Northern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Broome County Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Disclose His Email Address to the Sex Offender RegistryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Thomas E. Cargill, age 56, of Endicott, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Binghamton to one felony count of failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender after it was discovered that he had an e-mail address that he had not disclosed to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and David L. McNulty, United States Marshal for the Northern District of New York.
In pleading guilty, Cargill admitted that from November 5, 2016, through November 13, 2021, he failed to register a Google email address he created on September 24, 2016, as required by SORNA.
Cargill was required to register as a sex offender because of his federal conviction in 2008 for possession of child pornography.
In addition to his plea to failure to register and update a registration as a sex offender, Cargill also admitted today that this conduct violated the terms of supervised release previously imposed after his 2008 conviction.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2022 before Senior United States District Thomas J. McAvoy. In addition to any punishment for violating the terms of his supervised release, Cargill faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life on the sex offender registration 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.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown 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
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Nationwide “Felony Lane Gang” ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tyrone Parker, age 40, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Putnam County Sheriff Kevin J. McConville.
In pleading guilty, Parker, whose aliases include “Tyron Parker” and “Thigh,” admitted that he was involved in a fraud scheme known as “Felony Lane Gang” between July 2019 and September 2020. Parker and his co-conspirators traveled across the country breaking into cars, often targeting those parked by women at locations such as health and fitness centers, daycares, outdoor recreational parks, and dog parks. After committing these “smash-and-grab” vehicle thefts, Parker and other members of the conspiracy stole debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks, and photo identifications, which they later used to commit bank fraud by recruiting women to impersonate the smash-and-grab victims in drive-through bank lanes and cash checks. The recruited check cashers were almost always suffering from an addiction to controlled substances and were provided payment at least partially in narcotics. Parker admitted that the loss amount from the conspiracy attributable to him is between $95,000 and $150,000, over a 15-month period.
The charges to which Parker pled guilty carry a minimum sentence of 2 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and a supervised release term of up to 5 years. Parker will be sentenced on August 15, 2022 by Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. 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.
Parker was one of nine men charged in a 13-count indictment for their roles in the scheme. Keyshawn Arnold, age 25, of Schenectady, New York, previously pled guilty for his role in the indictment. The remaining co-defendants are:
- TYRONE PARKER, JR. a/k/a “Ty,” a/k/a “Cheese,” a/k/a “Little Thigh,” age 22, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida;
- JOSHUA MALLORY, a/k/a “P,” a/k/a “Pudge,” age 37, of Fort Lauderdale;
- RANDALL TAYLOR, a/k/a “Gucci,” a/k/a “Guwop,” age 35, of Fort Lauderdale;
- CEDRIC LYNCH, a/k/a “City,” a/k/a “C,” age 37, of Orlando, Florida;
- TERRELL MCDONALD, a/k/a “Ruger,” a/k/a “Moon,” age 32, of Troy, New York;
- ROBERT NATSON, a/k/a “Big Rob,” age 36, of Fort Lauderdale; and
- GARY GRIER, a/k/a “G,” age 36, of Fort Lauderdale.
Each of these defendants is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants whose cases remain pending are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Westchester Resident Agency of the New York Field Office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in Albany, Miami, and Salt Lake City, and Resident Agencies in Savannah, Georgia, and Portland, Maine, and from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by numerous law enforcement agencies, including, within New York, the New York State Police; Columbia County Sheriff's Office; Genesee County Sheriff’s Office; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; Warren County Sheriff’s Office; and the police departments of the Town of Bethlehem; Glens Falls; Gloversville; Greenburgh; Greece; and Watervliet; and elsewhere, Connecticut State Police; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Georgia State Patrol; Illinois State Police; Massachusetts State Police; Broward County, FL Sheriff’s Office; Northern York County, PA Regional Police; Southern Chester County, PA Regional Police; Utah County, UT Sheriff's Office; and the police departments of Auburn, MA; Bath, ME; Biddeford, ME; Bozeman, MT; Brunswick, ME; Caernarvon Township, PA; Chester Township, PA; Cinnaminson, NJ; Darien, CT; East Norriton Township, PA; Easthampton, MA; Greenwich, CT; Lower Moreland Township, PA; Manheim Township, PA; Portland, ME; Portsmouth, NH; Saco, ME; Salisbury, MA; Sanford, ME; Scarborough, ME; Somersworth, NH; South Portland, ME; St. George, UT; Syracuse, UT; Tinicum, PA; Towamencin, PA; Tewksbury, MA; Wakefield, MA; Yarmouth, ME; and York, ME.
The case was initiated by former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Beaty and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Michael F. Perry.
Two Utica Men Plead Guilty to Fentanyl Conspiracy and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – DAEQUON D. PERKINS, age 25, and MARK W. BAKER, age 44, both of Utica, New York, pled guilty today for their participation in a fentanyl conspiracy.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara, New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen, Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Mark Williams, Utica Police Department.
PERKINS pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, and to distribution of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. As part of his guilty plea, Perkins admitted that beginning no later than May 2021, he agreed with others to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl to customers in the Utica, New York area. Perkins also admitted that on May 27, 2021, he distributed approximately 1.75 grams of a fentanyl mixture in Utica.
At sentencing on August 10, 2022, PERKINS faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a post-incarceration term of at least 4 years and up to life of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000.
BAKER pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. As part of his guilty plea, Baker admitted that beginning no later than May 2021, through at least August 4, 2021, he agreed with others to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl to customers. Baker further admitted that on August 4, 2021, at his residence in Utica, he possessed a fentanyl mixture he intended to distribute to others, a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, two 12-gauge shotguns, and multiple rounds of ammunition of various calibers, which he possessed in furtherance of drug-trafficking. Baker also acknowledged that in 2010, he was convicted of drug conspiracy charges in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, for which he was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment.
At sentencing on August 10, 2022, BAKER faces a minimum term of 15 years and up to life in prison, a post-incarceration term of at least 8 years and up to life of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $8,000,000.
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.
This case is being investigated by New York State Police-Special Investigations Unit (NYSP-SIU), investigators from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, members of the City of Utica Police Department, DEA, ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.
Niskayuna Man Arrested for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron Griesche, age 39, of Niskayuna, New York, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with receiving child pornography, announced 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).
The complaint alleges that Griesche used his laptop to download child pornography, which he later transferred to a USB storage device. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge against Griesche carries a minimum sentence of 5 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 statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Griesche would also have to register as a sex offender if convicted.
Griesche appeared today for an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel Stewart and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and by the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia 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.
Ulster County Dentist Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Acquiring and Obtaining OxycodoneRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Vivian Letizia, age 63, of Stone Ridge, New York, pled guilty today to acquiring and obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, or subterfuge. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
In pleading guilty, Letizia admitted that, on December 16, 2019, she fraudulently submitted a prescription for oxycodone for one of her dentistry patients using that patient’s name and date of birth. Letizia then obtained that oxycodone from a pharmacy in Woodstock, New York, for her own consumption. At the time Letizia submitted the prescription to the pharmacy, she knew that she was not treating this patient and that she intended to personally consume the oxycodone.
At sentencing on August 25, 2022, Letizia faces up to 4 years in prison, a supervised release term of up to 1 year, and a maximum fine of $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
By pleading guilty, Letizia also agreed to surrender her New York State medical license. She also agreed that she would be prohibited from re-applying for a DEA registration number that would allow her to write prescriptions authorizing the dispensation of controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes.
This case was investigated by the DEA Albany District Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad, and the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran, of the Civil Division, also assisted in the investigation.
Troy Man Sentenced to 81 Months for Firearm and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sherrod Johnson, aka “Rod,” age 28, of Troy, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 81 months in prison for possessing and intending to distribute heroin on separate occasions in 2019 and 2020, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2020.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
In pleading guilty, Johnson admitted to possessing and intending to distribute heroin mixed with fentanyl discovered in his apartment on Seventh Avenue in Troy in March 2019. Over a year later, on April 1, 2020, law enforcement observed Johnson flash a handgun on Facebook Live and the following morning attempted to stop Johnson in the Corliss Park area of Troy. Johnson fled, and as he was pursued by police, placed a loaded .40 caliber handgun in a grill. Johnson was ultimately captured and in searching his Corliss Park apartment, law enforcement discovered 18 bundles of heroin and four digital scales. Johnson, who possessed over $5,600 in cash at the time of his arrest, admitted to possessing and intending to distribute the 18 bundles of heroin and to possessing the handgun to protect his heroin and drug proceeds.
Johnson was also sentenced to a 3-year term of post-release supervision.
The case was investigated by the ATF, DEA, and Troy Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
New York City Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Stephon Williams, age 38, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty today to possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and Timothy Walker, Port Director-Alexandria Bay Port of Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Williams was previously convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony in the State of New York. As part of his plea today, Williams admitted that on September 24, 2021, a vehicle he was driving was stopped and searched by Agents of United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) near Alexandria Bay, New York. During the search, Williams was found in possession of a Glock-style, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, with no serial number, also known as a “ghost gun.” At the time the pistol was located by CBP agents, the pistol contained a 30-round high-capacity magazine with 25 rounds of ammunition. During the search of the vehicle Williams had been driving, agents also recovered over 19 grams of cocaine from a passenger in the vehicle, and approximately 5 grams of cocaine in Williams’s pocket. Approximately 100.2 grams of marijuana was recovered from the rear driver’s side seat of the vehicle.
At sentencing, currently scheduled for August 11, 2022, Williams faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a 3-year term of post-release supervision, and a fine of up to $250,000.00. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The case was investigated by the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as 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.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ibn Spivey, age 31, of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Spivey admitted that he possessed cocaine base and cocaine at a residence in Westport, New York, in Essex County. On November 3, 2020, DEA agents executing a search warrant found Spivey and his co-defendant, James Kerns, sitting across from a large brick of cocaine and drug packaging materials, along with a large knife and a video surveillance monitor. Near Spivey and Kerns was a lunchbox filled with cocaine base and powder cocaine. Spivey, sitting across from Kerns, had a bag of cocaine base tucked down his pants.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Spivey to 4 years of supervised release following his incarceration. Spivey has been in custody since his arrest on November 3, 2019. The co-defendant, James Kerns, was sentenced last month to 110 months of incarceration following a four-day trial in July 2021.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy Anderson and Katherine Kopita.
Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Obstruction ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jacques Laventure, age 35, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty today to obstructing an official proceeding by selling a mansion and estate that the U.S. Attorney’s Office was seeking to forfeit as part of a criminal case against his brother.
The announcement was made by 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).
Laventure is the brother of Jean Lavanture, of Saugerties, New York. Jean Lavanture was indicted in October 2020 for fraudulently obtaining nearly $5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) intended to help legitimate businesses during the pandemic. As part of that prosecution, the U.S. Attorney’s Office sought to forfeit a mansion and estate in Byram Township, New Jersey, that Jean Lavanture bought with approximately $850,000 in fraud proceeds.
In pleading guilty, Jacques Laventure admitted that between January and March 2021, he schemed to sell the Byram Township property, knowing that the U.S. Attorney’s Office sought to forfeit it. He also admitted that on March 10, 2021, he completed the sale of the property for $443,920 net of fees, and knew that by selling the property to a third party, he was preventing its forfeiture in the criminal case brought against his brother.
Laventure faces up to 20 years in prison, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, when Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby sentences him on August 25, 2022. 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. Laventure has agreed to forfeit $443,920 that the FBI has already seized, and to pay an additional $331,080 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Barnett and Joshua R. Rosenthal.
Auburn Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Devin Nau, age 27, of Auburn, New York, pled guilty today before United States District Judge David N. Hurd to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
Nau, who remains detained pending his sentencing scheduled for August 11, 2022, faces at least 15 years and up to 100 years imprisonment on the charges. The Court will also impose a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life, and Nau will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of this conviction. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
As part of his guilty plea, Nau admitted to engaging in sex acts with two minor victims that he filmed and photographed using his cellular telephone. Nau further admitted that after recording the sex acts, he used a social media messaging application on his cellular telephone to distribute the depictions to other individuals over the internet.
Nau’s case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Investigators of the New York State Police, Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office and the Auburn City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J.L. Brown 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 Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Intending to Distribute 6 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Alexander Carrasquillo-Rosado, age 31, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute controlled substances. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division, Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), New York Field Office, and Kenton Buckner, Chief of Police, Syracuse Police Department.
As part of his plea, Carrasquillo-Rosado admitted that, on November 17, 2021, he possessed with intent to distribute six kilograms of cocaine found in his car and his house on that day.
At sentencing on August 17, 2022, Carrasquillo-Rosado faces a term of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life, a post-incarceration term of supervised release of between five years and life, and a maximum fine of $10,000,0000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the Syracuse Police Department. Investigative assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Border Patrol, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.
William Wood Receives Life Sentence for MurdersRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – William D. Wood, Jr. was sentenced today on federal charges related to the September 2018 robbery and murders he committed at the Chili’s Bar and Grill in Dewitt, New York, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen, and Chief Chase L. Bilodeau, Town of Dewitt Police Department.
As a part of his earlier guilty plea, Wood admitted that he obtained a loaded handgun to commit a robbery at the Chili’s, and that during the early morning hours of September 15, 2018, armed with that loaded handgun, he forced his way into the back door of Chili’s, where four employees remained to close the restaurant. Wood admitted that he held all four employees on the ground at gunpoint, and after obtaining the available cash from the restaurant’s safe, shot and killed Stephen Gudknecht and Kristopher Hicks. Wood further admitted that his gun malfunctioned as he attempted to shoot a third employee in the head, allowing time for her and the fourth employee to hide and flee.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby imposed consecutive sentences on each of the three federal felonies to which Wood pled guilty: 20 years for robbery, and life sentences on each of two counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and murder.
“Today’s sentencing of William Wood marks the end of a horrific crime that senselessly took the lives of two innocent people. While nothing can ever make up for their loss, we hope that the life sentences imposed on Wood today represents some measure of justice and will further ensure that he never again is free to victimize anyone. Our thoughts today are with all four victims, their families, friends, and co-workers. All have suffered grievously from the robbery and murders committed by Wood,” said United States Attorney Carla Freedman.
“Today’s lengthy sentence serves to protect our communities, while sending a strong message to violent offenders like the defendant that they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. William Wood Jr. preyed upon his victims and showed no mercy. We commend the work of ATF’s Syracuse Field Office and our partners from the New York State Police, Town of DeWitt Police Department and United States Attorney’s Office for their steadfast commitment to investigating this heinous crime and for ensuring that justice was served,” said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “Mr. Woods sentencing illustrates the work of a strong law enforcement partnership that has resulted in a dangerous man being taken off the streets. As we mourn for the victims and their families, we hope this sentencing brings them a sense of peace that Mr. Wood will never commit a crime like this again. State Police and our partners will continue to work in keeping our communities safe from such criminals and the purposeless violence and deaths that they cause.”
“The crimes committed by William Wood were some of the most senseless, violent and horrific crimes that our community has ever seen. Although no measure of justice can ever fully make up for those actions, I hope today’s sentencing can bring at least some measure of peace to the victims, their families and all those who were hurt by his crimes. I would like to thank all of the first responders, investigators and prosecutors involved in this case, for working so diligently to ensure that William Wood will never again be free to victimize others,” said Chief Chase Bilodeau, Town of Dewitt Police Department.
Wood is currently serving a life sentence on state charges related to the robbery and murders. In the event that New York State ever releases Wood, he will be surrendered to federal authorities to serve each of the three sentences handed down today.
The case against Wood was investigated by United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Town of Dewitt Police Department, and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa M. Fletcher and Michael D. Gadarian.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 366 Days for Assaulting a U.S. Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Javon Mayo, 30, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced yesterday to a 366-day term of imprisonment for assaulting a United States Postal Service letter carrier, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
As part of his previous plea, Mayo admitted that on December 24, 2020, he struck a letter carrier in the right eye while the carrier was delivering mail at an apartment complex in Syracuse, NY. Mayo broke part of the bone around the carrier’s eye.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd further imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start after Mayo is released from prison.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Syracuse Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Utica Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Seiselmyer, age 50, of Utica, New York, pled guilty today before Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, 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 Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
Seiselmyer, who remains detained pending his sentencing scheduled for August 2, 2022, faces at least 15 years in prison and up to 60 years imprisonment on the charges. The Court will also impose a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
As part of his guilty plea, Seiselmyer, admitted that from February 2020 to June 2020 he used a laptop computer to download child pornography over the internet using peer-to-peer file sharing software. A subsequent search of Seiselmyer’s apartment revealed that he was in possession of over 9,000 images and 955 video files depicting child pornography. Seiselmyer is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2007 of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree involving a victim who was less than 11 years old.
Seiselmyer’s case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), with assistance from the Utica Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown 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), 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.
Schenectady Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm, Marijuana ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Muhammad Coleman, age 42, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, and to possessing and conspiring to distribute marijuana.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Coleman admitted that he conspired with others to sell marijuana, including by selling marijuana from his residence from at least May to October 2021. He also admitted to possessing about 20 pounds of marijuana, and to possessing a 10 mm Caspian Arms handgun, when the DEA searched his house on October 21, 2021. Coleman was not permitted to possess this firearm as a result of a prior drug felony conviction.
Coleman faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as a minimum term of post-imprisonment supervised release of 3 years, when United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentences him on August 4, 2022. 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.
Coleman agreed to forfeit, as proceeds of the marijuana conspiracy, $319,387 in U.S. currency, and nine items of jewelry collectively worth more than $100,000, which the DEA seized on October 21, 2021.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, which includes DEA Special Agents and investigators from state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) assisted in this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Otsego County Man Arrested for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Hawkins, age 59, of Maryland, New York was arrested today for failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). 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.
According to the complaint filed against him, Hawkins is required to register as a sex offender because of his 1997 conviction in the State of Rhode Island for First-Degree and Second-Degree Child Molestation. The complaint further alleges that Hawkins has been residing in New York without registering his address for several months and that his last registration shows him as homeless living in Rhode Island.
If convicted, Hawkins faces a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, supervised release of up to three years starting after he serves any term of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Hawkins was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric and was detained pending further court proceedings.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian 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
Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Fair Housing Act Case Alleging Unlawful Exclusion of Tenants Who Do Not Speak EnglishRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The Justice Department filed a Statement of Interest today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York explaining how policies that exclude rental housing applicants because they do not speak English may violate the Fair Housing Act.
The Statement of Interest was filed in CNY Fair Housing v. Swiss Village LLC, et al., a lawsuit alleging that the defendants violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by refusing to rent apartments to applicants who are limited English proficient (LEP) unless someone who speaks and reads English lives in the unit. The defendants own and manage apartments in Dewitt, New York. The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants refused the applicants’ offers to bring their own interpreters to translate lease documents and assist with communications.
“Refusing to rent to people who do not speak English makes finding safe and affordable housing especially hard for people who come to the United States from countries where English is not the primary language,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “When housing providers ban prospective tenants who do not speak English well, their actions may violate the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin, race and other protected characteristics. As we celebrate Fair Housing Month, the Department of Justice underscores its commitment to fighting for fair housing across our nation and ensuring that housing providers respect the federal civil rights of people who do not read or speak English fluently.”
“The right to housing is fundamental to full participation in society,” said U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman for the Northern District of New York. “When landlords engage in practices or enact policies that disparately impact people who have come to America from non-English speaking countries, these actions must be strictly scrutinized for potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. My office is proud to partner with the Civil Rights Division in regard to this matter.”
“HUD commends the Justice Department for pursuing the housing rights of those who call America home,” said Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Relying on recent Census data, CNY Fair Housing’s complaint alleges that the defendants’ LEP exclusion policy imposes an unjustified disparate impact on the basis of national origin and race. The complaint also alleges that the defendants’ restrictive language policy was a pretext to discriminate against applicants based on their national origin and race.
Among its protections, the FHA prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of national origin or race. The Statement of Interest explains how a restrictive language policy may violate the FHA when it has a disparate impact or is used as a proxy or pretext for discrimination based on national origin or race, as alleged in plaintiff’s complaint. It also discusses how the plaintiff’s allegations are consistent with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Guidance on Fair Housing Act Protections for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, which clarifies how restrictive language policies may run afoul of the FHA.
CNY Fair Housing v. Swiss Village et al. was filed in the Northern District of New York in November 2021. The defendants have moved to have the case dismissed. CNY Fair Housing opposes that motion, and the Justice Department’s Statement of Interest agrees that dismissal of the complaint would be inappropriate. The motion is now pending before the court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status (having one or more children under 18), national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination submit a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov. Such individuals also may contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
Former GE Power Engineer Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Economic Espionage Following Four-Week TrialRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Xiaoqing Zheng, age 59, of Niskayuna, New York, was convicted yesterday of conspiracy to commit economic espionage following a four-week jury trial.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman of the Northern District of New York; Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Counterintelligence Division; and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office.
Zheng was employed at GE Power & Water in Schenectady, New York, as an engineer specializing in sealing technology. He worked at GE from 2008 until the summer of 2018. The trial evidence demonstrated that Zheng and others in China conspired to steal GE’s trade secrets surrounding GE’s steam and gas turbine technologies, knowing or intending to benefit the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and one or more foreign instrumentalities, including China-based companies that research, develop, and manufacture parts for turbines.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen stated: “Zheng conspired to steal trade secrets from his employer, GE, and transfer this information to his business partner in China, so they could enrich both themselves and companies receiving support from the PRC government. This is the kind of exploitation of our economy and open society that the Department will continue to counter relentlessly.”
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman stated: “Today’s verdict holds Xiaoqing Zheng accountable for betraying his employer and trying to help China cheat in the global marketplace. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who connive to steal trade secrets and valuable technology from the innovative companies doing cutting-edge work in our district.”
Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr., of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, stated: “Those who conspire to steal technology from a U.S. business and transfer it to China can cause tremendous damage. Good-paying jobs could be lost, and communities can suffer. These actions help China become more of a threat to our national security. This is why the FBI puts so much effort into investigating cases of economic espionage.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Janeen DiGuiseppi stated: “Dr. Zheng used his status as a trusted engineer with GE to conspire to commit economic espionage on behalf of the People’s Republic of China. This conviction should send a strong message that the FBI will continue to vigorously investigate economic espionage cases and pursue prosecution in partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure the protection of American technology and American jobs.”
Sentencing is scheduled for August 2, 2022, in Albany, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Zheng faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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.
By voting to convict Zheng of conspiracy to commit economic espionage, the jury concluded that between 2016 and 2018, Zheng and others in China conspired to steal GE’s trade secrets involving gas and steam turbine technologies, knowing or intending that the theft would benefit the Government of China. The jury acquitted Zheng of two counts of economic espionage and two counts of trade secret theft. The jury could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, two counts of economic espionage, three counts of trade secret theft, and one count of making a false statement to the FBI.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Belliss and Emily C. Powers, and Trial Attorney Matthew Chang of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Controls Section.
Former GE Power Engineer Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Economic EspionageRead the Press Release
Yesterday, a federal jury convicted a New York man of conspiracy to commit economic espionage following a four-week jury trial.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Xiaoqing Zheng, 59, of Niskayuna, was employed at GE Power & Water in Schenectady, New York, as an engineer specializing in sealing technology. He worked at GE from 2008 until the summer of 2018. The trial evidence demonstrated that Zheng and others in China conspired to steal GE’s trade secrets surrounding GE’s steam and gas turbine technologies, knowing or intending to benefit the People’s Republic of China and one or more foreign instrumentalities, including China-based companies that research, develop, and manufacture parts for turbines.
“Zheng conspired to steal trade secrets from his employer, GE, and transfer this information to his business partner in China, so they could enrich both themselves and companies receiving support from the PRC government,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This is the kind of exploitation of our economy and open society that the Department will continue to counter relentlessly.”
"Today's verdict holds Xiaoqing Zheng accountable for betraying his employer and trying to help China cheat in the global marketplace," said U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman for the Northern District of New York. "With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who connive to steal trade secrets and valuable technology from the innovative companies doing cutting-edge work in our district.”
“Those who conspire to steal technology from a U.S. business and transfer it to China can cause tremendous damage,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “Good-paying jobs could be lost, and communities can suffer. These actions help China become more of a threat to our national security. This is why the FBI puts so much effort into investigating cases of economic espionage.”
“Dr. Zheng used his status as a trusted engineer with GE to conspire to commit economic espionage on behalf of the People’s Republic of China,” said Special Agent in Charge Janeen DiGuiseppi of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “This conviction should send a strong message that the FBI will continue to vigorously investigate economic espionage cases and pursue prosecution in partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure the protection of American technology and American jobs.”
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 2 in Albany before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Zheng faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The jury acquitted Zheng of two counts of economic espionage and two counts of trade secret theft. The jury could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, two counts of economic espionage, three counts of trade secret theft, and one count of making a false statement to the FBI.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Belliss and Emily C. Powers for the Northern District of New York, and Trial Attorney Matthew Chang of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Controls Section.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Intending to Distribute Drugs in PlattsburghRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Marquail Jones, age 42, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute controlled substances, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Jones admitted that on December 18, 2020, he distributed 82 grams of cocaine to an individual in Schuyler Falls, New York. Thereafter, police stopped and searched Jones’s vehicle and found approximately 8.8 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 82 grams of cocaine, and approximately 38.3 grams of fentanyl, along with approximately $15,000 in cash and a scale.
At sentencing on July 29, 2022, Jones faces up to 20 years in prison, a post-incarceration term of at least 3 years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1 million. 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 DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Pittsfield Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempting to Entice a Minor in Rensselaer CountyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bryan P. Krynicki, age 58, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct with him. The announcement was made by 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).
Krynicki admitted that between February and April, 2020, he exchanged over 1,000 sexually explicit messages with an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old child, in an attempt to coerce and entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Krynicki further admitted that on April 29, 2020, he traveled to meet with the child in Rensselaer County. Krynicki was arrested after arriving at the location, and he has been in custody since that date.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release, which will start after Krynicki is released from prison. As a result of his conviction, Krynicki will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams 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.
New Woodstock Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Ernest Shaw, Sr. of New Woodstock, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 15 years in federal prison in connection with his trial conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, and 28 grams of cocaine base (crack), announced United States Attorney Carla Freedman and Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
During the September 2021 jury trial, evidence was presented that proved Ernest Shaw, Sr. conspired with others from September 2017 to September 25, 2019, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base in the Syracuse area. As part of the verdict, jurors unanimously found that the defendant’s part in the conspiracy involved more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and 28 grams of cocaine base (crack). The trial evidence included the seizure of over 171 grams of powder cocaine and over 80 grams of crack cocaine from a stash house in Nedrow, New York used by Shaw to store drugs prior to distributing them to drug dealers and drug users in the Syracuse area.
Ernest Shaw was also sentenced yesterday to a 10-year term of supervised release following his release from federal prison and ordered to forfeit $36,335.00 in cash seized as drug proceeds by DEA during the execution of a search warrant at his home in New Woodstock, New York on September 25, 2019. Shaw also was ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $105,000.00 for unrecovered proceeds he acquired during the conspiracy through the sale of cocaine and cocaine base (crack).
Ernest Shaw, Sr. was previously convicted in federal court in Syracuse in March 2007 of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He pled guilty and was sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison in that previous case.
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, Investigators from 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 Thomas Sutcliffe and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Fort Drum Contractors Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Pay More Than $750,000 to Resolve False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Sean O’Sullivan, age 59, of Sackets Harbor, New York, and David Rose, age 58, of Newport News, Virginia, have pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in a fraudulent scheme to obtain government construction contracts that were set aside for businesses owned and operated by disabled veterans. O’Sullivan, Rose, and their businesses also agreed to pay a total of $758,526.68 to the United States to resolve their civil liability for the submission of false claims for payment to the federal government.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Larry S. Moreland, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Mid-Atlantic Fraud Field Office; Joseph Dattoria, Special Agent in Charge of the General Services Administration, Office of the Inspector General (GSA-OIG); Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region (SBA-OIG); and Joseph Harris, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Region (DOT-OIG).
Federal government agencies offer “set aside” construction contracts to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (“SDVOSBs”), which must meet certain criteria, including that a military veteran with a disability rating incurred as a result of military service must own the majority of the business and personally manage and controls its daily business operations.
Rose and O’Sullivan incorporated, and co-owned, Sierra Delta Contracting, LLC, a construction company. Although Rose is a service-disabled military veteran, O’Sullivan is not. O’Sullivan certified to federal agencies that Sierra Delta was a SDVOSB, falsely representing that Rose personally managed and controlled Sierra Delta’s day-to-day business operations. That certification was false because O’Sullivan, not Rose, fulfilled those roles. Rose lived in Virginia, where he had a full-time job, unrelated to Sierra Delta, and O’Sullivan ran the business by himself in Jefferson County, New York, with little input from Rose.
Sierra Delta bid on and received multiple construction contracts from the Army at Fort Drum, New York, and one construction contract from the U.S. Department of Transportation. All of the contracts were 100% set aside for SDVOSBs. These contracts were fraudulently obtained because Sierra Delta was not a SDVOSB.
O’Sullivan arranged for Sierra Delta to hire SOS Inc. – O’Sullivan’s own construction company – as the primary subcontractor on the set-aside contracts, enabling O’Sullivan to retain the majority of the profits generated by the contracts. O’Sullivan admitted that he received $345,271.34 in profits from the scheme. Rose admitted that he received $33,992 from his participation in the scheme.
Government agencies challenged Sierra Delta’s SDVOSB status and questioned whether Rose managed the company on a day-to-day basis. In response, Rose falsely claimed that he “control[led] the long term and day to day operations of Sierra Delta Contracting LLC,” that he maintained Sierra Delta’s “main office” in Virginia, that he worked on Sierra Delta business 25 hours a week and that O’Sullivan dedicated substantially less time to Sierra Delta. Rose knew these statements were false.
O’Sullivan, Sierra Delta Contracting LLC, and SOS Inc. will pay $690,542.68, and Rose will pay $67,984, to the federal government as part of the resolution of the criminal and civil allegations.
O’Sullivan is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2022, and Rose is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20, 2022. The charges filed against O’Sullivan and Rose carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
In a related matter, O’Sullivan also pled guilty to conspiring to commit an offense against the United States by offering and giving gratuities to Fort Drum Contracting Officer Cindy McAleese. In pleading guilty, O’Sullivan agreed that he promised and provided things of value to McAleese, including sports tickets, meals, sexual encounters, and time and attention, for and because of official action taken by McAleese on O’Sullivan’s behalf, such as providing O’Sullivan’s company with government contracts and approving payment on those contracts. O’Sullivan also admitted that he and McAleese took steps to keep their relationship a secret from other officials at Fort Drum. McAleese has been indicted for her alleged role in the conspiracy, and her trial is scheduled to take place on July 11, 2022. The charges in the indictment against McAleese are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation and resolution were the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division; General Services Administration, Office of the Inspector General; U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; and Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region. The criminal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Perry. The civil case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher R. Moran.
Rensselaer Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic-Related Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Hector J. Sanchez, age 30, of Rensselaer, New York, pled guilty today to defrauding pandemic-related unemployment insurance programs administered by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). Sanchez also admitted to fraudulently obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, New York Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); and Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Sanchez pled guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft with respect to his unemployment insurance fraud scheme. He admitted to soliciting the personal identifying information of other people on social media and using the information to submit false unemployment insurance applications to NYSDOL. He also admitted that he fraudulently obtained a PPP loan by falsely claiming to run a car wash business.
Sanchez agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $131,560 to the State of New York and $12,500 to the PPP lender.
The mail fraud convictions carry maximum terms of 20 years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The aggravated identity theft conviction carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment. Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25, 2022 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by USPIS, USDOL-OIG, and HSI, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations and the Albany Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Chisholm.
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.
Oswego County Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jay Elhage, age 39, of Palermo, New York, was sentenced today to serve 13 years in prison for distributing, receiving, attempting to receive, and possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
In addition to the 13-year term of imprisonment, Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after Elhage is released from prison, ordered him to pay $15,000 in restitution to his victims, and imposed $600 in special assessments. Elhage also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
During a 3-day jury trial in December 2021, the evidence established that Elhage used an online peer-to-peer file-sharing program to distribute, receive and attempt to receive child pornography and that he possessed thousands of child pornography images and videos on three devices found in the bedroom of his home.
This case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the New York State Police-Computer Crimes Unit and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J.L. Brown and Michael D. Gadarian 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), 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.
Liverpool Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dionel Hall, age 42, of Liverpool, New York, pled guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
As part of his guilty plea, Hall admitted that on February 7, 2021, he possessed 995.6 grams of eutylone, also known as “molly,” which he intended to distribute to customers in Oneida County and elsewhere. Hall further admitted that on September 9, 2021, he possessed a loaded semiautomatic pistol, approximately 140 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, and $45,094.00 cash drug proceeds. Hall acknowledged that at the time of the offense, he knew that he had been convicted of multiple felony offenses punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and that he was also on parole at the time. Those prior convictions included a first-degree robbery conviction in 2003, for which he received a sentence in Monroe County Court of 18 years’ imprisonment.
At sentencing on July 20, 2022, Hall faces minimum term of 5 years and up to life in prison, a post-incarceration term of at least 3 years and up to life of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by DEA, the New York State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.
Fayetteville Man Charged with Lying to Federal Aviation AdministrationRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Noah Felice, age 70, of Fayetteville, New York, was arraigned today after being charged in an indictment with lying to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Joseph Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and Christopher F. Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
According to the indictment, in September 2017, Felice made false statements to the FAA on a Form 8500-8, which is an application pilots submit to the FAA to renew their medical certifications. The indictment alleges that Felice stated on the form that he had no history of criminal convictions and had never received medical disability benefits, when he knew that he had been convicted of multiple prior misdemeanor offenses and was receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The charge filed against Felice carries a maximum sentence of 5 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.
Felice appeared today in U.S. District Court in Syracuse, New York and was released by United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric on conditions of supervision pending further proceedings in the case.
The charge in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Bronx Man Sentenced for Trespassing at Albany International AirportRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Stan Johnson, age 23, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty today and was sentenced to time served (approximately 6 months in jail) for trespassing at the Albany International Airport on May 24, 2021.
The announcement was made by 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 Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr.
As part of his guilty plea, Johnson admitted that at the Albany airport on May 24, 2021, he breached the perimeter fence, crossed the airfield, and entered an unoccupied aircraft, where he sat in the cockpit. He then exited the airplane and entered the airport terminal through a gate access door, which he propped open; he then walked around the terminal hiding from security. He did not submit to security screening of his person or property before trespassing on airport property and entering the airplane.
Following Johnson’s plea, Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy sentenced Johnson to time served (approximately 6 months in jail) and 1 year of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Federal Air Marshal Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping.
Former School Bus Driver Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Frederick J. Haresign, age 62, of Oswego, New York pled guilty yesterday to possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea, Haresign, a school bus driver, admitted that, in 2017, he provided a minor child who rode on his bus with nicotine and other gifts in exchange for the child creating sexually explicit images and videos and providing those images and videos to Haresign. Haresign admitted that he possessed those images and videos in 2017 so that he could view them.
Sentencing is set for July 20, 2022, before Chief United States District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. If the Court accepts the parties’ plea agreement, Haresign will be sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment to be followed by 20 years of supervised release. In addition, the court could impose a fine of up to $250,000 and order restitution to the victim. Haresign will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the New York State Police: Fulton Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and Troop D Computer Crimes Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian in coordination with the Oswego County District Attorney’s Office 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 locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Utica Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Conspiracy and DistributionRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kymani Minott, aka “Bizz,” aka “K-Bizz,” age 19, of Utica, New York, pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, and distribution of mixture and substance containing fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara, New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen, Timothy Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Mark Williams, Utica Police Department.
As part of his guilty plea, Minott admitted that beginning in March 2021, he agreed with others to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl to customers in the Utica, New York area. Minott also admitted that on June 17, 2021, he distributed approximately 5 grams of a fentanyl mixture in Utica.
At sentencing on July 14, 2022, Minott, faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a post-incarceration term of at least 4 years and up to life of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000.00. 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.
This case is being investigated by New York State Police-Special Investigations Unit (NYSP-SIU), investigators from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, members of the City of Utica Police Department, DEA, ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie.
Syracuse Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax Returns for Herself and OthersRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Phoenix Phan, age 63, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release for filing a false tax return for herself and aiding and abetting the filing of a false tax return for a client. Phan also was ordered to pay $890,690.67 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
As part of her previously entered guilty plea, Phan admitted that she failed to report gross receipts on her personal income tax returns for tax years 2013-2017. She also admitted that she aided and assisted hundreds of clients in filing false federal income tax returns during the same period, including by falsely reporting: (1) business income that the taxpayer did not earn; (2) rental losses; and/or (3) that the taxpayer had a filing status (e.g., head of household) that the taxpayer did not actually have.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.
Mechanicville Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing ChildrenRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gary Ryan, age 51, of Mechanicville, New York, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for aggravated sexual abuse and transportation of minors to engage in sexual activity. The announcement was made by 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 Colonie Police Department Chief Michael Woods.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Ryan admitted that in 2003 and 2004, he took Victim 1, then 5 and 6 years old, to Florida, Massachusetts, and Nevada. On those trips, Ryan anally penetrated Victim 1.
In 2007, Ryan took Victim 2, then 14 years old, to Florida and Massachusetts. On those trips, Ryan showed Victim 2 pornography and rubbed Victim 2’s penis.
Between 1998 and 1999, Ryan took Victim 3, then 14 or 15 years old, to Massachusetts. On that trip, while Victim 3 was asleep, Ryan rubbed Victim 3’s penis to try to arouse him and shaved Victim 3’s genitals. Ryan instructed another teenager to video-record the conduct.
In imposing sentence, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino told Ryan that he is “the definition of a sexual predator.” She also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release, which will begin after Ryan is released from prison. Ryan will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes investigators from the Colonie Police Department, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Kopita as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is 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 87 Months for Unlawfully Possessing and Selling Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jovaun Clark, age 45, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to serve 87-months in federal prison for possessing unregistered machine guns and short-barreled rifles, possessing firearms and ammunition while a convicted felon, and selling firearms and ammunition to a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Chief Kenton Buckner, City of Syracuse Police Department, and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Clark admitted to selling seven (7) firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition in an undercover enforcement operation in January 2019. Five (5) of the firearms were “ghost guns” bearing no serial number, two (2) were handguns that had been modified to operate as machine guns, and two (2) were illegal short-barreled rifles. None of the machine guns and short-barreled rifles were registered to the defendant as required by federal law. In 1999, the defendant was convicted in Onondaga County Court of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a felony offense.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd further imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start after Clark is released from prison.
This case was investigated by United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Syracuse Police Department (Intelligence Section), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Sutcliffe and Richard Southwick.
This prosecution was brought as 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.
Saratoga County Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Porrazzo, a/k/a “lickndipinu,” age 52, of Stillwater, New York, was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Porrazzo admitted that on June 2, 2016, he possessed approximately 2,682 images and 43 videos of child pornography on two laptop computers, and that the child pornography he possessed included depictions of children under age 12 being sexually abused.
Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, which will begin after Porrazzo is released from prison. Porrazzo will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by HSI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is 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/.
Former Syracuse Social Security Administration Employee Sentenced for Aggravated Identity Theft and Theft of FundsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Sean Okrzesik, age 34, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 25-months in federal prison on charges of aggravated identity theft and theft of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The charges stemmed from Okrzesik’s use of the names and Social Security numbers of SSI beneficiaries or their representative payees in order to steal SSI benefit payments. Okrzesik’s conduct occurred while he was employed in the Syracuse District Office of the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSI is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenue. The program is designed to help the elderly and people with disabilities, with little or no income, cover the costs of basic needs.
The announcement was made by 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.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Okrzesik admitted that from February of 2020 through February of 2021, he opened bank accounts using the names and Social Security numbers of various SSI beneficiaries or their representative payees. Okrzesik also admitted that once these accounts had been created, he would divert SSI benefit payments intended for these beneficiaries into the accounts, which he then used to pay personal expenses including the purchase of video gaming equipment, a custom suit, jewelry, airline tickets to the Caribbean, and online gambling. The total amount of SSI benefits stolen by Okrzesik was $103,798.77.
“Sean Okrzesik stole from Supplemental Security Income funds while working for the Social Security Administration,” said United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman. “Hard working Americans contributed to those funds to support their fellow citizens who need help. The sentence imposed today represents a measure of justice for that breach of faith and serves as notice to those who might consider similar thefts that they will be held fully accountable for their crimes.”
“Mr. Okrzesik used his position of public trust at the Social Security Administration (SSA) to steal Supplemental Security Income funds, a safety net for those in need. We will continue to work with SSA to identify suspected employee fraud,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the SSA. “I want to thank SSA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle for their ongoing commitment in their fight to help ensure public trust in SSA’s vital programs.”
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start after Okrzesik is released from prison, and ordered Okrzesik to pay $103,798.77 in restitution to SSA.
This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Delaware County Man Charged with Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Murray, age 69, of Sidney, New York, was arrested and charged yesterday with possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to the complaint, Murray possessed child pornography images and videos on his phone.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Murray appeared yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was detained pending further proceedings. If convicted on this charge, Murray faces a minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, 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.
This case is being investigated by HSI with assistance from the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.
This case is being prosecuted 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.
Clifton Park Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Child Pornography and Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eric William Tompkins, age 38, of Clifton Park, New York, was sentenced today to serve 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography. Tompkins also received a 43-month term of imprisonment for failing to register as a sex offender; that sentence will run concurrent to the term of imprisonment for child pornography possession.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; United States Marshal David L. McNulty; and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his previous guilty pleas, Tompkins acknowledged that, in 2009, he was convicted of a sex offense in Washington State and was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Tompkins further acknowledged that, from February 2017 until his arrest by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) in March 2019, he failed to register as a sex offender in New York and failed to update his SORNA registration in Washington. Tompkins also admitted that, at the time of his arrest in March 2019, he possessed child pornography images on his cell phone.
Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy further imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, which will start after Tompkins is released from prison. Tompkins will continue to be required to register as a sex offender.
Tompkins’ case was investigated by the USMS along with the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams 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
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Traveling to the New York Intending to Engage in Sexual Conduct with Two ChildrenRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - James Obelkevich, age 52, of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 121 months (10 years and 1 month) for traveling to New York from Pennsylvania for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with two children. The announcement was made by 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 Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Obelkevich admitted that from the summer of 2019 until the spring of 2020 he exchanged multiple sexually explicit messages via an online social networking application with an undercover officer posing as the mother of 9-year-old and 13-year-old girls. In these messages, Obelkevich expressed a desire to engage in sexually explicit conduct with both children. Obelkevich further admitted that on March 11, 2020, he traveled from Pennsylvania to New York in order to meet with the children and engage in sexual conduct with them at a location in the Binghamton area.
Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, which will start after Obelkevich is released from prison. Obelkevich will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle 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.
Syracuse Woman Pleads Guilty to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Chantal Jaquez, age 20, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to robbing a Syracuse convenience store and brandishing a rifle in furtherance of the robbery, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Chief Kenton Buckner, City of Syracuse Police Department, and William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney.
As part of her guilty plea, Jaquez admitted that on December 21, 2020, at about 10:45 am, she and Akiem Howard robbed a convenience store in Syracuse, NY. During the robbery, Howard carried a handgun and Jaquez carried a high-powered rifle. Jaquez went behind the counter where the clerk was standing and pointed the rifle at the clerk. While fleeing the store, Howard fired several rounds from his handgun at the store clerk. One of the bullets struck Jaquez in the leg. Howard pleaded guilty to related charges on March 1, 2022.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2022, before the Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy in Binghamton, New York, at which time Jaquez faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), the SPD Intelligence Section (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 as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
Syracuse Man Sentenced for Possessing and Intending to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Antwan Jones, age 37, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 57 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Kenton Buckner, Syracuse Police Department.
In pleading guilty, Jones admitted to possessing and intending to distribute 132 grams of fentanyl, on January 20, 2020. Jones was found to be in possession of the fentanyl during a search of his vehicle following a traffic stop in Syracuse New York. Jones intended to distribute the fentanyl to others.
Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also sentenced Jones to serve 3 years of post-release supervision.
This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Syracuse Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Beaty and Geoffrey Brown.
Whitehall Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kevin Smurphat, age 33, of Whitehall, New York, appeared in federal court yesterday on child pornography charges.
The announcement was made by 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).
According to the indictment, Smurphat used the Internet to distribute, receive, transport and possess images and videos of child pornography.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Smurphat appeared yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart and was ordered detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, Smurphat faces a minimum 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, 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.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia 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.
Clifton Park Doctor Sentenced to 37 Months for Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Adrian Morris, age 65, of Clifton Park, New York, formerly a licensed psychiatrist specializing in addiction recovery, was sentenced today to serve 37 months in prison for 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; Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy Foley of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Special Agent in Charge Janeen DiGuiseppi of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Morris admitted that he dispensed controlled substances, including Adderall and Xanax, for no legitimate medical purpose, to people he never met or treated. Morris also admitted that he engaged in personal relationships with female patients seeking treatment from him for addiction to controlled substances.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 2-year term of supervised release, which will start after Morris is released from prison.
This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Myers and Emmet J. O’Hanlon.
Utica Man Sentenced to 97 Months for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Vennie Coleman, age 38, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 97-months in federal prison for his role in a drug conspiracy that trafficked fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl in Utica from July 2018 through July 2019, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara, Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen, and Chief Mark Williams, Utica Police Department.
The multi-agency investigation began in March of 2017 and culminated in the federal arrest of Vennie Coleman on July 23, 2019, following the execution of several search warrants in Utica where drugs, cash, and other evidence was seized.
In addition to his prison sentence, Vennie Coleman was also sentenced to a post-incarceration term of supervised release of 4 years. The Court also directed the forfeiture of unrecovered assets Coleman acquired through the distribution of drugs consisting of a money judgment in the amount of $36,100.00.
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 New York State Police-Special Investigations Unit (NYSP-SIU), Investigators from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, members of the City of Utica Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Beaty, Special Assistant United States Attorney Grant Garramone, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Chenango County Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Matthew Bormann, age 35, previously of Sherburne, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 120 months (10 years) in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography 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 Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Bormann admitted that on March 12, 2021, during a visit at his home from his United States Probation Officer, Bormann possessed at least 3500 images and video files of child pornography on a cellular telephone he was prohibited from possessing under the conditions of his supervised release.
In addition to the term of imprisonment for possessing child pornography, Bormann was sentenced yesterday to a 10-month consecutive term of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release by committing new criminal conduct, failing to answer truthfully questions from his probation officer, and failing to successfully complete mental health and sex offender treatment.
This case was investigated by the United States Probation Office and the FBI Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle 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.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Akiem Howard, age 22, of Syracuse, pled guilty yesterday to robbing two Syracuse convenience stores and brandishing and discharging handguns in furtherance of both robberies, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito. Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Chief Kenton Buckner, City of Syracuse Police Department, and William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney.
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Howard admitted that on December 13, 2020, and again on December 21, 2020, he robbed two convenience stores in Syracuse, NY. During both robberies, Howard pointed handguns at store clerks. During the second robbery, Howard was accompanied by another alleged robber carrying a rifle. While fleeing the store, Howard fired several rounds from his handgun at the store clerk. One of the bullets struck the other alleged robber in the leg. The other alleged robber’s case is pending, and she is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Howard also admitted to committing three other armed robberies in Syracuse on December 19, 2020.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2022, before the Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy in Binghamton, New York, at which time Howard faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 17 years, a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), the SPD Intelligence Section (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 is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Schenectady Man Charged with Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Quintero, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, was arrested and charged today with receiving child pornography.
The announcement was made by 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).
According to the complaint, Quintero used the Internet to access, view and download images and videos of child pornography.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Quintero appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was detained pending further proceedings. If convicted on this charge, Quintero faces a minimum 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, 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.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes Investigators from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.
This case is being prosecuted 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 Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - Nezir “Nick” Boljevic, 57, of Broome County, New York, waived indictment and pled guilty today in federal court in Binghamton to one felony count of willful failure to pay federal payroll taxes, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), New York Field Office.
In pleading guilty, Boljevic admitted that from 2007 through 2017, while he owned and operated Vestal Diner in Vestal, New York, he failed to make payroll tax payments to the government with respect to his employees, including for Social Security and Medicare taxes. Boljevic withheld the payroll taxes from his employees’ paychecks but did not report the withholdings or turn the money over to the Internal Revenue Service. To avoid IRS collection efforts, Boljevic repeatedly put Vestal Diner in the names of a series of nominee owners with different Employer Identification Numbers for tax purposes, even though Boljevic remained the true owner and operator of Vestal Diner. In total, Boljevic failed to pay approximately $322,516.51 in payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service between 2007 and 2017. Boljevic no longer owns or operates Vestal Diner.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 6,2022. If the Court accepts the parties’ plea agreement, the defendant will receive a sentence of 1 year and 1 day in prison and will pay $322,516.51 in restitution to the IRS.
This case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Ulster County Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Timothy Schleede, age 30, of Lake Katrine, New York, was sentenced today to serve 70 months in prison for distributing fentanyl in Ulster County.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy Foley of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT); and Ulster County District Attorney David Clegg.
As part of his guilty plea, Schleede admitted that on August 26, 2020, he distributed a fentanyl mixture in glassine envelopes to another person in a mall parking lot in Ulster, New York. Schleede was arrested later the same day after selling more glassine envelopes containing the same fentanyl mixture in a hotel parking lot in Ulster. Law enforcement searched Schleede’s hotel room and storage locker, and recovered approximately 8,000 additional glassine envelopes, which contained fentanyl and heroin
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, which will start after Schleede is released from prison
This case was investigated by URGENT and the DEA, with assistance provided by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Possessing Firearms and Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kamar L. Boatman, 36, of Syracuse was sentenced today to serve 60 months (five years) in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Kenton Buckner, Syracuse Police Department. Boatman was also sentenced to a 3-year term of supervised release following his prison sentence.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Boatman admitted that he possessed at his residence in Syracuse the following firearms and ammunition recovered by the Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division (SPD-SID) during the execution of a search warrant on May 31, 2018:
Firearms
One (1) Ruger pistol, model P89DC, caliber 9mm
One (1) Hi Point rifle, model 4595, .45 ACP caliber rifle,
One (1) Smith and Wesson rifle, model M&P15 .556 caliber rifle,
One (1) Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services model A15, Multi Caliber rifle (stolen)
Ammunition
Twenty-six (26) rounds of .223 caliber ammunition
Six (6) rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition
Eight (8) rounds of .45 caliber ammunition
As part of his previous guilty plea, Boatman also admitted that he was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine (a felony) in United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, and was sentenced on May 7, 2010, to serve 48 months in federal prison. Today’s sentencing was Boatman’s fifth felony conviction. 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 Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division (SPD-SID) and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick as 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.
Syracuse Entrepreneur Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dean Whittles, 61, formerly of Syracuse, New York, waived indictment and pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Utica to one felony count of willful failure to pay federal payroll taxes, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), New York Field Office.
From 2016 through 2019, Whittles was the sole owner of multiple businesses in and around Syracuse, New York: DJ’s on the Hill and DJ’s on the Boulevard; the 317 Corporation (restaurant); and Dejon’s Hair Design, with salons in Cicero, Westvale and Skaneateles. Whittles no longer owns or operates any of the businesses at issue and recently moved to Tucson, Arizona.
In pleading guilty yesterday, Whittles admitted that he failed to make payroll tax payments to the government with respect to his employees, including for Social Security and Medicare taxes, even though he withheld such taxes from his employees’ paychecks. Instead, he used the money withheld from employees to pay for business and personal expenses. In total, Whittles failed to pay approximately $617,843 in payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service between 2016 and 2019. As part of his plea agreement, Whittles agreed to repay $617,843 to the IRS.
The charge to which Whittles pled guilty yesterday carries a maximum sentence of five 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. Whittles will be sentenced on June 22, 2022 by United States District Judge David N. Hurd.
This case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.