Northern District of New York

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Jacob Gorman, age 39, of Waverly, New York, was sentenced today to serve 124 months in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

As part of his previous guilty plea Gorman admitted that between August 11, 2020 and August 27, 2020, he exchanged text messages with an undercover officer he believed was the mother of a 9 year old girl.  In those messages, Gorman expressed an interest in meeting the child and engaging in sex acts with her.  Gorman negotiated a price he was willing to pay to engage in sex acts with the child and on August 27, 2020, drove to a pre-determined location in Broome County to meet and have sex with the child.  Gorman was then encountered by law enforcement and arrested. 

Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, which will start after Gorman is released from prison, and ordered Gorman to pay a $100 special assessment. As a result of his conviction, Gorman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Gorman’s case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and 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). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nakia Barber, age 46, of Schenectady, New York, was charged by criminal complaint today with unlawfully possessing a defaced firearm. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The charge filed against Barber alleges that she possessed a defaced Walther P22 .22 caliber pistol on October 30, 2018. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Barber appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

The charge filed against Barber 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.

This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Schenectady County Sherriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Chester Hammond, age 44, of Manlius, New York, pled guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett. 

Hammond, who remains detained pending his sentencing scheduled for July 27, 2021, 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 five (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, Hammond admitted that while using a social media messaging application he sent an image depicting child pornography to another individual over the internet. A subsequent search of Hammond’s cellular telephone revealed that he was in possession of over 400 images of child pornography.   Hammond is registered sex offender who was convicted in 1996 of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree.

Hammond’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 Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.  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). 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.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Christine O’Neill, age 61, of Johnson City, New York, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy to serve three (3) years on probation for defrauding the U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Department of Labor of $46,287 by making false statements and representations to obtain federal workers compensation benefits, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office.

O’Neill falsely represented that she was not employed, self-employed, or involved in any business enterprise during periods of time in 2015 and 2016 when she was collecting federal workers compensation benefits. She was receiving benefits based upon a claimed injury to her back that she said made her unable to perform any work functions for the Postal Service.  In fact, O’Neill ran her own company, Chris’ Cookies and Cakes, preparing and delivering cakes and cookies to customers during the times she collected benefits. Agents videotaped O’Neill selling baked goods at a local craft fair during the course of their investigation and bought baked goods from O’Neill who provided the undercover agent with a business card.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ramion Burt, age 44, of Albany, and Marion Frampton, aka “Marion Framton III,” age 41, of the Bronx, New York, were charged yesterday with conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett; and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

An indictment returned yesterday alleges that Burt and Frampton conspired to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, and cocaine, and possessed over 40 grams of fentanyl, and cocaine, with intent to distribute in Greene County on February 26, 2021.  The indictment also alleges that Burt has two prior serious drug felony convictions and that Frampton has a prior serious drug felony conviction and a prior serious violent felony conviction. 

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Burt and Frampton were arrested by the New York State Police in Catskill, New York, on February 26, 2021, and charged by federal complaint on March 4, 2021.  They appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on March 10, 2021, and were ordered detained pending trial.   

If convicted, Burt and Frampton each face at least 10 years and up to life in prison, and a post-imprisonment supervised release term of at least 8 years and up to life.

This case is being investigated by the New York State Police and FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Peter N. Allen, age 33, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today to attempting to entice a minor to engage in a sexual encounter with him. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

As part of his guilty plea, Allen admitted that, between February 2020 and May 2020, he exchanged multiple sexually explicit messages online with an undercover officer posing as an 11-year-old girl in an attempt to entice the child into having sex with him. Allen also admitted that, on May 14, 2020, he traveled from Pennsylvania to a fast-food restaurant parking lot in New York near where he believed the child lived to meet her for sex.

At sentencing on July 21, 2021, Allen faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Allen also will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Allen’s case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as a 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.

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jason Pantone, age 36, of Hyde Park, New York, was sentenced today to time served (more than two years in jail) for conveying false information and hoax letters. 

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon stated: “With these hoax letters, Jason Pantone intended to terrify federal employees throughout Upstate and Central New York.  Today’s sentence justly punishes Pantone for causing emotional distress to some letter recipients, and for consuming the valuable time and resources of our first responders.  I commend our law enforcement partners for quickly arresting Pantone shortly after his crimes began.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Relford stated: “Mr. Pantone's actions caused widespread panic and fear for employees who simply showed up to work that day, and he spent two years in jail as a result. The public should know the FBI will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to actively investigate and pursue prosecution of any individual who poses a threat to the safety of our citizens.”

Pantone was arrested on February 27, 2019, and had been in custody since that time.  As part of his guilty plea, Pantone admitted that in February 2019, he mailed several envelopes addressed to Social Security Administration Offices in Plattsburgh, Binghamton and Utica.  Additional letters were addressed to United States District Court offices in Syracuse, Binghamton, Albany, and Plattsburgh.  All of the envelopes contained a typed note that read “ANTHRAX.”  Some of the letters included a smiley face with “X” in the place of the eyes, meant to indicate death. 

Pantone’s actions caused several locations to be evacuated and hazardous material teams to be deployed, to assess and clear the buildings. All samples of the white powder were tested and yielded negative results for anthrax or other hazardous material. 

United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Protective Service, the New York State Police, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department, the New York State Department of Health, and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Anderson.

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Yanio Montes De Oca, age 33, of Miami, Florida, pled guilty today to participating in a conspiracy to launder funds derived from a nationwide gas station skimming scheme that involved stealing the banking and personal information of residents of Upstate and Central New York who used the “pay at the pump” feature to make gasoline purchases.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Inspector in Charge Joseph Cronin, Boston Division, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

As part of his guilty plea, De Oca admitted to being a part of a conspiracy that, between December 2015 and July 2019, laundered thousands of gift cards that were obtained using fraudulent debit and credit cards encoded with information stolen using gas station skimming devices. After obtaining the gift cards from co-conspirators, De Oca sold them on a gift card exchange website using a “bulk seller” account he established in the name of a Florida company he created in 2015 for that purpose. After selling the fraudulently obtained gift cards, De Oca transferred the resulting amounts to bank accounts he controlled. De Oca then distributed some of the money he obtained through gift card sales to other conspirators, retaining the rest of the funds for himself. As part of his plea agreement, De Oca agreed to be subject to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $1,020,193.10.

A sentencing hearing is set for July 13, 2021, before Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe. De Oca faces up to 20 years in prison; a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater; and up to 3 years of supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office and USPIS Boston Division, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in Miami and Pittsburgh, the USPIS Miami Division, and the United States Secret Service Miami Field Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Belliss and Emily C. Powers.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Doron Tucker, age 24, of Schenectady, New York, and Darren Favreau, age 50, of Troy, New York, have been charged with conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.  Tucker was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of fentanyl and marijuana with intent to distribute.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.

A superseding indictment unsealed today alleges that Tucker and Favreau conspired to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl in Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties between June and October 2020, and that they distributed fentanyl together on seven occasions between June and August 2020.  The superseding indictment also alleges that Tucker distributed fentanyl on six additional occasions between August and October 2020; possessed over 40 grams of fentanyl, and marijuana, with intent to distribute; and also possessed a .40 caliber handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The charges in the superseding indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Tucker, who is detained pending trial, was arrested on October 21, 2020.  Favreau was arrested today and detained pending a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on March 11, 2021. 

If convicted of all counts, Tucker faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, and Favreau faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison.  Both face a term of post-release supervision of at least 4 years and a fine of up to $5 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 is being investigated by the DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Imran Selcuk, age 35, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to hoarding and price gouging in violation of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA). The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

“Selcuk saw the pandemic as an opportunity to rip off Capital Region residents and prey upon their fears,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon. “He purchased thousands of masks from overseas and offered them for sale at highly inflated prices when masks were scarce and the pandemic had just started to take hold.  This office will continue to work in coordination with the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force to prevent greedy profiteers from taking advantage of this emergency for illicit gain.”

“It is unfathomable that during a global pandemic, individuals such as Selcuk place their selfish greed above service to community,” said Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Buffalo.  “Homeland Security Investigations will continue to work tirelessly to arrest anyone attempting to leverage the pandemic to illicitly profit from our communities.”

As part of his guilty plea to a misdemeanor, Selcuk admitted that, in March 2020, he purchased approximately 100,000 KN95 facemasks and 25,000 surgical-style facemasks for $1 per mask and 50 cents per mask, respectively. Selcuk then offered these masks for sale at his Troy pizza restaurant and through a website at markups of as high as 500%.  Selcuk also admitted that his website falsely represented that the KN95 masks he offered for sale were certified by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).  In fact, the FDA does not “certify” facemasks.   

U.S. Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel is scheduled to sentence Selcuk on July 2, 2021.  Selcuk faces up to one year in prison, a $10,000 fine, and up to one year of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case was investigated by HSI, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Joshua R. Rosenthal.

This case was brought in coordination with the Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, which organizes efforts among the Antitrust Division and U.S. Attorney’s offices across the country to address illegal activity involving personal protective equipment.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Lakshmikanth Sripuram, age 37, of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, pled guilty today to wire fraud conspiracy in connection with a scheme to defraud New York State.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli; and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Sripuram is the president of PIntegra, LLC. As part of his plea, he admitted that between 2015 and 2017, he conspired with Co-Conspirator 1, a former employee of the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), to fraudulently obtain money from OSC.

In January 2015, OSC entered into a contract with a consortium of three companies to identify and hire computer programmers for a project.  When OSC needed to hire a programmer, it sent a request form to one of the three companies.  Each company then submitted a purportedly qualified applicant.  Frequently, the applicants were employed by subcontractors, including PIntegra.  From January 2015 through October 2016, OSC hired 17 programmers for the project at hourly rates ranging from $80 to $120.  In late 2016, OSC learned that many of the programmers’ references and work histories were not legitimate, including those hired from PIntegra, and launched an internal investigation.

Sripuram admitted that, between February 2015 and October 2016, he and his co-conspirator ensured that programmers from PIntegra were hired by falsifying information regarding their experience and work histories, and by providing them with interview questions ahead of their interviews at OSC.  Co-Conspirator 1 then interviewed the programmers, hired them knowing that their qualifications were falsified, and set their hourly rates.  Between February 2015 and September 2017, PIntegra received approximately $870,000 from OSC for its programmers’ pay.  Sripuram kept a percentage of the programmers’ pay.  He then paid Co-Conspirator 1 a portion of that percentage as a kickback.

As a result of his conviction, Sripuram faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, when he is sentenced on July 6, 2021 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.

This case was initiated by the Office of the New York State Comptroller, and was also investigated by HSI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mario Ipsolino Pineda-Boteo, age 35, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced today to time served (196 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States and escaping the custody of United States officers.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Pineda-Boteo admitted as part of his guilty plea that he is a citizen of Guatemala, and that he was removed from the United States to Guatemala on September 9, 2010.  On August 21, 2020, he was found in the United States near Greenfield in Saratoga County.  A check of fingerprint records verified the prior removal. 

Pineda-Boteo also admitted that, following his arrest for illegal re-entry and being placed in handcuffs, he fled the custody of ICE Officers by running into a nearby wooded area in Greenfield, where he attempted to hide.

Pineda-Boteo will be placed into removal proceedings. 

This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kevin Weems, age 61, of Albany, was charged by complaint today with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The complaint alleges that law enforcement agents, while executing a search warrant on Weems’s residence today, located a loaded .38 caliber handgun in a boot.  The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Weems appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for March 8, 2021.

The charge filed against Weems carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a maximum 3-year term of supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany Police Department, Colonie Police Department and Bethlehem Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon hosted a virtual news conference today with Deputy Chief Robert Wemyss of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Erin Mitchell, Director of Engagement for AARP NY, to draw attention to the proliferation of scams targeting older Americans. 

Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon stated: “Fraudsters are making a fortune by targeting Americans, particularly older Americans. They seek out seniors.  The scammers tell elaborate lies, often become demanding and threatening, and take advantage of the physical isolation that many seniors have experienced during the pandemic.  Protecting seniors will always be one of my top priorities.  By joining forces and publicizing this important information during National Consumer Protection Week, we will strengthen our defenses against these pernicious scams.”

Postal Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin, of the USPIS Boston Division, stated: “Almost anyone under the right circumstances can fall for a phony offer or promotion, however, older Americans are usually more susceptible than others. Scammers use promises of large financial gains or sometimes even romantic relationships to lure victims in, only to manipulate them into giving their life savings away.  They prey on our older citizens who are trusting, vulnerable and can sometimes unknowingly fall for a scam.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our citizens and working hard to prevent more people from becoming further victimized by fraud schemes.”

Erin Mitchell, Director of Engagement for AARP New York, stated: “We know scammers often take advantage of current events, which we’re seeing today with the pandemic.  Criminals are using the uncertainty and worry about COVID-19 in their scams. And now, with the COVID-19 vaccine in high demand, scammers are offering opportunities to skip the line for quicker access—for a fee.  AARP urges all older New Yorkers to remain vigilant and always report suspected fraud.”

Acting Director Greg Olsen stated, “Older New Yorkers are often the targets of scams and financial exploitation. Scammers have become very sophisticated and given the increase in social isolation as a result of the pandemic, there has been an increase in scams and scams associated with the pandemic such as stimulus check scams, community donation scams and more. Consumer protections week is critically important to educate all people on the prevalence of scams and simple tools that can prevent you from becoming a victim.”

Common Scams Include:

• COVID-19 Scams  - These come in several forms.  Fraudsters pretend that a grandchild or relative is in the hospital with COVID-19 and needs payment immediately or they will be denied medical care; fraudsters pretend to have quicker access to a vaccine; or fraudsters offer fake cures.
• Government Imposter Scams - Fraudsters posing as government officials, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Social Security Administration, threaten to arrest the victim for failing to pay taxes or claim there is a problem with their account that could be fixed by paying a fee.
• Lottery Scams – Fraudsters send a notice congratulating the victim for winning a prize or a foreign lottery, but to receive the prize, they must first pay a fee or tax.
• Romance Scams - Usually started on a dating platform, the fraudster pretends to be interested in pursuing a relationship and then uses that trust to take the victim’s money.

Many of these scams are run by Transnational Criminal Organizations located overseas.  In order to funnel the money from American victims to the fraudsters in the foreign country, scammers often ask victims to pay with gift cards or to send money through money mules.

Money Mules

• Money mules are individuals who receive money from victims of fraud, deposit it into their bank account, and then forward it on to either another money mule or to the overseas fraudsters.
• Many money mules know they are helping fraudsters, but others have no idea that their actions allow fraudsters to swindle money from seniors.  Some money mules are actually victims of fraud themselves, especially of Romance Scams.
• Money mules are often recruited through work-at-home jobs.

 

Awareness and prevention are key.  Please keep these warnings and tips in mind:

• Spot Imposters.  Don’t send money in response to an unexpected request – whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email.
• Scammers want you to decide quickly.  Slow down, check out the story, tell a friend, consult an expert, or call the local police.
• Gift cards are for presents, not payments.  If someone asks you to buy a gift card, stop and ask, is this a present for someone I know or a payment for a fee or fine?  If it’s a payment, chances are, it’s a scam.
• Don’t trust your caller-ID.  Scammers disguise their real phone numbers and may call from “spoofed” numbers that make it seem as though they are calling from your area code.
• Hang up on robocalls.  These calls are illegal and often the products are bogus.  Don’t press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list.  That could lead to more calls.
• Don’t be a Money Mule.  Look for red flags that a potential work-at-home job might not be legitimate: 
  • The job involves collecting money and sending it out but the job posting didn’t require financial experience or education.
  • There are no specific job duties.
  • The company is located abroad.
  • The company uses web-based email (such as Gmail or Yahoo) instead of an organization-based domain.

 

If you think you might be a Money Mule or the victim of an Elder Fraud Scam, you can report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov or call your local FBI Field Office.

Help is also available by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps.  Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis.  Reporting is the first step.  Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses.  The hotline is staffed 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jahmeek Croley, a/k/a “Meeker,” age 33, of Albany, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm as a felon.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Chief Eric Hawkins of the Albany Police Department.

Croley, who has prior felony convictions for drug and weapons offenses, previously admitted that in November 2019, he possessed a loaded 9mm pistol at his residence in Albany.  Croley further admitted to purchasing the pistol – which had been stolen from a Vermont residence in 2015 – in the city of Albany in October 2019.

Croley was arrested on November 14, 2019, as part of an operation targeting the Yard Boys criminal street gang undertaken by the Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Croley has been in custody since his arrest.  Croley has additional charges pending in Albany County Court.

Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also sentenced Croley to a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, ATF and the Albany Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Carlo Di Padova, age 61, an inmate at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, New York, pled guilty on February 25 to threatening a federal official, by sending a letter to a United States Senator that contained a white powdery substance and stated that Di Padova planned to have someone shoot the Senator in the head.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Di Padova mailed the letter on January 23, 2019, while an inmate at Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, New York.  The powder in the letter was harmless. 

Di Padova faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on June 16, 2021, by United States District Judge David N. Hurd in Utica, New York. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the New York State Department of Correction and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily C. Powers.

 

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Priscilla Czyz, age 37, of Cato, New York, was sentenced today to 6 months of probation for obstructing the mail, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office.

In pleading guilty to the charge for which she was sentenced, Czyz admitted that between September 24, 2020, and October 7, 2020, she willfully failed to deliver mail entrusted to her by the United States Postal Service. Specifically, Czyz failed to deliver 354 pieces of political advertising mail to customers on her route in Onondaga County. Instead of delivering the mail, Czyz took it home, where law enforcement agents found it nearly two weeks later sitting in the rain on top of a dog crate in Czyz’s front yard. The mail was seized by the agents and later delivered by the Postal Service to the intended recipients. Prior to this offense, Czyz had been working as a postal carrier since approximately 2013. Czyz’s attorney informed the court prior to sentencing that Czyz lost her job at the Postal Service because of this conduct. As part of her sentence, Czyz was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service while on Probation.

This case was investigated by United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Frankie Rios, age 40, of Troy, New York, was ordered detained yesterday after being arrested on Monday and charged with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.  

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Rios appeared yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.  The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge filed against Rios carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 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 ATF and Troy Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Quayshaun Mitchell, age 28, of Syracuse, pled guilty yesterday before Chief United States Judge Glenn T. Suddaby to possession with the intent to unlawfully use a United States Postal Service key, and aiding and abetting the theft of mail, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Joseph Cronin, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General-Northeast Region.

As part of his guilty plea, Mitchell admitted that on March 5, 2020, while employed by the United States Postal Service (“USPS”), he gave a USPS arrow key (used to open USPS mail collection boxes), a USPS letter carrier uniform jacket, and a USPS mail satchel to Kevin Ronny Williams, so that Williams could steal mail from USPS mail collection boxes in Liverpool, New York.  That same day Williams dressed as a postal worker wearing Mitchell’s jacket and carrying the mail satchel, and used the arrow key to open USPS collection boxes from which he stole 49 pieces of first class mail.  All of the stolen mail was later recovered from Williams.  Kevin Ronny Williams has pled guilty to offenses for his role in the mail thefts and is awaiting sentencing.   

The charge of possession with the intent to unlawfully use a United States Postal Service key, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and the charge of aiding and abetting the theft of mail carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.  Both offenses could result in the imposition of a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Quayshaun Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2021.

This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Chi Lung Winsman Ng, aka Winsman Ng, age 64, a resident of the People’s Republic of China, was indicted yesterday for conspiring to steal General Electric’s (GE) trade secrets involving the company’s silicon carbide MOSFET technology worth millions of dollars.

“Winsman Ng and his co-conspirators allegedly chose to steal what they lacked the time, talent or money to create,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Theft of American intellectual property for the benefit of foreign firms deprives American companies of the fruits of their creativity and American workers of their jobs. The Department will do all it can to disrupt this illegal and economically destructive conduct.”

“As alleged in the indictment, Winsman Ng conspired to steal trade secrets from General Electric to start a competitor,” said Attorney for the United States Elizabeth C. Coombe, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515. “This scheme, and others like it, seek to undermine American ingenuity, which often depends on maintaining the secrecy of technological advances. We will continue to work with the FBI to hold accountable those trying to steal trade secrets from innovative companies in our district.”

“Innovation by American companies brings good things into our lives, but we shouldn’t have to buy those good things from a foreign company that stole American technology to compete against us,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI urges any U.S. business to contact us if they suspect someone, regardless of nationality, is attempting to steal or has stolen trade secrets. Only through robust engagement with U.S. businesses can we protect our economic and national security.”

“According to the indictment, Mr. Ng conspired to steal valuable and sensitive technology from GE and produce it in China,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “Our office, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and GE coordinated closely and worked quickly to prevent that theft and the resulting damage to our economic security. Theft of trade secrets is a constant and dangerous threat to our American companies and the remarkable work they do to invent and manufacture unique technology that can change the world. FBI Albany's Counterintelligence Task Force remains committed to protecting American innovation and technology, American security and American jobs.”

The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The indictment alleges that between about March 2017 and January 2018, Ng and at least one co-conspirator plotted to develop a business that would manufacture and sell silicon carbide MOSFETs using trade secrets stolen from GE. MOSFETs, or silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors, are small electronic semiconductors/switches that regulate the flow of electricity through devices and are used in a variety of products.

Ng conspired with at least one other person, a GE engineer of more than seven years, to steal MOSFET trade secrets and other proprietary information from GE. Ng and Co-Conspirator #1 allegedly used those trade secrets to create a business plan and develop PowerPoint presentations that they gave to prospective investors. Ng and Co-Conspirator #1 told potential investors that their business could be profitable within three years and that their start-up business possessed assets – tangible and intangible – they estimated to be worth $100 million. As part of the scheme, they sought approximately $30 million in funding in exchange for an ownership stake in their start-up company. In August 2017, Ng and Co-Conspirator #1 allegedly met in China and gave presentations to a Chinese investment company that was considering providing funding to Ng’s start-up company.

We have no evidence that there was an illegal MOSFET technology transfer to any Chinese company, including the company that Ng and his co-conspirator were trying to start.

Ng has yet to be arrested. If convicted of this offense, Ng faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss and Trial Attorney Matthew Chang of the National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

WASHINGTON – Chi Lung Winsman Ng, aka Winsman Ng, 64, a Chinese businessman residing in Hong Kong, was indicted yesterday for conspiring to steal General Electric’s (GE) trade secrets involving the company’s silicon carbide MOSFET technology worth millions of dollars. 

“Winsman Ng and his co-conspirators allegedly chose to steal what they lacked the time, talent or money to create,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Theft of American intellectual property for the benefit of foreign firms deprives American companies of the fruits of their creativity and American workers of their jobs. The Department will do all it can to disrupt this illegal and economically destructive conduct.”

“As alleged in the indictment, Winsman Ng conspired to steal trade secrets from General Electric to start a competitor,” said Attorney for the United States, Elizabeth C. Coombe, for the Northern District of New York, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515. “This scheme, and others like it, seek to undermine American ingenuity, which often depends on maintaining the secrecy of technological advances. We will continue to work with the FBI to hold accountable those trying to steal trade secrets from innovative companies in our district.”

“Innovation by American companies brings good things into our lives, but we shouldn’t have to buy those good things from a foreign company that stole American technology to compete against us,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI urges any U.S. business to contact us if they suspect someone, regardless of nationality, is attempting to steal or has stolen trade secrets. Only through robust engagement with U.S. businesses can we protect our economic and national security.” 

“According to the indictment, Mr. Ng conspired to steal valuable and sensitive technology from GE and produce it in China,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “Our office, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and GE coordinated closely and worked quickly to prevent that theft and the resulting damage to our economic security. Theft of trade secrets is a constant and dangerous threat to our American companies and the remarkable work they do to invent and manufacture unique technology that can change the world. FBI Albany's Counterintelligence Task Force remains committed to protecting American innovation and technology, American security and American jobs.”

The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

The indictment alleges that between about March 2017 and January 2018, Ng and at least one co-conspirator plotted to develop a business that would manufacture and sell silicon carbide MOSFETs using trade secrets stolen from GE. MOSFETs, or silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors, are small electronic semiconductors/switches that regulate the flow of electricity through devices and are used in a variety of products. 

Ng conspired with at least one other person, a GE engineer of more than seven years, to steal MOSFET trade secrets and other proprietary information from GE. Ng and co-conspirator #1 allegedly used those trade secrets to create a business plan and develop PowerPoint presentations which they gave to prospective investors. Ng and co-conspirator #1 told potential investors that their business could be profitable within three years and that their start-up business possessed assets – tangible and intangible – they estimated to be worth $100 million. As part of the scheme, they sought approximately $30 million in funding in exchange for an ownership stake in their start-up company. In August 2017, Ng and co-conspirator #1 allegedly met in China and gave presentations to a Chinese investment company that was considering providing funding to Ng’s start-up company.

We have no evidence that there was an illegal MOSFET technology transfer to any Chinese companies, including the company that Ng and his co-conspirator were trying to start. 

Ng has yet to be arrested. If convicted of this offense, Ng faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Albany Field Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss and Trial Attorney Matthew Chang of the National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brent Carter, age 72, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged by criminal complaint with mailing envelopes containing suspicious powders to the New York State Gaming Commission in Schenectady, New York.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Carter was charged in a criminal complaint with conveying false information and hoaxes.  He appeared yesterday in Albany federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was ordered released with conditions.

Carter is accused of using the U.S. mail to send envelopes containing white power and other substances to the New York State Gaming Commission, between April 15, 2019 and January 28, 2021. Samples from all the white powder and other substances were tested and did not contain hazardous material. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge of conveying false information and hoaxes carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a 3-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a fine of up to $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.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Richard Belliss.

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Brennan J. Thompson, age 43, of Cornwall Island, Ontario, pled guilty today to driving away from the Massena Port of Entry while Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers attempted to search his vehicle.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Robert Dwyer, CBP Director of the Massena Port of Entry.

Thompson pled guilty to a high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint. As part of his guilty plea, Thompson admitted that on May 13, 2020, he was operating a silver Lincoln sedan when he approached the Massena Port of Entry, seeking to enter the United States from Canada.  When asked to open the vehicle’s trunk for inspection, Thompson quickly accelerated away from the inspection booth, made a U-turn and sped back into Canada.  Thompson was arrested on June 28, 2020 and has been in custody since that date.

Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby is scheduled to sentence Thompson on June 24, 2021.   Thompson faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. 

This case was investigated by CBP and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jeremy Cook, age 24, of Eaton, New York, was sentenced today to serve six months in prison for burglarizing a U.S. Post Office, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon,  Joseph Cronin, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and New York State Police Superintendent Keith Corlett.

As part of his earlier guilty plea, Cook admitted that on or about August 12, 2019, he broke into the U.S. Post Office in Eaton, with the intent to steal money. While inside the Post Office, Cook unsuccessfully attempted to break into a safe and then fled without taking any money.

Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr. also imposed a three-year term of supervised release, to begin after Cook’s release from prison.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe.

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Kyle Thompson, age 28, of Hogansburg, New York, was arrested on February 17 and charged by criminal complaint with alien smuggling in connection with a failed smuggling event.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

The criminal complaint alleges that Thompson was arrested while transporting two illegal aliens who had illegally crossed into the United States via the St. Lawrence River near Hogansburg.  The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police attempted to stop Thompson’s vehicle as he fled with the occupants in his vehicle.  Thompson drove his vehicle into a snowbank and was ultimately apprehended.  There were no injuries to Thompson or the occupants.  Border Patrol Agents from the Massena Border Patrol Station detained Thompson and the two occupants.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Thompson appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro on February 18 and was ordered detained. 

If convicted, Thompson faces up to 5 years in prison.  The two occupants of the vehicle are citizens of Romania and illegally present in the United States.  Both were arrested by Border Patrol and are being prosecuted for illegal entry, a misdemeanor. 

This case is being investigated by United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Eleven defendants were arrested on a 30-count federal indictment unsealed today in federal court.  The indictment alleges a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy, drug possession and distribution crimes, and firearms offenses, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Chief Kenton Buckner, City of Syracuse Police Department.

All of the defendants below have appeared in federal court in Syracuse.  A number of them were previously arrested by complaint and have been ordered detained pending trial.  The remaining defendants all appeared in court today and were ordered held without bail pending detention hearings scheduled for next week. The indictment remains sealed as to one defendant who has not yet appeared in court.

As alleged in the indictment unsealed today, law enforcement officers from federal, state, and local agencies seized multiple kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, firearms, vehicles, and thousands of dollars in U.S. currency in an investigation stretching over many months. The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl, and face the following potential penalties for the crimes alleged in the indictment:

Defendant

Age

Residence

Minimum

Maximum

Alejandro De Jesus Tavarez

30

Syracuse

10 years

Life

Alexander Tavarez Espinal

35

Syracuse

10 years

Life

Jan Leonel Vazquez Familia

29

Hazelton, PA

10 years

Life

Jahdier Dowdell

18

Syracuse

10 years

Life

Maurice Graves

23

Syracuse

5 years

40 years

Kamiya Joe, aka “K-Joe”

22

Syracuse

5 years

40 years

SEALED Defendant

xx

xxxx

xxxx

xxxx

Dianisha Trapps, aka “Dutchess”

27

Syracuse

5 years

40 years

Tacarra Newton, aka “T-Newt”

24

Syracuse

5 years

40 years

Tywone Haskins, aka “Ty”

21

Syracuse

5 years

40 years

Joshua Stanley, aka “40”

25

Syracuse

None

20 years

Shateek Brown, aka “Teek” and “Stu”

26

Syracuse

None

20 years

In addition to the drug trafficking offenses described above, defendants Jahdier Dowdell and Maurice Graves are additionally charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The indictment contains forfeiture allegations for the seizure of $76,281.96 in U.S. Currency, as well as over $300,000.00 of unrecovered drug proceeds gained by members of the alleged conspiracy.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Syracuse Police Department, Gang Violence Task Force and Special Investigations Division, the New York State Police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-ICE (Detention and Removal), the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Auburn Police Department, and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Thomas Baxter, a.k.a. Mark Anthony, age 80, of Schuylerville, New York was sentenced today to three years’ probation for defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) by using a false identity to collect Social Security benefits under that identity for over a decade.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.

As part of his earlier guilty plea, Baxter admitted that in 1971 he fraudulently applied for and was issued a second Social Security number in a fictitious name, and that from September of 2008 until June of 2019, he used that false name and fraudulently acquired Social Security number to obtain and spend $31,362.00 in Social Security benefits, while also receiving Social Security benefits under his true name and Social Security number.

Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed an order requiring Baxter to pay full restitution to SSA.

This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael D. Darling, age 41, of Gloversville, New York, was arrested earlier this week on a charge of possessing pipe bombs as unregistered destructive devices.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Gloversville Police Chief Anthony Clay.

A criminal complaint alleges that on February 12, 2021, Gloversville Police Officers observed pipe bombs in plain view while conducting a requested welfare check at Darling’s residence.  Officers applied for, and received, a search warrant.  While executing the warrant, law enforcement located six capped metal pipes that each appeared to contain propellant powder and small metal balls (commonly known as “BBs”). They also recovered rolls of fuse, a container of Pyrodex (a propellant) and other items that could be used to manufacture explosive devices.  The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Darling, who is in custody, is scheduled to appear in Albany federal court on February 24 for a detention hearing. 

If convicted of the charge set forth in the complaint, Darling faces up to 10 years in prison, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the ATF and Gloversville Police Department, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Amsterdam Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Sharpe. 

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Charles Wager, age 53, of Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, was arrested on February 5, 2021 and charged with attempting to entice or coerce a child, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The criminal complaint alleges that on January 18, 2021, Wager initiated an electronic messaging conversation with an undercover officer posing as the parent of a 10-year-old child.  The complaint alleges that during that conversation, Wager described his interest in sexual contact with the child and on the following day, Wager began communicating with an undercover officer who he believed was the 10-year-old child. The complaint further alleges that from January 19, 2021 through February 5, 2021, Wager communicated with the parent and child and explicitly described sexual acts he planned he perform on the 10-year-old child when he met the child in person.   On February 5, 2021, Wager traveled from Castleton-on-Hudson to Broome County to perform sexual acts on the 10-year-old child and was apprehended by law enforcement when he arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location in Broome County.  

Wager appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric on February 10, 2021, and was ordered detained pending trial. 

The charge against Wager carries a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  The defendant’s sentence is imposed by a Judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

This case is being investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Grabowski.

Members of the public who have information related to this case or feel they may have been victimized by Wager are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (607) 778-7240. 

This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Terry Thomas, age 33, of Hogansburg, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for possessing and intending to distribute a large amount of marijuana in Clinton County.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.

As part of his guilty plea, Thomas admitted that on May 16, 2019, he transported 12 hockey bags containing 337 pounds of marijuana with the intent to distribute the drugs in the Northern District of New York.  Thomas admitted that he was heading south on Interstate 87 near Plattsburgh, New York, when he was pulled over by police.  Thomas admitted that he had the hockey bags in the rear of his truck, and the bags were full of multiple vacuum-sealed plastic bags of marijuana, totaling 337 pounds.

Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, to begin after Thomas’s release from prison.

This case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Anderson.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sean M. Andre, age 30, of Brooklyn, New York, appeared in court today on a complaint alleging that he worked with an Ulster County man to fraudulently obtain more than $4 million in government-backed loans meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-Criminal Investigation; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Region of the Office of Inspector General for the Small Business Administration (SBA-OIG).

A criminal complaint alleges that between June 24, 2020 and August 13, 2020, Andre and Jean R. Lavanture fraudulently obtained at least $4,184,781 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which were paid out to companies that Lavanture controls.  According to the complaint, Andre and Lavanture worked together to submit loan applications that fraudulently claimed that Lavanture operated multiple companies each employing dozens of people and paying out millions of dollars in salaries per year.   In fact, according to the complaint, none of these companies has ever reported employees to the New York State Department of Labor, nor reported income to the IRS.  Lavanture paid Andre at least $157,578 for Andre’s role in the scheme.

The complaint charges Andre with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and engaging in transfers of wire fraud and bank fraud proceeds of a value greater than $10,000.  The charges in the complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Andre appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was ordered released with conditions.

If convicted of all of the charges set forth in the complaint, Andre faces up to 30 years in prison, up to 5 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum fine of the greater of $1 million or twice his gross pecuniary gain or his victims’ gross pecuniary loss.  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.

Lavanture, age 48, of Saugerties, New York, is charged by indictment with three counts of bank fraud.  The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of assets that Lavanture allegedly obtained from his fraudulent scheme, including a mansion and estate in Byram Township, New Jersey; $614,479.70 in cash that federal agents found in the New Jersey mansion; a motel in Rockaway Beach, Missouri; a 2007 Bentley Continental GTC; and the funds in 17 bank accounts.  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and SBA-OIG, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Barnett and Joshua R. Rosenthal.

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Terry Lajeunesse, age 49, of Pottersville, New York, was charged last month with obstruction of justice for attempting to convince another individual to admit guilt for crimes allegedly committed by Lajeunesse.

The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Lajeunesse is detained on an indictment charging him with possessing child pornography.  The criminal complaint alleges that in September 2020, he mailed letters from the Rensselaer County Jail attempting to convince another person to admit to possessing the child pornography that is the subject of his indictment.  The charges in the complaint and indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Lajeunesse appeared on the complaint yesterday in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel.

The charges 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.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nicholas Faber, age 25, of Rochester, New York, pled guilty yesterday to computer fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with his hacking of online social media accounts and theft of nude images of dozens of female victims.

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas McQuaid; Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and State University of New York-Plattsburgh Police Chief Patrick Rascoe.

Faber pled guilty to one count of computer intrusion causing damage and one count of aggravated identity theft. 

Faber obtained his undergraduate degree from SUNY-Plattsburgh, graduating in 2017.

As part of his guilty plea, Faber admitted that from about 2017 to 2019, he worked with co-conspirator Michael Fish to access the school email accounts of dozens of female college students and then used information from those school email accounts to gain access to the victims’ social media accounts.  Faber then stole, and traded online with others, private nude photographs and movies stored in the victims’ social media accounts.  Also, as a result of Faber’s crimes, the university had to allocate money and staff to identifying compromised accounts, reviewing computer and server access logs, resetting passwords, and notifying students and parents.

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino is scheduled to sentence Faber on June 9, 2021.   He faces at least 2 years and up to 12 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.  Faber has also agreed to pay $35,430 in restitution to SUNY-Plattsburgh. 

Fish pled guilty to computer hacking, aggravated identity theft and child pornography offenses, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2021.

This case was investigated by the FBI with substantial assistance from the SUNY-Plattsburgh Police Department.  Deputy Chief Michael Stawasz, from the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Myers and Joshua R. Rosenthal, are prosecuting the case.

A New York man pleaded guilty Monday to computer fraud and aggravated identity theft related to his hacking of online social media accounts and theft of nude images of dozens of female victims.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon of the Northern District of New York, Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford of the FBI’s Albany Field Office and State University of New York (SUNY)-Plattsburgh Police Chief Patrick Rascoe made the announcement.

Nicholas Faber, 25, of Rochester, pleaded guilty to one count of computer intrusion causing damage and one count of aggravated identity theft. 

As part of his guilty plea, Faber admitted that from about 2017 to 2019, he worked with co-conspirator Michael Fish to access the school email accounts of dozens of female college students and then used information from those school email accounts to gain access to the victims’ social media accounts. Faber then stole, and traded online with others, private nude photographs and movies stored in the victims’ social media accounts. Also, as a result of Faber’s crimes, the university had to allocate money and staff to identifying compromised accounts, reviewing computer and server access logs, resetting passwords, and notifying students and parents.

Faber obtained his undergraduate degree from SUNY-Plattsburgh, graduating in 2017.

Faber has also agreed to pay $35,430 in restitution to SUNY-Plattsburgh and is scheduled to be sentenced June 9. Fish pleaded guilty to computer hacking, aggravated identity theft and child pornography offenses, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19.

This case was investigated by the FBI with substantial assistance from the SUNY-Plattsburgh Police Department. Deputy Chief Michael Stawasz from the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Myers and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Curtis, age 21, of Baldwinsville, New York, appeared today in federal court on charges that he received child pornography.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to a criminal complaint, Curtis solicited and received numerous images and videos of child pornography using the Instagram application on his cellular phone. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, Curtis faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $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.

Curtis appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter and was detained pending further proceedings.

This case is being 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).  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). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon issued the following statement regarding the deaths of FBI Special Agents Dan Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger on February 2, 2021, in Sunrise, Florida:

“Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of FBI Special Agents Dan Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger, two selfless public servants who dedicated their careers to protecting children. 

“We feel the loss especially in the Northern District of New York, as we were fortunate to work with SA Alfin while he was stationed at FBI Albany. Over those 5 years, SA Alfin worked tirelessly to protect our community from predators.  Using creative investigative techniques, SA Alfin targeted the worst predators in our area and went on to lead a national investigation.  We are grateful to have worked with him and will remember his intelligence, dedication, and sense of humor.  He will be missed. 

“The USAO will honor SA Alfin’s and SA Schwartzenberger’s legacies by redoubling our efforts to keep the community safe, especially for children and teens who are targeted by sexual predators and human trafficking organizations.”

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Montano, age 36, of Edinburg, New York, pled guilty today to unlawfully conspiring to deal, possess, transfer and make unregistered firearms, and to distributing methamphetamine.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

In pleading guilty, Montano admitted that between August and October 2019, he, along with Michael Castelluccio, conspired to build and sell firearms from component parts ordered online. These firearms are commonly known as “ghost guns” because they do not have serial numbers, which makes them difficult for law enforcement to trace.

Montano admitted to conspiring to possess and transfer short-barreled rifles, which are rifles with barrels less than 16 inches long, and admitted to doing so without having filed an application with or received approval from the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, or paying the tax required by federal law.  He also admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. 

Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2021.

Montano faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life, a fine of up to $10 million, and a term of supervised release of up to life.  Montano also agreed to forfeit the proceeds he received from the sale of the methamphetamine. 

Castelluccio pled guilty on November 5, 2020 to unlawfully transferring an unregistered short-barreled rifle that had machinegun capability, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2021. Castelluccio faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  Castelluccio also agreed to forfeit a pickup truck that he used to transport the firearms.

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 was investigated by the ATF and HSI, as well as the Schenectady County and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Offices. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon announced today that her office, together with federal, state, and local law enforcement, has launched a law enforcement task force focused on combating human trafficking.

The task force is comprised of members from the United States Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; New York State Police; the Police Departments of Albany, Colonie, Rotterdam, Schenectady, Troy; Sherriff’s Offices of the Counties Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Ulster; Rensselaer County Probation Department; and the Offices of the District Attorneys of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga Counties.  The United States Attorney’s Office plans to expand the task force to cover all 32 counties it serves.

This week, the United States Attorney’s Office hosted a virtual training for members of the task force.  National experts from the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecutions Unit lectured on the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, coercion-based sex trafficking and forced labor, trauma informed interviewing, and proactive strategies to detect trafficking crimes.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bacon said, “Human trafficking is modern day slavery.  Ruthless traffickers use force, lies, threats, coercion, and sometimes even drugs, to force victims into a life of commercial sex or tedious labor.  Victims are trapped; and they need our help to reclaim their freedom.  We launched this task force, during the 10th Annual National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, to enhance law enforcement’s ability to dismantle human trafficking networks and to help restore victims’ lives.”

“Human trafficking is an incredibly dangerous crime and its impact on victims is immeasurable," stated Thomas Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. "That’s why it's not enough to simply identify the violation, we must work together to prevent exploitation. Having a dedicated task force with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address these issues here at home provides us more resources to identify, investigate, and arrest any perpetrator of this horrific activity.”

“Human trafficking is an egregious crime that dehumanizes its victims,” said Kevin Kelly, HSI Special Agent in Charge.  “Through this task force, HSI is committing to work collaboratively in a victim-centered approach to investigate these heinous crimes and bring to justice those who prey on the most vulnerable in our communities.” 

“There is an intrinsic relationship between human traffickers and drug-related crime,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Zon.  “This training cements a law enforcement partnership focused on investigating and bringing to justice those responsible for crimes associated with human trafficking.  I applaud the Northern District of New York for their focus and leadership in this Task Force.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “As law enforcement, any tool or additional working group we can be a part of, in order to fight and prevent a crime, is a welcome one. Human trafficking is a complex crime, and any person, regardless of race, sexuality or gender can be a victim. We will continue to work with all of our partners to make sure human traffickers are put in prison, and their victims get the help they need.”        

Albany County District Attorney David Soares said, “Human Trafficking is a global issue and it will only improve our response to unify beyond the borders of our respective jurisdictions and work together to detect and combat this issue on all fronts. Recognizing that a strong and widespread law enforcement response to these types of crimes will effectuate the greatest change in the life of the individual victim as well as the larger community, my office is grateful to be included in this regional taskforce."     

Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the United States Attorney’s Office and other agencies as I believe a multi-agency approach is most effective.  This is an opportunity to share knowledge and resources in order to combat human trafficking, prosecute those involved and assist those affected.”

Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said, “The Saratoga District Attorney’s Office is pleased to join with the other Task Force members in a coordinated and collaborative effort to combat the devastating impact of human trafficking in our region. Our office is committed to hold offenders of trafficking accountable for their criminal conduct by working with our Task Force partners.”

Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo said, “I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office for taking this initiative and we will assist in any way we are able.”

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said, “I want to express my appreciation to the US Attorney's Office for recognizing the need for a Human Trafficking Task Force.  We realize there is a need to combat this issue not only in Ulster County but throughout New York State. Human trafficking involves our immigrant communities who are vulnerable to the illegal sex trade and unfair labor practices.  The Ulster County Sheriff's Office is PROUD to have a member participate in a collaborative effort to help combat human trafficking."

“Human trafficking can occur in any community and those victimized may be reluctant to come forward,” said Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. “This newly launched task force will allow for law enforcement partners at all levels of government to collaboratively investigate incidents of human trafficking and bring offenders to justice. In addition, the task force will help to raise awareness about human trafficking in our communities while empowering and assisting victims. I commend Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon for her leadership in launching this task force and look forward to its success.”  

“Having multiple agencies on the task force will increase its ability to investigate these crimes and result in more victims rescued and suspects apprehended,” said Colonie Police Chief Jonathan Teale.

Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford said, “The Schenectady Police Department is proud to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local partners to combat human trafficking.  I would like to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Bacon for leading this effort in the Northern District of New York and look forward to working with our community partners to bring attention to human trafficking and combat it in our city.”

Laura Bauer, Director, Rensselaer County Department of Probation said, “Rensselaer County Probation is looking forward to working with all involved with this valuable collaborative to combat human trafficking.   Probation Officers recognize the devastating effect human trafficking has on victims, who are at times discovered to be the youth and adults with whom we work.”

The United States Attorney’s Office and its partners encourage the community to join in our efforts by staying alert for signs of trafficking, including:

• Is the person in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or, someone who seems to be in control of the situation, for example where they go or who they talk to?
• Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
• Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
• Does the person lack personal items and appear not to have a stable living situation?
• Does the person have freedom of movement?  Can he or she leave where they live?  Are there unreasonable security measures?
• Does the person seem preoccupied with his or her cellphone or internet-capable devices?
• Does the person have items, for example clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics, that he or she should not be able to afford?
• Is the child missing school or missing parts of the school day without explanation?

 

If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact local law enforcement or report it to federal law enforcement through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or 1-866-347-2423.

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael P. Fish, age 25, of Albany, was charged today with obstruction of justice and committing a felony offense while on release, for submitting fraudulent character letters to the United States District Judge overseeing his federal criminal case.

The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The criminal complaint alleges that Fish, who pled guilty to computer hacking, aggravated identity theft and child pornography offenses in May 2020, submitted six fraudulent character letters to U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.  According to the complaint, Fish doctored letters, including one from a Catholic priest, and created letters purportedly from others, including his mother and grandparents.  The fraudulent letters spoke of Fish’s good character and asked Judge D’Agostino to impose a lenient sentence.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charges filed today against Fish carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Fish will be sentenced on March 19, 2021 in connection with his May 2020 convictions.  He faces at least 2 years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Myers and Joshua R. Rosenthal.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Seifert, age 62, of Utica, New York, was charged by criminal complaint last week for making telephonic threats to employees of the Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG).

The criminal complaint alleges that on January 14, 2021, Seifert made repeated calls to employees at the Albany Stratton VA with no legitimate purpose other than to threaten them, and left threatening voicemails in which he used demeaning and offensive language that caused each of the employees to fear for their safety.  The charges in the complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

The charge filed against Seifert is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a maximum of 1 year in prison, a maximum fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 1 year.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

Seifert was arraigned on January 22 in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.  On January 27, Judge Stewart ordered that Seifert be detained pending trial.

This case is being investigated by the VA-OIG and the Veterans Affairs Police Service at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zaiqua Acosta, age 22, of Albany, was sentenced today to 32 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. 

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). 

Acosta, who has a 2016 felony conviction for criminal possession of stolen property, admitted that on May 5, 2020, he possessed a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE .40 caliber pistol, loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. 

Senior Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also imposed a 3-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams.

ALBANY, NEW YORK -Elijah Torres, age 30, of Schenectady, New York, was charged earlier this month with unlawfully possessing a loaded 9mm pistol as a felon.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

The criminal complaint alleges that Torres, a felon, possessed a loaded 9mm pistol on March 18, 2020 in Schenectady. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Torres appeared last Friday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

Torres faces up to 10 years in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the ATF and Schenectady Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.

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PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Douglas Quintanilla-Soriano, age 26, and a citizen of El Salvador, was arrested on January 17 and charged in connection with a failed smuggling event.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

The criminal complaint alleges that Quintanilla-Soriano was arrested while transporting two illegal aliens who had illegally crossed into the United States through the woods near Churubusco, New York.  Border Patrol Agents from the Burke Station stopped the vehicle that was being operated by Quintanilla-Soriano and detained the occupants.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Quintanilla-Soriano appeared before United Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on Tuesday, and was ordered detained. 

If convicted, Quintanilla-Soriano faces up to 5 years in prison.  The two occupants of the vehicle were found to be citizens of El Salvador and Mexico, respectively, and illegally present in the United States.  Both of the occupants were detained and expelled to Canada. 

This case is being investigated by United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - Mark Mongillo, age 31, of Unadilla, New York, appeared in federal court today on a criminal complaint charging him with methamphetamine distribution charges and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon.

Mongillo was initially arrested and charged by the Broome County District Attorney’s Office on January 20, 2021 on New York State law charges.  The federal criminal complaint alleges that Mongillo possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 642 grams of methamphetamine, along with a loaded Glock pistol with a defaced serial number.  It also alleges the Mongillo is a licensed pharmacist in the State of New York. 

Mongillo made his initial appearance in federal court today in Binghamton, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric, and was ordered detained.

If convicted of the charges set forth in the federal complaint, the defendant faces up life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of 10 years’ imprisonment, on the drug charge, and up to life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of five years’ consecutive imprisonment, on the firearms charge.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Johnson City Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Beaty.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Srinivas Kancha, age 52, of Selkirk, New York, was charged today with conspiring to defraud his former employer, the Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC). 

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli; and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

A criminal complaint alleges that between 2015 and 2017, while employed at OSC, Kancha conspired with the owner of a company (identified in the complaint as “Company-P”) to fraudulently obtain money by hiring computer programmers from Company-P to work on a project Kancha managed for OSC in exchange for a kickback from Company-P.  The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In January 2015, according to the complaint, OSC entered into a contract with a consortium of three companies to identify and hire computer programmers for a project.  When OSC needed to hire a programmer, it sent a request form to one of the three companies.  Each company then submitted a purportedly qualified applicant.  Frequently, the applicants were employed by subcontractors, including Company-P.  From January 2015 through October 2016, OSC hired 17 programmers for the project at hourly rates ranging from $80 to $120.  In late 2016, OSC learned that many of the programmers’ references and work histories were not legitimate, including those hired from Company-P, and launched an internal investigation.

According to the complaint, between February 2015 and October 2016, Kancha and his co-conspirator ensured that programmers from Company-P were hired by falsifying information regarding their experience and work histories, and providing them with interview questions ahead of their interviews at OSC.  Kancha then interviewed the programmers, hired them knowing that their qualifications were falsified, and set their hourly rates.  Between February 2015 and September 2017, Company-P received approximately $870,000 from OSC for its programmers’ pay.  The owner of Company-P kept a percentage of the programmers’ pay.  He then paid Kancha a portion of that percentage.

If convicted of this offense, Kancha faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years,  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.

Kancha appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered released with conditions pending further proceedings.

This case was initiated by the Office of the New York State Comptroller, and is also being investigated by HSI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tristan Warner, age 47, of New Jersey, was charged today with interstate travel with the intent to engage in sexual conduct with a minor.  The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The criminal complaint alleges that on January 15, Warner travelled from New Jersey to a location near Watervliet, New York, to meet with an undercover officer posing as a mother who was willing to make her 11-year-old daughter available for a sexual encounter.  The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

If convicted of this offense, Warner faces up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. He would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Warner appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained pending a hearing on January 20. 

This case is being investigated by the FBI, the New York State Police, and the Colonie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.

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.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shane Smith, age 24, of Whitehall, New York, was charged this week with unlawfully possessing two short-barrel rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition as a felon. 

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon; Thomas F. Relford, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

The criminal complaint alleges that Smith, a felon, possessed two homemade AR-15-type rifles whose barrels were less than 16 inches in length, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, on December 15 at his Whitehall home.  The charges in the complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Smith appeared yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, and was ordered detained pending further proceedings. 

Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and the ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel J. Trammell, age 58, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to serve 30 months in prison for assaulting a United States Postal Service employee, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and Joseph Cronin, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

As party of his previous guilty plea, Trammell admitted that on April 21, 2020, he assaulted a letter carrier while the carrier was delivering mail. Trammell caused two cuts to the victim’s neck.

In addition to his term of imprisonment, the court also sentenced Trammell to 3 years of supervised release.                 

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.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Priscilla Czyz, age 37, of Cato, New York, has been charged with obstructing the mail, announced Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office.

Czyz was arraigned today in federal court in Syracuse by videoconference before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter. The charge against Czyz alleges that she obstructed the mail while working as a postal carrier by willfully failing to deliver mail entrusted to the United States Postal Service for delivery in Onondaga County, New York between September 24, 2020, and October 7, 2020. Czyz was released pending further proceedings.

The charge filed against Czyz carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. 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.

The charge filed against Czyz is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by USPS-OIG, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kent Tucker, age 23, of Gloversville, New York, was indicted yesterday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

The indictment alleges that on August 21, 2020, Tucker possessed a Glock handgun stolen from a Gloversville firearms dealer, and possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.  The indictment also charges that Tucker possessed the handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. An earlier complaint filed on January 5, 2021 alleges that during the arrest, Tucker threw the stolen firearm from his person while being arrested. 

The charges in the complaint and indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted on all charges, Tucker faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a minimum of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 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.

Tucker initially appeared Wednesday in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian Hummel, and was ordered detained pending a trial.

This case is being investigated by the ATF and Gloversville Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.