie Police Department, and New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to Serve 157 Months for Possessing Fentanyl for Distribution and for Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tramond G. Wallace, Jr., age 28, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 157 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement.
In his earlier guilty plea, Wallace admitted that at his apartment in the Town of DeWitt, he possessed a parcel containing 1,024 grams of pills containing fentanyl, which had been mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. Wallace admitted that he intended to distribute these pills, and other quantities of fentanyl that he possessed in his apartment, to others. Wallace further admitted that in the same apartment, he possessed two Glock .40 caliber pistols, one with an extended magazine inserted, which he possessed in furtherance of his drug-trafficking.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered that Wallace serve a 4-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
DEA and USPIS investigated the case, with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Rodney Sumlin, 37, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Sumlin admitted that on November 8, 2022, he knowingly possessed 108 grams of cocaine at his residence in Syracuse, which he intended to distribute to others. Sumlin further admitted that at his residence he also possessed a loaded .45 caliber pistol, which he possessed in furtherance of his drug-trafficking.
At sentencing, Sumlin faces up to life in federal prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
DEA investigated the case, with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Danielle Simonson, age 51, of Fort Ann, New York, pled guilty today to distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.
The announcement was made by 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.
Simonson admitted that from at least January 2020 through October 2022, she unlawfully prescribed controlled substances to a total of 54 patients. These included prescriptions for the opioids hydrocodone and oxycodone, benzodiazepines (clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam), and amphetamine (e.g. Adderall). 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.
In the civil settlement agreement, 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 agreed to pay $200,000 to settle claims that the United States could have brought against her pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act.
In the criminal case, sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2023 before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Simonson 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.
Simonson’s plea agreement requires that she immediately surrender her nurse practitioner and nursing licenses to the State of New York. On December 8, 2022, Simonson surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).
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 is prosecuting the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran represented the United States in the civil matter.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Violating His Sex Offender Registration Obligations and the Conditions of His Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Justin Donohue, age 38, of Syracuse, was sentenced today for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by failing to notify the New York State Sex Offender Registry of a social media and email account he created and used, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release for a prior federal child pornography conviction. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, United States Marshal David McNulty, and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
United States District Judge Hon. Glenn T. Suddaby sentenced Donohue to serve 16 months imprisonment for failing to report Snapchat and Gmail accounts to the Sex Offender Registry, as required by law. In his earlier guilty plea, Donohue admitted that he created the email account using a false name and accessed it 67 times on an unreported cellular telephone that he possessed in violation of his conditions of supervised release. Investigators found that the email address was used to join at least twelve child pornography trading groups online, but that Donohue regularly factory reset his phone, thereby deleting all data.
Donohue was further sentenced to serve a consecutive term of 24 months in prison for violating the conditions of his supervised release by having contact with a known felon, possessing the unreported cellular telephone, failing to register his internet accounts, and falsifying monthly probation reports.
Following his terms of incarceration, Donohue will be returned to supervised release for another 20 years and will continue to be required to register as a sex offender.
Donohue’s case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-Mid-state Child Exploitation Task Force in cooperation with the New York State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher 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.
Bronx Man Receives 70 Months for Heroin and Fentanyl ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gilberto Velasquez, age 38, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for conspiring to traffic heroin and fentanyl from New York City to the Capital Region, and for distributing heroin.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Velasquez admitted to organizing a conspiracy that trafficked approximately 89 grams of heroin and 10 grams of fentanyl from New York City to the Capital Region, while he was on parole from a state prison term. Velasquez, operating out of New York City, sold quantities of heroin bags and fentanyl-laced pills to customers in the Capital Region using “runners” to transport the controlled substances via commercial bus lines.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Velasquez to serve a 3-year term of supervised release after he is released from prison.
The DEA and the Colonie Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted it.
Utica Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jose Morales, age 31, of Utica, New York, pled guilty yesterday to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Carla Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office.
In pleading guilty Morales admitted that from May 2020 through October 2021, he acquired quantities of fentanyl from co-conspirators, which he then re-distributed to others in the Utica, New York area. Morales admitted that during his participation in the conspiracy, the drug trafficking organization distributed over 400 grams of fentanyl.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2023, in front of United States District Judge David N. Hurd. Morales faces a minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), the New York State Police (NYSP), 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, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the New York Army National Guard Counter Drug Program, the Yorkville Police Department, the Whitesboro Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.
Hogansburg Man Pleads Guilty to International Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Carey Terrance Sr., age 42, of Hogansburg, New York, pled guilty on July 31 to conspiring to launder money in connection with a scheme to smuggle cut rag tobacco into Canada from the United States.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Division, made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Terrance Sr. admitted that from approximately 2013 to 2016, he worked with co-conspirators to acquire cut rag tobacco and smuggle it into Canada, where it was made into contraband cigarettes. Members of the conspiracy sold the contraband cigarettes, making substantial profits by avoiding taxes and duties, and used some of their profits to buy more cut rag tobacco that they sent into Canada.
Funds to purchase the cut rag tobacco were sent from Canada, often through the Northern District of New York, to North Carolina. Once purchased, the cut rag tobacco was delivered to warehouses and buildings in the Northeastern United States, including on the St. Regis Mohawk Akwesasne Reservation, where it was staged for smuggling into Canada. Terrance admitted that he laundered $221,860.20 as part of the scheme; he agreed to forfeit that amount as part of the guilty plea.
Two other co-conspirators, Samuel C. Baker, age 45, of Laurinburg, North Carolina, and Jeffrey Doctor, age 51, of Charlotte, North Carolina, have each also pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and are awaiting sentencing.
Terrance, Doctor and Baker each face a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
A charge remains pending against Edgar M. Baker, Jr. and a trial is currently scheduled for September 27, 2023. The charge in the indictment against Baker is merely an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HSI and IRS-CI are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allen J. Vickey and Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping are prosecuting this case.
Amphenol Corporation Pays $18 Million to Resolve Allegations That It Submitted False Claims for Electrical ConnectorsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Amphenol Corporation (Amphenol) has agreed to pay the United States $18 million dollars to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for electrical connectors to the United States government when Amphenol sold electrical connectors that failed to fully comply with applicable government regulations and contract specifications, due to Amphenol’s failure to meet required testing standards and other manufacturing and program requirements.
The U.S. military and government buys tanks, fighter jets, rockets, missiles, and other equipment and weapon systems containing electrical connectors manufactured by Amphenol, and also purchases electrical connectors from Amphenol to use as replacement parts in weapon systems and equipment. Government contracts and regulations calling for the use of Military Specification (MIL-SPEC or MS) connectors require that both the supplier (Amphenol) and the product supplied (MS electrical connectors) meet all military specifications for the manufacture and testing of those electrical connectors. The Qualified Products List (QPL) program for the six MS connector series covered by the settlement agreement was at all times overseen and managed by Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
As part of the settlement, Amphenol admits that, between 2012 and 2017, it manufactured and sold the following MIL-SPEC electrical connectors directly and indirectly to the U.S. Government that did not fully conform to the applicable MIL-SPECs: Series Nos. 22992, 26482, 26500, 27599, 38999, and 83723 connectors (the “six MS connector series”). Specifically, Amphenol failed to timely complete required retention of qualification testing,[1] failed to timely report required testing results to DLA, and failed to immediately report certain testing failures to DLA, all as required by the applicable MIL-SPECs.
Between 2012 and at least March 2016, Amphenol also obtained parts and components from sources that DLA did not authorize. Amphenol used these parts in the assembly and manufacture of the six MS connector series.
As a result of all of this conduct, from 2012 through 2017, Amphenol submitted or caused to be submitted to DLA, and other Government agencies, claims for the six MS connector series when those connectors did not fully conform with the requirements of the applicable MIL-SPECs.
“Defense contractors agree to follow strict manufacturing and testing protocols so that taxpayers receive the equipment they pay for,” said Carla B. Freedman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York. “These high standards also ensure that our service members have the reliable equipment that they expect and deserve. Today’s $18 million settlement holds Amphenol accountable for its failure to meet those high standards for specific electrical connectors.”
The settlement with Amphenol was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York; the Defense Logistics Agency; the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; and the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Eurenius and John Hoggan for the Northern District of New York.
[1] “Retention of qualification” testing is periodic testing required by the applicable MIL-SPECs for a manufacturer to maintain status as a QPL manufacturer for a particular QPL-listed product.
Watertown Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ryan D. Monroe, age 41, of Watertown, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 130 months (10 years and 10 months) in federal prison for his conviction for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced 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.
Monroe was arrested by members of the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force (“Met-Jeff”) on May 18, 2022, on bench warrants for his failure to appear in Jefferson County Court for sentencing on two New York State felony cases. Met-Jeff Detectives located Monroe in the City of Watertown as he got out of a car. A short foot pursuit ensued after which Monroe was taken into custody. A search incident to arrest located 56 grams of nearly pure methamphetamine in Monroe’s pants pocket along with $2,388.00 in U.S. currency. A shoulder bag that Monroe discarded during the foot chase was searched pursuant to a search warrant and found to contain 29 grams of cocaine, a set of digital scales, 12 grams of cocaine base (crack), and approximately 50 small plastic baggies containing individual quantities of a heroin/fentanyl mixture.
This case was investigated by the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, consisting of Special Agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detectives from the City of Watertown Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Investigators from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Border Patrol Agents. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Possession of a Handgun as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Cedric L. Hudson, Jr., age 37, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to serve 96 months (8 years) in federal prison for his possession of a firearm as a prior convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli.
On October 17, 2022, New York State Police stopped a vehicle driven by Hudson in the Town of Dewitt for traffic violations. The registration of his car was expired, and Hudson advised he had no driver’s license. When informed that the vehicle would be towed, Hudson told New York State Troopers that there was a handgun and ammunition in the passenger compartment. A .45 caliber Hi Point pistol and a loaded ammunition magazine were recovered from the interior of the vehicle. When interviewed, Hudson said he intended to sell the handgun.
Records checks revealed that Hudson was previously convicted of several prior felonies in New York State and North Carolina and was the subject of an active arrest warrant for absconding from parole in North Carolina. While detained awaiting sentencing on the instant federal firearm charge, Hudson was arrested and charged with bringing drugs into the Oneida County Jail. He is presumed innocent on both his North Carolina Parole absconding violation and his pending Oneida County charge of Promoting Prison Contraband in the Second Degree (misdemeanor) unless or until proven guilty.
The New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit (NYSP-Community Stabilization), Troop D Uniform Patrol (NYSP-Troop D), and the FBI Syracuse Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick prosecuted the case.
This case was brought 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Rogelio Lopez-Lopez, a/k/a Hugo Gilardo Sales-Gomez, age 37, a Guatemalan citizen who was living in Chenango County, New York, was sentenced to serve 7-months in prison for unlawfully reentering the United States after previously being deported, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Brophy, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Buffalo Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he returned to the United States after being previously deported in 2006 and without making application to lawfully reenter. He came to the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement-Removal Operations after being arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for an assault charge. Following his conviction in Chenango County for Assault in the Third Degree, Lopez-Lopez was sentenced to serve 179 days in the Chenango County Jail. At the conclusion of that sentence, ICE-ERO arrested the defendant for the instant federal offense.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) with assistance from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick prosecuted the case.
St. Lawrence County Man Sentenced for Failing to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - John Arthur Nolan, III, age 48, of Norfolk, New York, was sentenced today to serve 15 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for failing to update his sex offender registration.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and David L. McNulty, United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York.
As part of his previously entered plea, Nolan admitted that he was previously convicted of Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors in Florida, which required him to register as a sex offender for 25 years. Nolan further admitted that he moved from Pennsylvania to New York in July of 2022 and failed to notify either Pennsylvania or New York of his change in residence from that time until his arrest in October of 2022.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service Sex Offender Investigation Branch and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to Nearly 21 Years for Armed Robberies of Corner StoresRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Akiem Howard, age 24, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 250 months (20 years and 10 months) in federal prison for robbing two Syracuse corner stores, and for related firearms charges, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Chief Joseph Cecile, City of Syracuse Police Department (SPD), 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), United States Marshal David McNulty, and William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney.
As part of his previous guilty plea to robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce (the Hobbs Act) and using firearms in furtherance of federal crimes of violence, Howard admitted robbing two Syracuse corner stores at gunpoint. The first robbery occurred on December 13, 2020, and the second was on December 21, 2020.
The December 13 robbery occurred at about 11:14 pm and Howard robbed it along with a second robber. Both Howard and the second robber pointed handguns at the store clerk. The December 21, 2020 robbery occurred at about 10:45 am approximately one-fifth of a mile from an elementary school. Howard robbed the store with a third robber, Chantal Jaquez. Howard used a revolver and Jaquez carried a rifle. While fleeing the store, Howard fired several rounds from his revolver at the store clerk. One of the bullets struck Jaquez in the leg. Jaquez previously pleaded guilty to participating in the December 21, 2020, robbery and, on August 18, 2022, was sentenced to serve 111 months in federal prison.
As part of his guilty plea, Howard also admitted committing three other armed robberies on December 19, 2020.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Howard to a three-year term of supervised release to begin after he serves his term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (SPD-CID), the SPD Intelligence Section (SPD-Intel), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice 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.
Dominican Citizen Sentenced to 18 Months for Selling Cocaine After Illegally Returning to United StatesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jose Campusano, age 38, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 18 months in federal prison for selling cocaine and illegally reentering the United States.
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 Brophy, Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), Buffalo Field Office.
In pleading guilty, Campusano admitted that after being deported from the United States in 2009, he returned without permission. While he was living in the Utica area illegally, Campusano sold cocaine to another individual on six separate dates.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered that Campusano serve a three-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the Syracuse Police Department, and Utica Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.