Northern District of New York

On January 27, 2026, over 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials gathered at the Orange County Government Center to discuss their efforts to combat crime on behalf of the people of New York.  Participants included, among many others, the U.S. Attorneys for the Southern and Northern Districts of New York, leaders of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), District Attorneys and Sheriffs from Albany County, Rockland County, Orange County, Westchester County, Dutchess County, Greene County, and Rensselaer County, and senior leaders of the New York State Police. 

The presentations and discussions focused on combining resources across offices and departments to combat the greatest threats to the quality of life and safety of the good people of the Hudson Valley.  Areas identified as requiring a collective effort included:

• Removing gun-toting career criminals from our streets;
• Dismantling sophisticated narcotics production and distribution enterprises, including the violent transnational gangs that have invaded communities across the Hudson Valley; and
• Protecting our children from sexual predators.  

Several case studies involving multi-agency efforts that led to highly successful prosecutions were discussed with an eye toward greater cooperation in the future.  The participants also discussed community engagement and community priorities, including “hot spots” where the need for a combination of federal, state, and local resources is most acute.  

“It is invaluable to hear directly from our state and local partners,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton.  “Our principal objective is to deliver a better quality of life, including safe streets, for the people of the Hudson Valley, and we can best achieve that objective if we work in concert with our state and local partners.  Together, we have brought—and will continue to bring—our most violent and most dangerous criminals to justice.”

“Public safety does not stop at district or county lines,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York John A. Sarcone III.  “This symposium underscores the power of strong partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement to confront the most serious threats facing our communities—violent crime, narcotics trafficking, and the exploitation of children.  By sharing intelligence, coordinating resources, and aligning our priorities, we are better positioned to dismantle criminal organizations, protect the most vulnerable, and deliver real results for the people we serve.”

“Drugs, guns, and violent crime are endemic public safety concerns that know no boundaries,” said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “In order to best protect the residents of Orange County from these ever-present dangers, we must work with our law enforcement partners, near and far.  I am grateful not only for all of the law enforcement professionals who attended the symposium, but also for the commitment to work together to serve the residents of the Hudson Valley.  This historic event highlights the importance of collaboration in effective law enforcement in the 21st century.”

“This meeting was a tremendous opportunity to gather officials from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share information and ideas on how we can leverage our resources to identify, investigate, and bring to justice the dangerous criminals bringing harmful narcotics and weapons into our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office Craig Tremaroli.  “I’m incredibly grateful to all the partners who made the time to attend this important discussion, and I look forward to working together to achieve our shared goal of keeping all our communities safe.”

“DEA New York remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to target those looking to distribute illicit narcotics throughout the Hudson Valley region,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam.  “These symposiums provide us the opportunity to gather and collaborate with our partners, which helps strengthen our resolve to enhance public safety and helps protect our communities from drug poisonings which are harming our neighbors.”

“HSI New York was honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow law enforcement leaders at the Hudson Valley Law Enforcement Symposium, united by our shared commitment to protecting our communities,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso.  “Bringing together the strength and expertise of federal, state, and local partners is how we turn the tide against violent crime, drug traffickers, and those who prey on our children.  When we unite our resources and resolve, we deliver real results—making the Hudson Valley a safer place for every New Yorker.”

“We appreciate our U.S. Attorneys for hosting and participating in this collaborative effort,” said Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s New York Division Bryan DiGiralamo.  “ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, when combined with strong partnerships across all levels of law enforcement, enhances investigations and plays a critical role in reducing violent gun crime and keeping our communities safe.”

“Special thanks to our United States Attorneys for the Southern and Northern Districts of New York, and the Orange County District Attorneys’ Office, for bringing together our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for this meeting,” said DEA Northeast Regional Associate Chief of Operations Frank Tarentino.  “The DEA is committed to working with all our law enforcement partners across the region in targeting those drug trafficking organizations and individuals who are responsible for the most harm.  This is the DEA’s focus, both here and abroad, and we will continue this fight until we have a fentanyl-free America.”   

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kevin Landry age 28, of Stillwater, New York, pled guilty on January 23, 2026, to receiving child pornography.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Landry admitted that in September 2024, he used a messaging application to receive child sexual abuse material (CSAM).  In 2020, Landry pled guilty in Tennessee state court to solicitation of a minor to commit aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor after obtaining a nude photo of a female child through Snapchat and then threatening to distribute that photo to others if the child would not send more nude photos.  He was sentenced to an order of deferral and judicial diversion for that offense.     

Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Landry caught a huge break from state authorities after sexually exploiting a child—and he squandered it. His guilty plea in federal court makes one thing unmistakably clear: repeat offenders who prey on children will face swift, aggressive prosecution and severe consequences. This office, alongside HSI and all our federal law enforcement partners, will use the full weight of federal law to protect children and impose the harshest consequences on those who prey on them.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: “Kevin Landry’s actions represent a shocking disregard for the safety and dignity of children.  His repeated exploitation underscores the grave threat posed by individuals who commit these offenses. HSI Albany remains relentless in our pursuit of those who prey on the most vulnerable, ensuring they are held fully accountable. The public can be assured that protecting children from such depravity is our highest priority.”

At his sentencing on May 27, 2026, Landry potentially faces a term of imprisonment of at least 15 years and up to 40 years in prison.  Landry also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case was investigated by HSI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 – Robert Sacco, a Nassau County Detective, age 38, of Huntington, New York, was charged yesterday by complaint with attempted sexual exploitation of a child. 

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division Craig Tremaroli made the announcement.

As alleged in the complaint, in October 2025, Sacco communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer over an online application and encrypted messaging for about four months. During those communications, Sacco expressed his sexual interest in children, discussed meeting the undercover officer and his purported 10-year-old daughter to sexually abuse her, and ejaculated on pictures of the undercover officer’s purported 10-year-old daughter.  By January 2026, Sacco suggested video chatting with the undercover officer and the purported child so that Sacco could watch the undercover officer sexually abuse the child for Sacco’s sexual gratification.  Sacco communicated with the undercover officer about the sex acts the undercover officer would engage in with the purported child.

On January 23, 2026, Sacco signed into a video call on an encrypted application with the intent to watch the undercover officer engage in sexually explicit conduct with the purported 10-year-old child, including oral sex.  When the undercover officer told Sacco that the purported child would not come out of her room, Sacco asked if the undercover officer wanted to “postpone.”

“The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of public trust,” said Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “A sworn law enforcement officer is accused of using an online communications platform to pursue the sexual exploitation of a child and to facilitate horrific abuse for his own gratification. Let me be clear: anyone who preys on children—especially those entrusted to protect the public—will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  No badge, no position, and no title will shield a child predator from justice.”

Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli stated: “The details of the allegations against Mr. Sacco are absolutely vile. As a member of law enforcement, Mr. Sacco allegedly broke the very laws he swore to uphold, and now he faces serious charges and significant time in federal prison. The FBI’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force will continue to use every resource available to swiftly identify, investigate, and bring to justice these dangerous predators looking to harm our most vulnerable.”

Sacco appeared yesterday in Brooklyn, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Marcia Henry and is detained pending his transfer to the Northern District of New York for an appearance at a later date.

The charge filed against Sacco carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and 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 convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

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

The FBI is investigating the case with the assistance of the Colonie Police Department and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Vickey is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

SYRACAUSE, NEW YORK – Edwin Morones, age 23, a Mexican citizen who formerly resided in Watertown, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 25 years (300 months) in federal prison for three charges of distribution of child pornography.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea Morones admitted that during November and December 2024, Morones used a social media platform to participate in groups dedicated to trading child pornography and sent numerous child pornography files to other users, including one child pornography file Morones had personally created.  Morones also distributed non-pornographic but still sexually explicit images of children that Morones had personally created.  An analysis of Morones’ social media account revealed over a dozen images and videos constituting child pornography.  Morones has no current legal status in the United States.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “The defendant, who was illegally present in the U.S., used what he thought was a secure social media platform to distribute child pornography and indulge his sick sexual fantasies.  But our law enforcement partners, including the dedicated agents at HSI, have methods to monitor and identify child predators, no matter how they communicate. We thank those who work with law enforcement and honor their oaths to protect and defend the constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic by apprehending dangerous criminals like this. We cannot play politics in ensuring the safety and security of the citizens we serve.”

Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “Edwin Morones, a Mexican national illegally in our country, shamelessly abused his unlawful presence to prey on children and distribute vile content online. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI Syracuse will bring predators in our communities to justice, no matter their background or status, as reflected with today's sentence. HSI Syracuse will continue to defend our neighborhoods and safeguard our children from those who exploit our most vulnerable and flout U.S. rule of law."

United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also sentenced Morones to serve a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after Morones is released from prison.  Morones will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

HSI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 – Gregory Conrad Puzio, a/k/a “Tony G.,” age 40, of Albany, New York, pled guilty today to receiving child pornography.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Puzio admitted that in February 2025, he used a messaging application to receive child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including a video where the child victim was sexually abused and beaten.  In late June 2025, Puzio was charged by local authorities with use of a child in a sexual performance and possessing a sexual performance by a child based on this conduct but was subsequently released on bond.  After a federal complaint was filed on July 8, 2025, federal agents arrested Puzio and he did not contest federal detention.    

Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Puzio’s disgraceful crimes were somehow not enough for detention in state court.  But our partners at HSI and the NYSP quickly brought this case to my office so that this dangerous individual is now off the street and far from any children. My Office and our state and federal law enforcement partners will never hesitate to bring viable federal charges when we believe a defendant who has been released by a state court should be detained for the protection of the community.”    

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan stated: "Gregory Puzio's guilty plea reflects the depravity of the defendant's crimes against children and underscores the urgent need for aggressive investigation and prosecution in such heinous offenses. Together with our law enforcement counterparts, HSI will stop at nothing to ensure that predators face the full force of justice and that our communities are safeguarded from such egregious harm. I commend HSI Albany and our vital partners for their relentless investigative efforts and exceptional collaboration in protecting our children."

NYSP Superintendent James said: “The exploitation and abuse of children is among the most serious crimes we confront, and the New York State Police remain committed to working side by side with our federal and local partners to identify offenders and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. This guilty plea reflects the strength of that collaboration and sends a clear message that those who prey on children will be held accountable.”

At his sentencing on May 26, 2026, Puzio faces a term of imprisonment of at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison. Puzio also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case was investigated by HSI and the NYSP, with assistance from the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 – Iziah Cox, 38, of Albany, Kaya Cox, 41, of Albany, Sincere Cox, 26, of Albany, Davion Carrington, 38, of Albany, Jahmell Manso, 27, of Albany, Tiffany Banks, 42, of Albany, and Tamicca Jennings, 34, of Troy, New York were charged last week with conspiring to launder $7.1 million in proceeds of a complex fraud scheme with victims from all over the world, according to an indictment unsealed earlier today.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), made the announcement. 

The indictment is the latest result in the Operation Tidal Wave investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI’s Albany Regional Financial Crimes Task Force that resulted in the seizure of 135 firearms last August.  See https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/two-albany-men-charged-fraud-investigation-resulted-one-largest-ever-firearms-seizures.

According to the indictment and documents previously filed in the case, Iziah Cox and his coconspirators were part of a scheme to defraud businesses, individuals, and financial institutions and launder over $7.1 million in illegal proceeds through transactions designed to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of their ill-gotten gains.  The victims of the fraud were located all over the world, and many of them were businesses that were victimized by business email compromises (“BECs”).  Through these BECs, the businesses received an email that appeared to be from a legitimate company with which they had an ongoing financial relationship.  But the email accounts were controlled by members of the conspiracy, who instructed the businesses to wire future payments to bank accounts controlled by other coconspirators.  To make the bank accounts appear legitimate and trick the victims and financial institutions into authorizing the payments, the conspirators registered “doing business as” (“DBA”) entities, in Albany County and elsewhere, in the names of real companies from all over the world.  Those DBA registrations were then used by the conspirators to open bank accounts in the names of those companies, which in turn were used to receive and rapidly disburse the fraud proceeds.

The investigation began last summer after a local financial institution, headquartered in Albany, New York, alerted the FBI to a series of account openings and fraudulent financial transactions at its Capital Region branches.  On August 19, 2025, the FBI’s Albany Regional Financial Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of members of local, state, and federal agencies, executed search warrants at numerous locations throughout the Capital Region.  In executing those warrants, agents uncovered and seized a total of 135 firearms, including machineguns, high-capacity magazines, and firearms with obliterated serial numbers. 

Iziah Cox was separately charged by the grand jury with illegal possession of a firearm as a felon in connection with the firearms seizure.

“I commend the tireless work of my Assistant U.S. Attorneys, the FBI, the IRS, and the Albany and Troy Police Departments in spearheading this investigation and terminating this worldwide fraud scheme,” Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone said.  “I also thank our local banking partners for their hawkish effort in spotting this scheme, which ultimately led to law enforcement seizing scores of dangerous firearms and getting them off our streets.  We have all saved lives here.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “This meticulous investigation produced one of the largest weapons seizures in the Northern District of New York, and today’s indictments illustrate the staggering depth of the alleged financial fraud that led to that seizure. The alleged scheme was complex, but thanks to our invaluable private sector and state and local law enforcement partnerships – especially the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center – these individuals are all facing serious federal charges and our communities are undoubtedly safer. This investigation should send a very strong message that the FBI will not tolerate any criminal looking to fund their illicit business on the backs of hardworking Americans.”

Troy Police Chief Dan DeWolf said “the excellent partnerships with our Federal, State and local law enforcement partners are the reason for this very successful investigation. The arrests of several unscrupulous defendants and the large seizure of firearms certainly help make our communities much safer. I’m proud and grateful for the hard work of all those involved in bringing this investigation to a triumphant finish.”           

Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said, “Operation Tidal Wave indictment represents the culmination of an extensive multi-agency investigation. The message is clear, criminal activity of this magnitude will not be tolerated. We are grateful for our strong partnership with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, whose combined efforts were critical in the success of this operation.”

The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.  The firearm charge against Iziah Cox carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

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

The FBI and its Albany Regional Financial Crimes Taskforce is investigating the cases, with assistance from Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New York State Comptroller’s Office, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, the Albany Police Department, the Troy Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center and the New York State Intelligence Center.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark, Matthew M. Paulbeck, and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the cases.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Zachary Jackson, age 38, of Ithaca, New York, was sentenced on Friday, January 16, 2026, to 15 years (180 months) in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), New York Enforcement Division, made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Jackson admitted that on November 19, 2024, he possessed a kilogram of cocaine and a Glock handgun which he used to protect himself while distributing controlled substances in the Ithaca and Auburn, New York areas. Jackson could not legally possess a firearm because he had been previously convicted of assault with intent to cause serious physical injury with a weapon, a felony offense for which he served over 10 years in prison.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Drug dealers, especially ones with violent criminal histories like this defendant, should know that law enforcement in the Northern District of New York will find them and put them behind bars.  Thanks to the investigative efforts of local agencies and the DEA, our communities are now safe from this dealer, his drugs, and his gun.”

“Once again, DEA’s New York Enforcement Division and our partners removed a repeat drug trafficker who relied on violence to fuel his criminal enterprise,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The sentencing of Zachary Jackson sends a clear message to those who look to poison our communities; that the DEA will target you and bring you to justice! We are committed to preserving public safety and remain focused on keeping our neighborhoods safe.”

United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed an 8-year term of supervised release to begin after Jackson is released from prison.

DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); New York State Police; the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force (FLDTF); the Auburn Police Department; the Ithaca Police Department; and the Onondaga, Cayuga, and Tompkins County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Arif Karicic, age 36, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty on January 16, 2026, to distribution and possession of child pornography.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement.

As part of his plea, Karicic admitted that between November 2024 and February 2025, he sent child pornography files to other people through smartphone social networking applications. The FBI’s investigation also revealed that on February 12, 2025, Karicic possessed child pornography on two electronic devices at his Syracuse residence.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “The evidence of this defendant’s illegal activity reveals a disturbing sexual interest in young children.  In addition to the serious harm child pornography offenses do to the original victims portrayed in the files, there is a real risk such offenders turn to hands-on abuse of their own.  Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, this defendant’s deviancy has been identified and he will be held accountable for his despicable actions.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Karicic’s offenses are heinous and the impact on his innocent victims is immeasurable. This plea ensures he will spend a substantial amount of time in federal prison where he can no longer exploit our children. FBI Albany’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force will continue to leverage our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships to aggressively investigate and bring to justice these sick predators terrorizing our most vulnerable.”

Sentencing is scheduled for May 19, 2026, before United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi.  Karicic faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in federal prison on the distribution charges, a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison for each of the charged offenses, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life.  Karicic will also be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 – Kwahpreme Mitchell, age 34, of Watervliet, New York, was sentenced January 9, 2026, to 106 months in federal prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing firearms as a convicted felon.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James; and Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Mitchell admitted to receiving firearms from Jonathon Combs and Martin Taft that they had stolen from Calamity Jane’s Firearms and Fine Shoes, a federally licensed firearms dealer, in Hudson Falls, New York, on October 21, 2022.  In exchange for the stolen firearms, Mitchell agreed to provide Combs and Taft with 150 grams of cocaine, which they intended to distribute.  Additionally, on or about October 15, 2022, Mitchell provided Combs with approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine base in exchange for a shotgun.   Mitchell could not legally possess firearms, as he had been previously convicted of a New York State felony drug charge.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Mitchell has now been held accountable for his poisoning of our communities with drugs and stolen guns.  We again express our appreciation for the collaboration between ATF NY Albany, the NYSP, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and this Office in combating violent crime and keeping our communities safe.”

Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, stated, “This sentence reflects the serious danger posed when stolen firearms are funneled into drug trafficking networks. Mitchell’s actions tied together two violent threats – stolen guns and illegal drugs – putting communities at risk. ATF NY, alongside our state and local partners, remains committed to disrupting firearms trafficking at every point, holding offenders accountable, and preventing stolen guns from being used to fuel further crime and violence.”  

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “I applaud our law enforcement officials at all levels for their strong police work and dedication to intercepting the trafficking of cocaine and weapons within our communities. The sentencing of Mr. Mitchell sends a clear message that we will find the people responsible for putting illegal substances and firearms in the hands of others. We will remain vigilant alongside our law enforcement partners in keeping these criminals off our streets and to maintain the safety of all New Yorkers.”  

Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy stated, “This sentencing sends a clear message—those who target businesses in our county will be held accountable. Through strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners, justice was served, and our commitment to the victims remains unwavering.”

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to begin after Mitchell is released from prison.

NYSP, ATF and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance provided by the Washington and Warren County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Matthew Dundas, age 26, of Petersburgh, New York, was sentenced to two years of probation with 80 hours of community service and a $4,000 fine on January 14, 2026, for money order fraud. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Matthew M. Modafferi, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”) made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Dundas admitted that, while he was employed with the United States Postal Service, between January 2023 and September 2024, he fraudulently issued 105 money orders to himself without paying for them and stole $76,976.61 from the United States. Dundas repaid the money he stole prior to pleading guilty.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Government employees stealing from taxpayer dollars is an egregious betrayal of the public trust and will be met with swift and decisive action. Our Office will continue to root out any self-dealing and fraud in the government. We thank the Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for its continued efforts to root out fraud from within.”

Special Agent in Charge Matthew M. Modafferi stated, “The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is dedicated to protecting the U.S Mail and the U.S. Postal Service. When a Postal Service employee decides to break the public’s trust and participates in criminal acts, USPS OIG Special Agents will work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. The sentence imposed on the defendant will serve as a clear reminder to Postal Service employees of the consequences when they utilize their position to commit crimes. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of New York for their dedication and efforts in this investigation.”

The USPS-OIG investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted it.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jabree Jones, a.k.a. “Breezy,” age 33, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced on January 9, 2026, to 300 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms crimes, including a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.

Jones, who was on federal supervised release at the time of his offense, was sentenced to an additional 30 months in prison, to be served consecutively, for violations of his release conditions, including for false statements to U.S. Probation. Jones will serve a total term of 330 months in prison.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Enforcement Division (NYED), and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

In pleading guilty, Jones admitted to his participation in a drug conspiracy from January to May 2023, that included eleven instances of drug distribution between January and May 2023, and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine on May 23, 2023, after the ATF and DEA searched a property on Western Avenue in Albany where they found one of Jones’ coconspirators, Brandon Bartley, with 34 firearms, including an illegal machinegun, as well as more than 400 grams of fentanyl pills, more than 7,000 grams of pills containing methamphetamine, and more than 700 grams of cocaine. That same day, the DEA and ATF also search a property in Halfmoon, New York, where they found another one of Jones’ coconspirators, Anthony Luizzi, along with about 11 kilograms of fentanyl pills and five firearms, including a defaced shotgun.

Another suspect in the investigation, Anthony Zaremski, was fatally shot during the execution of a federal search warrant at his apartment in Clifton Park, New York on May 23, 2023, after Zaremski opened fire and wounded two officers.

Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone stated, “Jabree Jones was a major driver of drug trafficking and gun violence in this region. While on federal supervision, he chose to flood our communities with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine and to use firearms, including machineguns. This sentence removes an extraordinarily dangerous individual from our streets for decades. Let this case send a clear message: those who combine deadly drugs with illegal guns will face relentless prosecution and severe consequences. Thank you to the brave men and women from DEA and ATF who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and rid them of the scourge of violent criminals.”

“Today’s sentencing is a true reflection of the dedicated work the DEA New York Enforcement Division and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals who jeopardize the safety of our communities when trafficking illicit narcotics and firearms” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Mr. Jones’ threat and terror to our communities ends today. The DEA has and remains committed to safeguarding our neighborhoods and strive for a fentanyl-free America.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated, “Mr. Jones’ crimes caused a devastating impact on our community by engaging in firearms trafficking and drug distribution. He helped fuel addiction, death and violence. ATF remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt these dangerous networks, to seizing illegal firearms before they reach the streets, and to protecting the safety of the public. We applaud all of the partners involved in making our community safer.”

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a supervised release term of five years, to begin after he finishes his prison term. Jones was also ordered to pay restitution to the State of California and the State of Georgia for fraudulently obtaining unemployment insurance from those states in 2020 and 2021.

The following defendants were also charged in connection with this investigation:

• Anthony Luizzi pled guilty to drug and gun crimes in connection with his trafficking of large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and his possession of the guns found at the Western Avenue property and Halfmoon property. Luizzi was sentenced to 210 months in prison and a $10,000 fine on October 1, 2024.
• Brandon Bartley also pled guilty to drug and gun crimes in connection with his trafficking of large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and his possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He was sentenced to 180 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• Devon Newsome pled guilty to transferring 29 firearms to Jones that were ultimately found at the Western Avenue property. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison.

The DEA and the ATF investigated the case, with assistance from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), the Rotterdam Police Department, and the Henry County, Georgia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jael Watts, age 44, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, and Luis Pino-Copete, age 41, of Bogota, Colombia, were indicted on December 4, 2025, on a wire fraud conspiracy charge related to their operation of a transportation company called Pearl Transit. Watts was separately charged with ten counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Northeastern Region, and State of New York Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli made the announcement.

According to the superseding indictment, Watts and Pino Copete operated a non-profit company called Pearl Transit Corporation that claimed to provide transportation services to elderly and disabled persons in New York and several other States. Watts applied for grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Section 5310 program, which was awarded and managed by New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT). Between September 2024 and July 2025, Watts submitted vouchers to New York State for reimbursement of operational costs associated with providing transportation to eligible riders and, with Pino-Copete’s help, provided false supporting documentation in support of their requests. Watts and Pino-Copete fraudulently sought payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars, including Section 5310 funds, by falsely representing to New York State that Pearl Transit had transported disabled and elderly residents. However, Pearl Transit never provided any transportation nor employed a single driver. The indictment further alleges that on or about March 20, 2022, Watts used the name of an attorney on an FTA grant application without that attorney's knowledge or consent.

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

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “As alleged, Watts, working with her husband Pino-Copete, perpetrated a massive fraudulent scheme against the Department of Transportation in New York. She submitted requests for reimbursement for services that were made up out of thin air. Those funds were meant to help transport some of our most vulnerable—the elderly and disabled. These charges show that these crimes will only transport you to prison, as Watts and Pino-Copete now face the prospect of many years in prison.”

DOT-OIG Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Gallagher stated: “Today’s indictment illustrates the depth of the alleged fraud committed by Watts and Pino-Copete. The DOT-OIG takes very seriously our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud and attempt to steal from government funds. We’re committed to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to protect taxpayer dollars and uphold the integrity of federally funded programs.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli stated: “Watts and Pino-Copete allegedly conspired to scam the State of New York out of more than $1 million dollars meant to transport deserving New Yorkers for needed care and services. Thanks to the work of my office, this fraud was detected before any payment was made. My office will continue to aggressively root out fraud and partner with law enforcement to hold offenders responsible. I thank Acting United States Attorney Sarcone and the United States DOT Inspector General for their work with my office in protecting public funds.”

Watts was originally arrested on July 21, 2025, on a criminal complaint. On August 19, 2025, following several detention hearings, United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart ordered Watts detained pending a trial before United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi. She was previously indicted on October 16, 2025, on ten counts of wire fraud.

Pino-Copete was arrested on December 9, 2025, in New Jersey, at which time he was ordered detained pending trial. Pino-Copete was arraigned on the superseding indictment on December 29, 2025, in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.

Pino-Copete 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. Watts faces at least 2 years and 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 statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

DOT-OIG, the New York State Comptroller’s office, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.

“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.”

“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”

John A. Sarcone III, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, stated: “Operation Relentless Justice reflects our tireless commitment to keeping our children safe. I am proud of the work of the prosecutors in my Office and the men and women of the FBI, who are truly relentless in their pursuit of justice on behalf of the most vulnerable and precious members of our communities. We will remain steadfast in getting every single child predator off the streets and behind bars.”  

Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office, stated: “Operation Relentless Justice was a huge success thanks to the strong partnerships on our Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force. Working together, we removed eight dangerous predators from our communities. Six were charged federally and two were charged by New York State. And we won’t stop there. The FBI will continue to leverage our law enforcement partners to use every resource at our disposal to identify, investigate, and bring to justice any predator seeking to harm our most vulnerable.”

In the Northern District of New York, those arrested and charged, in separate cases, are:

• Thomas J. Meehan, age 36, of Valatie, New York, who is alleged to have been selling child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting victims less than 13 years old over the internet for at least two years.  Numerous images and videos of CSAM were also found on the defendant’s cell phone. Meehan faces at least 5 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case.
   
• David McMurray, age 42, of Utica, New York, who was previously convicted in federal court for distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and a term of 20 years of post-release supervision. As alleged, on September 2, 2025, while McMurray was still on supervision for his prior conviction, the United States Probation Office conducted a search of McMurray’s residence in Utica, New York and recovered a cell phone McMurray was not authorized to possess. A subsequent search of the phone by FBI revealed that McMurray had used it to search for and access with intent to view CSAM online. McMurray faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Adrian S. LaRochelle are prosecuting the case.
   
• Vincent Lee Evans, age 45, of Rensselaer, New York, who allegedly possessed approximately 2,400 images and 150 videos of CSAM on a cell phone while on supervision in connection with his prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography. Evans faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case.
   
• David Wickham, age 37, of Blossvale, New York, who allegedly used various social media applications to distribute and receive CSAM and was a member of group chats dedicated to exchanging CSAM depicting very young children.  CSAM files were also found on Wickham’s cell phone. Wickham faces at least 5 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.
   
• Mark Porto, age 58, of Albany, New York, who allegedly received CSAM depicting pre-pubescent minors via the Internet between October 2022 and February 2023. Porto faces at least 5 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case.
   
• James Winston III, age 27, of Utica, New York, who allegedly possessed a cell telephone that contained numerous CSAM files. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case.

Those arrested throughout the country are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of CSAM; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing CSAM, as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.

As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM.  The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. 

This effort follows other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including 8 from the Northern District of New York.

The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.

These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and 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, visit justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Indictments and complaints are merely allegations. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Seth Demiceli, age 25, of Watertown, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 132 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Demiceli admitted that on January 16, 2025, he drove from the Rochester, New York area to Watertown with approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine that he intended to sell.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This drug dealer was apprehended by law enforcement with a terrifying amount of methamphetamine in his car.  I commend the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, who caught the defendant, seized his deadly drugs, and ensured he will not endanger our community for a long time to come.”

Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated: “This case underscores the importance of strong partnerships and proactive enforcement in stopping drug traffickers who fuel addiction and violence. Thanks to the efforts of ATF NY Syracuse Field Office, the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit, the Metro Jefferson Drug Task Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of NY. We will continue working side by side with our law enforcement partners to hold traffickers accountable and keep our neighborhoods safe.”

United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Demiceli is released from prison.

ATF investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit and the Metro Jefferson Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.

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A dual Canadian-American citizen made his initial appearance in court in Plattsburg, New York, today after being extradited from Canada to face charges relating to his role in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy that left a family of four, including two small children, dead in the St. Lawrence River.

In June 2024, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of New York returned an indictment against Rahsontanohstha Delormier, also known as Storm, 31, of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR), Canada, for conspiring to engage in alien smuggling and four counts of alien smuggling for profit.

According to court documents, Delormier was arrested in Canada in August 2024 along with co-conspirator Stephanie Square at the request of the U.S. government. Delormier’s and Square’s extraditions followed extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement authorities. Square, 52, of the AMIR, was extradited in October 2025. Co-conspirator Timothy Oakes, 34, from the AMIR, was arrested on June 15 and remains detained pending trial for his role in the alleged deadly conspiracy. U.S.-based co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of the AMIR in New York, and Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, Oct. 8, 2024 and March 6, 2025, respectively.

According to court documents, Delormier was allegedly a member of an alien smuggling conspiracy which resulted in the deaths of eight migrants. As alleged, Delormier, a Native American Indian living on the Canadian portion of the AMIR — which overlaps the United States and Canada — was a known alien smuggler and smuggled aliens by boat utilizing the St. Lawrence River. The evidence establishes that during the week of March 27, 2023, a prolific Canadian smuggler contacted co-conspirators Sharrow and Square to smuggle a family of four across the St. Lawrence River into the United States. Both Square and Sharrow had previously moved aliens for the alien smuggling organization. Delormier was allegedly recruited by Square to assist in the movement of the aliens and agreed to enter the conspiracy despite the dangerous conditions on the St. Lawrence River.

According to court documents, Delormier provided co-conspirator Montour access to a pickup truck to transport the aliens via roadways from mainland Cornwall to co-conspirator Oakes’ residence on Cornwall Island, Canada, which serves as a notorious staging area for smugglers to cross contraband and people across the river from Canada into the United States.

Pursuant to surveillance footage and hotel records, Montour picked up the family of four, including two small children, from the Elect Inn in Cornwall, Canada on March 29, 2023, at approximately 3:21 a.m.

On March 29, 2023, at 3:26 a.m., Montour crossed the Seaway International Bridge Toll Plaza onto Cornwall Island and then traveled on Island Road towards Buckshot Road and Timothy Oakes’s residence.

According to court documents, while the aliens were in transit in Delormier’s pickup truck driven by Montour, Delormier was delivering a small green boat that Square had purchased to transport the aliens across the St. Lawrence River. Delormier assisted Square in picking up the boat and attempted to stage the boat for the aliens’ transportation. However, during Delormier’s attempt to stage the  boat, Delormier lost control of the vessel and ended up stranded in the frigid St. Lawrence River. On March 30, 2023, at approximately mid-day, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) rescued Delormier from an abandoned cabin on St. Regis Island. Delormier was suffering from symptoms of hyperthermia. AMPS also recovered a submerged green boat with Delormier, which AMPS photographed and seized. The boat was identified by a cooperating witness as being the same boat sold to Square and Delormier earlier for the alien smuggling event.

As alleged, undeterred by the loss of Delormier and the boat to the St. Lawrence River, Square recruited and paid Oakes to transport the aliens across the St. Lawrence River in his small boat. The family of four arrived at the Oakes’s residence on March 29, 2023, at approximately 3:35 a.m. and stayed until that same evening. On March 29, 2023, Square, Montour and Oakes negotiated the family’s perilous crossing.

According to court documents, on March 29, 2023, at approximately 9:29 p.m., Oakes’ vehicle with a light blue boat in tow is recorded traveling eastbound away from the Oakes’ residence towards a public boat launch. The vehicle depicted was registered to Oakes. 

According to court documents, on March 29, 2023, between 10:09 p.m. and 10:50 p.m., AMPS received multiple calls from citizens on Cornwall Island reporting hearing cries for help on the St. Lawrence River. The callers also reported the terrible weather conditions. During this time, Square instructed Montour to search the banks of the St. Lawrence River for the missing family.

On March 30, 2023, AMPS received a report that Casey Oakes, Timothy Oakes’ brother, was missing since the evening of March 29, 2023. Between March 30 and 31, 2023, AMPS conducted a riverine search for Casey Oakes. During the search, AMPS recovered the bodies of eight deceased foreign nationals, including two small children, from the frigid St. Lawrence River near Cattle Island and Chatelain Island. AMPS also recovered a light blue boat. On July 3, 2023, the decomposed body of Casey Oakes was recovered near Ross Island, approximately eight miles from the eight deceased migrants.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York and Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office made today’s announcement.

HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with foreign legal assistance requests and securing the arrest and extradition of Delormier.

The investigation and indictment were coordinated and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U,S, Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/ HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 425 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 375 U.S. convictions; more than 325 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jonte McCall, age 39, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possession of child pornography.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, McCall admitted that on December 23, 2021, he was convicted of the New York State offense of Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child Less Than 16 Years Old and was placed on probation.  He further admitted that in February 2024, while still on probation, he possessed a cell phone that contained 14 videos of child pornography.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “The defendant, already a registered sex offender and while on state probation, chose to once again seek out and gratify his sexual desires with child pornography. This behavior is disgusting and intolerable. Sex offenders in the Northern District of New York who reoffend will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This is another prime example of how the senseless bail laws and soft-on-crime New York State legislature does not protect our children. Albany legislatures, this should be a wake-up call.”

“Crimes against children represent the deepest form of depravity and inflict lasting harm on the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Buffalo. “HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to investigating these horrific offenses and bringing perpetrators to justice. Protecting children will always be our highest priority.”

Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2026, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Because of his prior conviction, McCall faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between 5 years and up to life.  McCall will also have to pay restitution to victims, forfeit the cell phone used to commit the offense, and again be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes a defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The case is being investigated by HSI with assistance from the New York State Police Troop D Computer Crimes Unit and the Onondaga County Probation Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Fegley Jr., 31, of Tampa, Florida pled guilty yesterday to travel with intent to engage in unlawful sexual conduct and transportation of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Fegley admitted that he traveled from Florida to the Northern District of New York intending to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a purported 13-year-old child. He also admitted that he brought with him about 1,000 images and videos depicting child pornography that he had obtained on the internet.

At sentencing on April 27, 2026, Fegley faces a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years on the child pornography charge and a maximum of 30 years on the travel charge, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, restitution to victims, court-ordered destruction of property used to commit the offenses, special assessments, fines, and registration as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “The defendant’s admitted conduct is deeply disturbing. He not only traveled across multiple states to meet a purported child for unlawful sexual conduct, but he brought with him vile depictions of the sexual abuse of children. Let the defendant’s case be a warning to all predators: If you come into the Northern District of New York with the goal of harming a child, you will be prosecuted.”

“This individual’s calculated decision to cross multiple state lines in pursuit of exploiting someone who he believed was a child demonstrates a disturbing level of predatory intent,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Buffalo. “HSI will stop at nothing to track down and bring to justice those who target children, regardless of where their crimes take them. HSI Albany, together with our partners, is unwavering in their resolve to shield children from harm and see that those who prey on them are held to account.”

This case was investigated by HSI in coordination with the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Cyril Swan, age 30, was sentenced last week to 120 months in prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of ATF Bryan DiGirolamo made the announcement.

As part of his prior plea, Swan admitted that he began selling methamphetamine and fentanyl to another individual during the summer of 2024, and that he sold approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine and 8 grams of fentanyl during the offense.

Senior United States District Court Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a five-year term of supervised release, to begin after Swan completes his sentence.

Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone stated: “Peddling dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine in this District will not be tolerated. I commend ATF for getting this dealer off the streets for 10 years and sending a message to other would-be drug dealers.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo stated: “This sentence reflects the strong, coordinated work of ATF NY and our partners in Syracuse. By identifying and removing individuals who drive drug trafficking and the harm it fuels, we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard our neighborhoods and reduce violent crime. Special thank you to ATF NY Syracuse Field Office, Syracuse PD Criminal Intelligence Division, the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit & the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Northern District of NY.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Intelligence Division and the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kurt Dobler, 31, of Syracuse, New York pled guilty last week to possession of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Dobler admitted that he was convicted in February 2023 in Fulton County Court of possessing a sexual performance by a child and was sentenced to 10 years’ probation. While on probation for that crime, in May 2025 he knowingly possessed thousands of child pornography files on his cellphone, including files depicting the sexual abuse of infants.

At sentencing on March 31, 2026, Dobler faces a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, restitution to victims, forfeiture of the device used to commit the offense, special assessments, fines, and registration as a sex offender upon release from prison.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “The defendant was completely undeterred from this heinous conduct despite a prior State conviction for doing the same thing, presumably because he received a slap-on-the-wrist probationary sentence. Now he will be spending at least a decade in jail. That’s the power of federal law enforcement, and my Office won’t hesitate to use it on repeat sex offenders like this defendant.”

“Kurt Dobler's guilty plea is a stark reminder of the depravity that HSI works tirelessly to confront in defense of our children,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Buffalo. “The defendant's admitted actions are nothing short of monstrous and have no place in a civilized society. I commend the unyielding determination of HSI Syracuse personnel and our law enforcement partners in ensuring this predator is held accountable and justice is delivered for the innocent victims.”

This case was investigated by HSI in coordination with the New York State Police and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. United States Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection assisted in the search.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

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Stacey Taylor, 42, of Plattsburgh, New York, appeared for an arraignment Monday after a federal grand jury in Albany returned an indictment on Oct. 2 charging her for her role in an international alien smuggling conspiracy that brought aliens primarily from India into the United States across the northern border.

According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol agents interdicted the defendant’s vehicle near Churubusco, New York, in the early morning hours of Jan. 20. Upon encountering the defendant, U.S. Border Patrol located four foreign nationals inside her vehicle. Agents then determined the four men, three Indian nationals and one Canadian national, had just crossed the U.S.-Canadian border illegally, without inspection, in the freezing cold. When law enforcement later examined the defendant’s cellphone, they observed text messages that indicated that the defendant had been involved in multiple other smuggling ventures in the days prior. Since her January 2025 arrest, the defendant was subsequently stopped in a suspected alien smuggling venture in August 2025, and was implicated in alien smuggling as recently as September 2025.

According to the indictment, Taylor is charged with conspiring with others to engage in alien smuggling, and four counts of alien smuggling for profit, with three counts being second or subsequent offenses. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison per count of alien smuggling for profit, and additional time for second and subsequent offenses.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York made the announcement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Rouse’s Point and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol Champlain Station are investigating the case. HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington D.C. and CBP’s International Interdiction Task Force provided significant assistance.

The investigation is a result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations and eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating within the Americas that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, the Northern District of New York, the District of Vermont, and the Southern District of Florida. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 425 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 375 U.S. convictions; more than 325 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Stacey Taylor, 42, of Plattsburgh, New York, appeared for an arraignment Monday after a federal grand jury in Albany returned an indictment on Oct. 2 charging her for her role in an international alien smuggling conspiracy that brought aliens primarily from India into the United States across the northern border. 

According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol agents interdicted the defendant’s vehicle near Churubusco, New York, in the early morning hours of Jan. 20. Upon encountering the defendant, U.S. Border Patrol located four foreign nationals inside her vehicle. Agents then determined the four men, three Indian nationals and one Canadian national, had just crossed the U.S.-Canadian border illegally, without inspection, in the freezing cold. When law enforcement later examined the defendant’s cellphone, they observed text messages that indicated that the defendant had been involved in multiple other smuggling ventures in the days prior. Since her January 2025 arrest, the defendant was subsequently stopped in a suspected alien smuggling venture in August 2025, and was implicated in alien smuggling as recently as September 2025.

According to the indictment, Taylor is charged with conspiring with others to engage in alien smuggling, and four counts of alien smuggling for profit, with three counts being second or subsequent offenses. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison per count of alien smuggling for profit, and additional time for second and subsequent offenses.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York made the announcement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Rouse’s Point and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol Champlain Station are investigating the case. HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington D.C. and CBP’s International Interdiction Task Force provided significant assistance.

The investigation is a result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations and eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating within the Americas that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, the Northern District of New York, the District of Vermont, and the Southern District of Florida. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 425 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 375 U.S. convictions; more than 325 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Austin, age 47, of Frankfort, New York, was sentenced today to 88 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing two firearms as a felon. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Austin admitted that between April 2024 and August 2024, he sold approximately 13 ounces of cocaine to one customer over the course of 7 transactions, and on August 15, 2024, he possessed an additional 78 grams of cocaine at his residence, which he intended to distribute to others. Austin further admitted that on July 26, 2024, he illicitly sold two handguns to that same customer despite having been convicted in federal court of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base in 2010. He was sentenced to 67 months’ imprisonment for that offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Michael Austin didn’t learn his lesson after already spending years in federal prison. He continued to endanger the residents of Herkimer County by illegally peddling drugs and firearms. Today’s sentence sends the message to him and other would-be traffickers of drugs and firearms that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue dangerous criminals to keep our communities safe.”

Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo said: “Illegal firearms in the hands of convicted felons, combined with drug trafficking, create a cycle of danger that threatens every layer of our community. ATF and our law enforcement partners remain committed to stopping that cycle of violence. This sentencing reflects the power of collaboration—ATF NY Syracuse Field Office, DEA, New York State Police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office NDNY and the New Hartford Police Department working together to safeguard our communities.”

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 6-year term of post-release supervision.

ATF investigated the case, with assistance from DEA, NYSP Special Investigations Unit-Marcy, and the New Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Oluwaseun Adekoya, a/k/a “Ace G.,” a/k/a “BRODA,” a/k/a “Legendary,” a/k/a “SANTA,” a/k/a “SANTANA,” a/k/a “Sammy LaBanco,” a/k/a “Sean Maison,” a/k/a ”Kiing_maison,” age 40, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison. Earlier this year, a jury found Adekoya guilty of bank fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft after a three-week trial.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Proof at trial established that from the comfort of his luxury apartment in New Jersey, Adekoya, a career fraudster, obtained publicly available information regarding people’s home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) at localized credit unions throughout the United States, shifting his focus over time to different parts of the country to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.  He then utilized encrypted messaging platforms, like Telegram, to obtain Social Security numbers, account numbers, mother’s maiden names, and other personal identifying information (“PII”) for individuals he had identified as having substantial amounts of equity available in their HELOCs.  Adekoya then gave this information to a vast web of managers he recruited from all over the country, along with fake driver’s licenses for lower-level workers to use to impersonate the HELOC customers and conduct withdrawal transactions on their accounts.  To insulate himself from detection, Adekoya utilized a web of “burner” phones and encrypted messaging applications and laundered his substantial share of the proceeds through bank accounts in other people’s names.  Adekoya also reinvested some of the proceeds into continuing the fraud scheme by purchasing air and bus travel for coconspirators, fake driver’s licenses, and rental cars used to drive workers to credit unions.

Adekoya, a citizen of Nigeria, previously obtained lawful permanent resident status in the United States in 2004.  In sentencing Adekoya, U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino noted that Adekoya is a “a perpetual thief” and a “flagrant serial offender” who has orchestrated increasingly sophisticated felony identity-theft and fraud offenses since he started his criminal career in 2008 at the age of 22. 

“For nearly two decades, Oluwaseun Adekoya abused the privilege of lawful permanent resident status to steal the identities of innocent Americans so he could live lavishly in our country, without an ounce of remorse,” Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone said.  “Now he gets to spend two decades in prison, and he deserves every last day of his sentence.  I look forward to his subsequent removal from the United States.”  

Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Adekoya spent almost two decades of his life creating a massive criminal network that stole from hard-working Americans. This sentence ensures he’ll spend the next two decades of his life in federal prison. The FBI is grateful to the numerous law enforcement and banking institution partners who provided the assistance needed to take down Mr. Adekoya and his associates and ensure justice for the victims. We remain deeply committed to using every resource available to investigate and bring to justice any individual or organization focused on defrauding our citizens.”

The investigation into Adekoya began in May 2022, when Broadview Federal Credit Union (formerly CAP COM Federal Credit Union and State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU)), headquartered in Albany, identified a series of impersonation transactions at its branches in the Capital Region and referred the case to the FBI-Albany.  The ensuing investigation led to the discovery of Adekoya as the mastermind of the nationwide operations and the prosecution of 13 additional coconspirators through a series of superseding indictments, all of whom pled guilty for their roles in the offenses prior to trial. 

The defendant’s conspiracies were brought to a screeching halt by his federal arrest on an initial indictment on December 12, 2023.  He has since been detained and the government twice superseded the indictment to add additional coconspirators and charges.  Evidence at trial showed that when the FBI attempted to enter the defendant’s luxury apartment on December 12, 2023, to execute a federal search warrant, Adekoya wiped the primary phone he had used to orchestrate the conspiracy.  Nonetheless, the FBI seized numerous “burner” phones used by Adekoya to perpetrate the charged crimes. The FBI also seized Rolex watches, a $51,000 Tiffany engagement ring, designer handbags and shoes, and approximately $26,000 in a bank account used by Adekoya to launder his proceeds.  Those items and others have since been forfeited by the government.

As part of Adekoya’s sentence, he will also be required to serve five years of supervised release and pay restitution of over $2.2 million and a mandatory special assessment of $1,100.  He is also subject to removal from the United States upon completion of his term of imprisonment. 

The following codefendants previously pled guilty in connection with the conspiracies and were sentenced as follows: 

• David Daniyan, a/k/a “Bamikole Laniyan,” a/k/a “David Enfield,” a/k/a “Africa,” age 61, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Daniyan was sentenced to 54 months’ incarceration, 1 year of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $2.2 million in restitution.
• Kani Bassie, a/k/a “$,” age 36, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Bassie was sentenced to 11 years’ incarceration and 5 years of supervised release and will be ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court at a later date.
• Davon Hunter, a/k/a “Scams,” age 27, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Hunter was sentenced to 42 months’ incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $469,499.18 in restitution.
• Christian Quivers, a/k/a “Denzel Carter,” a/k/a “E,” age 20, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Quivers was sentenced to 42 months’ incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $385,650 in restitution.
• Jermon Brooks, a/k/a “JayB,” a/k/a “beezy,” age 20, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Brooks was sentenced to 36 months’ incarceration, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $385,650 in restitution.
• Akeem Balogun, age 56, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Brooks was sentenced to 21 months’ incarceration, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $262,200 in restitution.
• Victor Barriera, age 64, of Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Barriera was sentenced to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $203,352 in restitution.
• Danielle Cappetti, age 46, of Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Cappetti was sentenced to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $142,796 in restitution.
• Jerjuan Joyner, age 50, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Joyner was sentenced to 12 months’ incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $135,998 in restitution.
• Gaysha Kennedy, age 46, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Kennedy was sentenced to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $24,500.
• Crystal Kurschner, age 44, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Kurschner was sentenced to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $220,850 in restitution.
• Sherry Ozmore, age 56, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Ozmore was sentenced to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $229,303.18.

Codefendant Lesley Lucchese, age 53, of Manhattan, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and is scheduled for sentencing next year.

FBI-Albany investigated the case and obtained invaluable assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies all over the country.  Those include the FBI Field Offices in New York, Newark, Richmond, Chicago and Resident Agencies in Westchester, New York; Brooklyn/Queens, New York; Garrett Mountain, New Jersey; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Fort Walton Beach, Florida; and York, Pennsylvania.  Additional assistance was provided by other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement & Removal Operations (New York Field Office & Albany sub-office); U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (Buffalo Field Office & St. Albans Resident Office); U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; New York law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police; Cohoes PD; Colonie PD; Elmira PD; Corning PD; Plattsburgh PD; Albany County Sheriff’s Office; and Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office; Florida law enforcement agencies including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police and Franklin County District Attorney’s Office; Alabama law enforcement agencies including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Gasden PD, and Rainbow City PD; Georgia law enforcement agencies including the Georgia State Patrol, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow PD; Kansas law enforcement agencies including Lawrence PD and Overland Park PD; New Hampshire law enforcement agencies including Rochester PD, Manchester PD, and Amherst PD; the Delaware State Police; Maryland law enforcement agencies including the Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office; the Virginia State Police; Wisconsin law enforcement agencies including Onalaska PD and Eau Claire PD; and Indiana law enforcement agencies including the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark, Mathew M. Paulbeck, and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting this case.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kye Carbone, 68, of Athens, New York, was arrested on October 17, 2025, on an indictment charging him with 30 counts of wire fraud and theft from a labor union.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement.

Between 2003 and 2023, Carbone served as the president of United Federation of College Teachers Local 1460, the union representing faculty members at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.  As alleged in the indictment, Carbone stole over $290,000 from the Local between 2011 and 2023, when he was voted out of office.  Carbone used the money for his personal expenses, restaurants and travel, and buying and renovating a property in Athens.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “As alleged, Carbone embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the union he claimed to serve and used the money to fund his lifestyle and buy a home in the Hudson Valley. Upstate New York is a wonderful place to live.  But if you steal money from a union, your next home will be a federal prison.”

Special Agent-in-Charge Mellone said: “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving labor unions.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of fraudulent activity and protect the American worker.”

Carbone is charged with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and 27 counts of embezzlement from a labor union, in violation of 29 U.S.C. § 501(c).  The wire fraud charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine per count, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  The embezzlement charges carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 per count, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Carbone was arraigned on October 17 in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and pled not guilty.  He was released pending trial.  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting the case.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – In September, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and key federal law enforcement partners met with Sheriff Kyle Bourgault of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office; District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly of the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office; and Chief Daniel De Wolf of the City of Troy Police Department.

Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone stated: “Our law enforcement partners in Rensselaer County work tirelessly to keep our citizens safe, and their collaboration with my office and federal investigators has led to countless significant arrests and prosecutions. Together, we are making a difference every day, and I look forward to continuing our important work.”

Sherriff Bourgault stated: “Yesterday’s meeting with Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone reinforced the strength of our partnership. His commitment, combined with the hard work of our deputies and federal investigators, ensures that we are united in one mission—keeping our community safe. I am proud to continue this collaboration to protect the people of Rensselaer County.”

District Attorney Donnelly stated: “Rensselaer County looks forward to a continued partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other federal law enforcement agencies, as we strive to do all that we can to prioritize public safety.”

Chief De Wolf stated: “Police work and keeping our communities safe have become increasingly difficult in recent years. Thankfully, we have great relationships with our federal law enforcement partners, including our U.S. Attorney’s Office. With the help of our federal partners, we have been able to enhance our crime fighting capabilities and arrest those committing crimes in our neighborhoods. The federal, state and local law enforcement agencies of Rensselaer County will always keep the safety of our citizens at the forefront, and our work together only strengthens our resolve.”

Pictured above (from left to right):

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeremiah Healey, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli, City of Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, Deputy U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Cyrus Rieck, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shane Nastoff.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – This fall, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III of the Northern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton of the Southern District of New York, and other top federal law enforcement officials met with Rabbi Joel Friedman in Manhattan to discuss the safety and security of the Jewish community. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “As Jewish people across the Northern District of New York observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, they can be sure that law enforcement is taking every action to protect their safety, security and well-being. Everyone has the right to practice their religion in peace. Any violent or threatening conduct, motivated by anti-Semitism, will be investigated, prosecuted, and punished.”

Rabbi Friedman stated: “At a time of increasing antisemitism and horrific attacks on Jews around New York, we are eternally grateful to our law enforcement partners who stand with us against hate crimes and other forms of discriminatory actions. Our federal law enforcement officers work hard every day to ensure the rights of all Americans and we are moved by their desire to protect Jews and minorities from hateful harm. We look forward to continued partnership and we wish everyone a peaceful and successful new year, filled with blessings for all people.” 

From left to right:

Sean Buckley, Deputy U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New York (SDNY)

FBI NY Assistant Special Agent in Charge Spencer Horn

Patrick Lin, SDNY U.S. Marshals Service, Acting Commander for the New York/ New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NYNJ/RFTF)

EDNY U.S. Marshal Vincent F. DeMarco

Yuri Babayev, Deputy U.S. Marshal for SDNY

NDNY Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone

Rabbi Joel Friedman

Jhovanny Gomez, Acting U.S. Marshal, SDNY

SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton

Homeland Security Investigations NY Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Trevor Metterhauser, 41, of Pennsylvania, pled guilty on November 13, 2025, to attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography. The aggravated sexual abuse and sexual exploitation charges involve two toddlers (one located in upstate New York and the other in Texas).

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Metterhauser admitted that he was convicted of possessing child pornography in Pennsylvania in 2011. In November 2022, Metterhauser conspired with Brandon Whitford to sexually exploit an approximately 4-year-old girl in the Northern District of New York. Metterhauser traveled from his home in Pennsylvania to Whitford’s home in New York, where Metterhauser made recordings that depicted the child naked. Whitford sexually assaulted the child shortly after Metterhauser left, recorded that content, and sent it to Metterhauser.

In December 2022, the defendant agreed with Carlos Julian Ruiz to sexually assault an approximately 2-year-old child and to record that abuse. Metterhauser traveled from Pennsylvania to Texas to commit the assault and record his sexual abuse of the 2-year-old child.

When Metterhauser was arrested in the Northern District of New York in early 2023, he had with him multiple electronic devices that contained the recordings of his sexual assault of the Texas victim; child pornography he received from Whitford depicting the New York victim; and child pornography he obtained from the internet.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “The defendant’s admitted conduct is horrendous beyond description. This plea provides much needed finality and certainty for the victims and ensures that this dangerous predator never terrorizes another child. My office and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue pedophiles who target our innocent children for their own twisted sexual gratification.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Trevor Metterhauser is one of the most disturbing predators FBI Albany has investigated. His sinister crimes spanned multiple states, and the details of his abuse are truly horrific. His admission now ensures he will spend the rest of his life locked up in federal prison. Today, our thoughts are with the children he harmed through his appalling actions. The FBI remains fiercely dedicated to aggressively investigating dangerous predators like Mr. Metterhauser who victimize our most vulnerable.”

If the district court accepts the parties’ plea agreement, at sentencing on March 12, 2026, the defendant will receive a term of imprisonment of 80 years, a lifetime term of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, forfeiture of devices used to commit the offenses, must pay restitution to the victims, and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Whitford and Ruiz have each pled guilty to offenses related to their roles in the abuse of the victims.

FBI-Albany and FBI-San Antonio investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Benjamin A. Gillis are prosecuting it with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced today that Anja Salamack, age 50, of Delray Beach, Florida, was sentenced in late October to 18 months in prison and a one-year period of home detention for submitting false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs and for issuing prescriptions for a controlled substance for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of profession practice. The charges were part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.

Salamack, formerly an Albany resident, was a psychiatric nurse practitioner who resided in Florida but claimed to be practicing in Albany. Salamack pled guilty to health care fraud for submitting false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs in New York State for health care services that she never provided, e.g. psychotherapy services, and evaluation and management services. Salamack caused $163,639.58 in losses. Salamack also pled guilty to unlawful drug distribution (also known as drug diversion), for issuing prescriptions for the controlled substance amphetamine (e.g. Adderall) for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of professional practice. For instance, from November 2018 to May 2023, Salamack regularly prescribed amphetamine in the name of a person who had not been her patient since 2016. Salamack issued these prescriptions (108 in total) at the request of a relative of the former patient.

As part of her sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ann M. Nardacci ordered that Salamack pay full restitution to the victims of her fraud along with a $10,000 fine and serve a two-year term of supervised release, to begin after her term of imprisonment. And in connection with her guilty plea, Salamack also surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).

In a separate civil settlement agreement, Salamack admitted that she submitted claims to Medicare for psychotherapy services that were not rendered. She also admitted that she used $48,670 in Provider Relief Funds (PRF) for impermissible purposes. The PRF was money that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act had allocated to healthcare providers to pay for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Salamack agreed to pay $188,850 to resolve her False Claims Act liability.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This medical professional abused the privilege of providing care to others, and now she will pay the price for it. Thanks to a thorough investigation by the DEA and HHS, Anja Salamack is out of business, will have to compensate her victims—including the federal government through her significant civil settlement—and spend over a year in a federal prison.”

“Anja Salamack’s actions were no different from those of any drug trafficker, when she knowingly chose to put profits above the health and well-being of those lives she took an oath to help” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “While Salamack’s sentencing of 18 months sends a message; the harmful effects from her actions of unlawfully prescribing the controlled substance amphetamine for non-medical purposes could last much longer. Health care professionals must and will be held accountable when wrongfully and illegally prescribing controlled substances.”

“The defendant in this case, a nurse practitioner, put patients’ well-being in jeopardy and exploited health care programs meant to benefit her community,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect essential programs and hold accountable those whose actions could result in potential patient harm.”

The June 2025 charges were a part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15.6 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. In connection with the takedown, the Government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets.

The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS) investigated this case. TDS is comprised of DEA Special Agents and Diversion Investigators, as well as Investigators from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colonie Police Department assisted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran represented the United States in the civil matter.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Sean Christianson, 45, of Manhattan, New York, was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Christianson admitted that on February 25, 2025, he traveled from the New York City area to Liverpool, New York, with twenty-two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in his vehicle. Christianson intended to sell the cocaine in the Syracuse area.  Law enforcement apprehended Christianson as he arrived in Liverpool. At the sentencing hearing, the evidence also established that Christianson maintained a New York City apartment for the purpose of drug distribution and illegally possessed firearms in connection with his drug activity.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the DEA and our other law enforcement partners, another drug dealer and a huge quantity of narcotics have been put away for a long time.  Drug dealers will not get away with selling narcotics in the Northern District of New York.”

“Today’s sentencing of Sean Christianson sends a clear message to those individuals who are looking to flood our upstate communities with illicit narcotics and violence” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners understand the harmful effects dangerous drugs have on our communities and we will continue do everything we can to make sure justice is delivered.”

United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Christianson is released from prison.

DEA investigated the case with assistance from the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, Syracuse Police Department, and City of New York Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.

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UTICA, NEW YORK – Floyd Wood, age 57, of DeRuyter, New York, was sentenced on October 8, 2025 to a total of 24 months in prison: 18 months for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a consecutive 6 months violating his conditions of federal supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia made the announcement.

In 2017 Wood was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and 15 years of supervised release following his conviction for Coercion and Enticement of a 12-year-old child. He began his term of supervised release in November of 2023 upon his release from prison.  Months later, Wood activated a second email account which he willfully failed to register with the Sex Offender Registry, as required by law. For months thereafter, Wood lied to his supervising Probation Officer about his email accounts, and the new account was only discovered when, during a home visit, Wood was found trying to hide an unauthorized smart phone from Probation Officers.   

Following the terms of imprisonment, Wood will resume a term of supervised release for 10 years, during which he will again be obligated to follow his sex offender registration obligations.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone, III said: “Sex offender registration laws are designed for the protection of the public. They are simple to understand and follow.  Any willful failure to strictly comply will be investigated and aggressively prosecuted by my office to ensure public safety.”

Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia stated: “The arrest of Floyd Wood highlights our continued commitment to locating and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to our communities. The U.S. Marshals Sex Offender Branch works closely with our federal, state, and local partners to track offenders and enforce sex offender registration requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. These efforts are central to the mission of the U.S. Marshals Service. We remain fully dedicated to deploying the necessary resources to locate and apprehend non-compliant sex offenders nationwide, ensuring that those who violate federal law are brought to justice.”

The United States Marshal Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher prosecuted both this case and Wood’s 2017 conviction, as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aly Kaba, age 30, of New Rochelle, New York, was convicted on October 21, 2025 following a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities.  Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), made the announcement.

The trial evidence showed that in late 2020, Kaba conspired with his former roommate, Tony Brobbey, and fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor worth more than $150,000.  To make the fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, Kaba used multiple stolen identities, including a victim named J.F., a victim named J.M., as well as two men who died more than a decade before the pandemic. Kaba’s fraudulent claims sought more than $500,000 in benefits.  The evidence also showed that Kaba used fraud proceeds on overseas travel and a Rolex watch.    

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Kaba used stolen identities to fleece benefits programs intended to benefit workers during a desperate time.  Thanks to the hard work of prosecutors in my office and each law enforcement agency involved in this task force, Kaba’s days of exotic travel on the taxpayers’ dime are over and his next trip will be to federal prison.” 

USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Nicholas Bucciarelli stated: “Mr. Kaba’s conviction should serve notice to anyone hoping to misuse the mail for fraudulent purposes.  Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate mail fraud, protect public funds, and bring perpetrators to justice.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said:  "This conviction reinforces HSI Albany's commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to protecting communities from fraud and ensuring that relief programs serve those who truly need them. We are proud to have successfully brought justice in a case that safeguards the public by preventing the exploitation of critical government resources."

USDOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan R. Mellone stated: “Aly Kaba unlawfully profited from a scheme that used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain critical taxpayer funds intended for qualified individuals in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains a top priority for the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensure the protection of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.”

Kaba’s sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2026.  The conspiracy and mail fraud charges each carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Brobbey previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. His sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

This case was investigated by USPIS, HSI, and USDOL-OIG, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Williams, age 39, of Bloomingburg, New York, and Rohail Khan, age 28, of Utica, New York, have been sentenced to 21 months and 24 months in federal prison, respectively, for depriving an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility of his rights under color of law. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

When Williams and Khan pled guilty, they admitted to assaulting an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in April 2023, along with fellow correction officer Brandon Montanari, age 34, of East Concord, New York. Montanari, Williams, and Khan punched and kicked the inmate without cause in a hallway in the middle of the night, and they later agreed with each other to lie about what happened to internal investigators. After the beating, the inmate was forced to reveal the nature of his underlying criminal conviction to his fellow inmates, and within 24 hours the inmate was hospitalized after an attack by another inmate.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “It is despicable, cowardly, and dangerous for a group of corrections officers to assault a defenseless inmate without cause and then lie about it. My office will continue to prosecute those who abuse their badges in this way.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Williams and Mr. Khan violated the oath they swore to uphold as officers of the law. As they head to federal prison for their actions, the FBI remains committed to working with our partners to investigate and hold accountable any officer who abuses their position to deliberately cause harm to others.”

Montanari was previously sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment for his role in the assault.

FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Emilio Chirico, 57, of Cicero, New York, was sentenced on October 29 in federal court in Utica to 6 months of imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud and misappropriation of postal funds.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Chirico admitted that between January 2021 and March 2023, he stole $81,553.94 in stamps from the DeWitt Post Office and falsified postal records to conceal the theft of the stamps.  Chirico had been the station manager at the DeWitt Post Office since March 2012.

Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Chirico to serve a 2-year term of supervised release to begin after Chirico is released from prison, to pay a total of $81,553.94 in restitution, a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $81,553.94, and a $5,500 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Public servants are entrusted with the responsibility to serve their communities with honesty and integrity. Mr. Chirico chose instead to abuse that trust for his own personal gain. Today’s sentence makes clear that no one who steals from the public—no matter their position—will escape accountability. My office will continue to work tirelessly with our law-enforcement partners to protect taxpayer funds and uphold the integrity of our federal institutions.”

USPS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Modafferi said, “The Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General will continue to maintain the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service and its personnel. Our office will continue to vigorously investigate Postal Service employees who violate the public’s trust.  This case serves as an excellent example of the successful collaboration between the USPS OIG and the U.S Attorney’s Office Northen District of New York to pursue and prosecute Postal Service employees involved in criminal activity.  The USPS OIG is thankful for the great longstanding relationships we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat fraud.”

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamara B. Thomson, Michael F. Perry, and Melissa O. Rothbart.

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BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Corey Jordon Green, age 33, of Vestal, New York, was sentenced on October 3, 2025 to 19 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy spanning the United States. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York, made the announcement.

As part of his previously-entered guilty plea to a seven-count superseding information, Jordon Green admitted that from at least January 2022 through November 2023 he possessed with intent to distribute, distributed, and conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and heroin in and around Broome County.  Jordon Green and his co-conspirators obtained these drugs from sources of supply in California and elsewhere. The Court also found Jordon Green responsible for distribution of methamphetamine. As part of his plea, Jordon Green also admitted to possessing five firearms—three handguns and two AK-47 style weapons—to further his drug-trafficking activities, all while being prohibited from possessing firearms due to having been previously convicted of multiple felonies.  Green also admitted to conspiring with others to launder his drug-trafficking proceeds.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes imposed a 19 year prison term, concurrent 3 and 5-year terms of post-release supervision, and a money judgment of over $185,000 of unrecovered proceeds from his drug trafficking.

Co-conspirator Michael Jacobs, age 35, of Endicott, New York, was previously sentenced by Chief Judge Sannes in December 2024 to a 130-month (10 years and 10 months) term of imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.  Chief Judge Sannes also imposed on Jacobs a 5-year term of post-release supervision.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine are a scourge on our communities.  Coupled with unlawful firearms possession, the danger is multiplied exponentially.  This substantial sentence holds the defendant responsible for the serious harm he caused to the Broome County community, protects the public from his dangerous actions for many years and should serve as a strong deterrent for others engaging in the same conduct. Let this significant prison sentence be a warning to others that if you engage in this unlawful conduct, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan stated: “Today's sentencing reflects the gravity of the defendant's crimes and underscores the critical importance of dismantling these dangerous networks, which continue to place the often-unsuspecting public at risk. Drug trafficking, particularly involving fentanyl, devastates our communities, claims countless lives, and fuels addiction. As demonstrated today, HSI Syracuse, together with our law enforcement partners, is unwaveringly committed to protecting New Yorkers and holding accountable those who profit from poisoning our neighborhoods.”

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis stated: “Jordon-Green operated a multi-layered criminal enterprise that included weapons possession, narcotics trafficking and movement of those illicit funds through various banks and money apps.  IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to working in lock-step with our law enforcement partners to make sure dangerous criminals like Jordon-Green are put behind bars for their greed and continued threat to their own community.”

New York State Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “The New York State Police will continue to work with our federal partners to hold those who traffic in fentanyl, heroin, and other dangerous drugs accountable. This investigation shows how coordinated enforcement can remove violent offenders, illegal weapons, and narcotics from our communities. I want to thank HSI, IRS-CI, the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and our VGNET members for their dedication to protecting the people of Broome County and the surrounding region.”

This case was investigated by HSI, IRS-CI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New York State Police VGNET.  Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen Grabowski and Ben Gillis prosecuted this case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Since October, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III has sworn in seven Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs).

SAUSAs are able to prosecute cases in federal court under the supervision of the U.S. Attorney’s Office while remaining employed as ADAs. The ADAs recently sworn in as SAUSAs include: First ADA Michael T. Johnson (Herkimer County); Chief ADA J. Sam Rodgers (Madison County); ADAs Manpreet Kaur and Kathleen Hofmann (Montgomery County); and Chief ADA Christopher Bednarski and Senior ADAs Sara Fitzpatrick and Alphonse L. Williams III (Onondaga County).

Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “One of my top goals as the Acting U.S. Attorney is to strengthen the partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement organizations. When we work seamlessly together, more criminals are taken off the street, more weapons are taken out of their hands, and our communities are safer. I am proud to welcome more ADAs as SAUSAs, and I thank District Attorneys Jeffrey S. Carpenter, Christina Pearson, William Fitzpatrick, and Robert A. Mascari for their partnership in this important endeavor.”

Herkimer County DA Jeffrey S. Carpenter stated: “Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney, Michael Johnson, was recently sworn in by Acting US Attorney John Sarcone as a Special Assistant US Attorney.  This honor, the first in Herkimer County’s history, exemplifies the commitment by AUSA Sarcone to ensure the continued safety of the residents of Herkimer County through a joint partnership between our two agencies.”

Montgomery County DA Christina Pearson stated: “This is an exciting opportunity for my office and for the people of Montgomery County, and I thank Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone for his continued partnership. I am confident ADAs Kaur and Hofmann will represent Montgomery County with integrity and distinction.”

Onondaga County DA William Fitzpatrick stated: “I want to personally thank my friend US Attorney John Sarcone for following through on his initial promise to work cooperatively with all 32 DAs Offices within the jurisdiction of the Northern District of New York. Through his cross designations of members of my office as Special Assistant US Attorneys, I look forward to working with John on crimes involving gun trafficking, gang violence, child pornography and human trafficking, and narcotic sales all in an effort to keep Onondaga County one of the safest places to live in New York State.”

Acting Madison County DA Robert A. Mascari stated: “The opportunity provided by Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone to have my Chief Assistant District Attorney Sam Rodgers appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney is greatly appreciated.  Reaching out to counties like Madison in this way speaks volumes to the willingness of Mr. Sarcone and the federal agencies to work closely with Madison County on matters of mutual concern.   I know Sam is the perfect person for this appointment and being our connection to the United States Attorney’s Office.  We look forward to working with Mr. Sarcone and his staff to improve and promote public safety throughout Central New York.”

Pictured above (left to right):

Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Johnson, his wife, Andrea, and daughters, Emma and Lily.

Pictured above (left to right)

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Madison County Chief Assistant District Attorney J. Sam Rodgers.

Pictured above (left to right):

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Manpreet Kaur, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Hofmann, and Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson.

Pictured above (left to right):

Daniel LaDuke, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Diane Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County Senior Assistant District Attorney Sara Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, and Sean Fitzpatrick.

Pictured above (left to right):

Pictured above: Onondaga County First Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bednarski and his wife, Maria.

Pictured above (left to right):

Onondaga County Senior Assistant District Attorney Alphonse L. Williams III, Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick, and Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – On October 7, 2025, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III had an introductory meeting with Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Sean P. Roberts of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

DOL OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone stated: “The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General greatly values its partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Their commitment to pursuing justice is essential to our mission of safeguarding the integrity of DOL programs and protecting America’s workers. Through our collaborative efforts, we will continue to hold accountable those who defraud federal programs, exploit workers, or compromise workplace safety. This partnership enhances our ability to build strong cases and reinforces the public’s trust in government programs.”

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Today’s meeting underscores the strong and essential partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to safeguard federal programs, protect workers, and ensure that those who engage in fraud or exploitation are held fully accountable. I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to uphold the rule of law and strengthen public trust throughout the Northern District of New York.”

Pictured above (from left to right):

U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Chief Karen Lesperance, U.S. Department of Labor OIG Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Sean P. Roberts, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, and U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Chief Cyrus Rieck.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Defendant, Cecilio Wareham, age 48 of Queens, New York, pled guilty in October to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT).

In April 2025, ten defendants, including Wareham, were indicted for their roles in drug trafficking organizations that distributed large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in and around Kingston, New York and other areas of Ulster County. The organizations are alleged to have distributed over 11 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of grams of cocaine base. Through the execution of search warrants in Ulster County and additional enforcement actions, law enforcement seized over five kilograms of cocaine and 270 grams of cocaine base.

As part of his guilty plea, Wareham admitted to supplying his co-conspirator, Greg Tejada, with quantities of cocaine for redistribution, including over 2 kilograms of cocaine that were seized from Tejada in October 2024. 

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This guilty plea sends a clear and unequivocal message: we will aggressively dismantle the drug-trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities. Our work is far from finished, but this case proves that those who choose to spread dangerous narcotics will face decisive accountability. I strongly commend our federal, state, and local partners for their unwavering dedication and coordination throughout this investigation.”

HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel stated: “This plea is the result of a sustained, collaborative investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks that traffic dangerous drugs into our communities. HSI New York and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the supply chains, distributors, and organizations responsible for fueling addiction and violence. Our efforts will remain relentless as we work to safeguard the public.”

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa stated: “URGENT and our partnering agencies remain committed to protecting Ulster County from the destructive impact of narcotics trafficking. This case highlights the strength of interagency cooperation and the dedication of our investigators. We will continue to pursue those who bring illegal drugs into our neighborhoods and ensure they are brought before the justice system.”

Sentencing is scheduled for February 26, 2026, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Wareham faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, a fine of up to $10 million, and a supervised release term 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 convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The remaining defendants, all of whom are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, would face the following minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment upon conviction:

Additionally, Damon Dunn, Raymond Robinson, Greg Tejada, Kristine Scibelli, Xavier Patterson, and Richard Johnson are charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Aidan White and Damon Dunn are charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. 

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

This case is being investigated by HSI; the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with URGENT (the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement and Narcotics Team); Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, Valhalla.

Assistant United States Attorney Ashlyn Miranda is prosecuting the case.

These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jerry Gordon, age 56, of Colorado, was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison for transmitting a threat in interstate commerce to injure another person.  

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Gordon admitted that in April 2025, he sent threatening text messages to a man in Aurora, New York. In the text messages, Gordon told the victim to get his affairs in order before Friday April 25, 2025, as he was going to “drink your blood from the chalice that I will make out of your heart.”  Gordon was arrested by FBI agents as he was getting off a plane in Syracuse, on April 25, 2025, after law enforcement became aware of the threats.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Disgusting threats to kill the citizens of our district will not be tolerated.  The defendant not only made these abhorrent threats; he traveled from Colorado to Syracuse to make good on them. Thankfully, local, state and federal agents, working together, were one step ahead of him. They apprehended the defendant as he was getting off the plane, thwarting his devious plans.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, worked to identify, investigate, and quickly intercept Mr. Gordon before he could follow through on his disturbing threats of violence. Today’s sentence should send a clear message that the FBI will not stand idly by when a dangerous individual threatens the safety of our communities.”

United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe also imposed a 3-year term of post-release supervision.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police, Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Police Department, Syracuse Police Department, Cornell Police Department, Tompkins County Sherriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office, Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Oneida County Sherriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown prosecuted the case.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Charles Wager, age 57, of Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison after a jury convicted him in February 2023 of attempting to entice a minor into engaging in unlawful sexual activities while he was required to register as a sex offender for his prior rape of a minor.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The trial evidence established that in January and February 2021, Wager exchanged thousands of sexually explicit text messages with people he believed to be a 10-year-old girl and her mother.  In these text messages, Wager, among other things, shared pornography with the presumed child to groom her into sexual activity with him, educated her on different sexual acts he would perform with the child, sent nude pictures of himself, and arranged for a reward system whereby he would provide the child with toys and treats for engaging in sexual acts with him.  Wager arranged to meet with the presumed mother and 10-year-old in person and purchased a car to do so.  On February 5, 2021, he traveled from Castleton-on-Hudson to Binghamton, New York, for the purpose of having sex with the presumed 10-year-old.  He brought with him numerous toys that he intended to give the child as rewards for performing sexual acts with him.  The defendant was arrested shortly after his arrival and has been detained ever since.

As further established at trial, in 2002, Wager pled guilty in Rensselaer County Court to rape in the third degree, after admitting to the rape of a then-15-year-old girl.   He has been required to register as a sex offender ever since.  Evidence at trial also established that Wager previously sexually molested two other minor victims several decades ago.  In his prior crimes, he engaged in virtually identical grooming of his victims to the conduct he attempted on his intended 10-year-old victim in this case.

“Charles Wager is one of the most dangerous child predators our office has ever prosecuted, and that speaks volumes,” said Acting United States Attorney Sarcone.  “We will continue to unleash the full powers of the federal government to hold these twisted and evil people accountable for their vile and despicable crimes.  I commend the FBI for its flawless operation to bring this repeat, remorseless child predator to justice.”

Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Today’s significant sentence put an end to Mr. Wager’s horrific history of sexual abuse and vile behavior. This dangerous individual will now spend decades in federal prison where he can no longer harm any of our children. The FBI remains as dedicated as ever to ensuring any individual seeking to harm our most vulnerable is swiftly identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Thomas R. Sutcliffe prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 – Kris Roglieri, age 45, of Queensbury, New York, pled guilty today to wire fraud conspiracy in connection with the operation and collapse of his purported commercial lending business, Prime Capital Ventures, LLC.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Roglieri admitted that he operated Prime Capital Ventures, LLC (“Prime Capital”) and, between mid-2022 and January 2024, conspired with others to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars from Prime Capital’s clients. As part of the scheme, Roglieri falsely promoted Prime Capital as a lending business capable of making large commercial loans through third-party funding arrangements. Roglieri admitted that he and his co-conspirators deceived clients into sending Prime Capital tens of millions of dollars in payments based on false promises that the payments would allow Prime Capital to obtain these large loans and that the payments would be refunded if those loans did not materialize. Roglieri then used that money to repay or fund prior clients and on extravagant purchases for himself, including private jet travel and jewelry.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Kris Roglieri brazenly flaunted the proceeds of his scheme—including luxury vehicles, rare watches, and private jet travel—all while feeding his victims bigger and bigger lies to fuel his greed to even greater heights. But the truth stopped him like a brick wall. All those trappings of wealth will be forfeited, and he will be ordered to make his victims whole. I applaud the FBI and the members of my office on this case for unraveling this devastating scheme and bringing its perpetrators to justice.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Roglieri built his lavish lifestyle on the backs of hardworking Americans looking to fund their businesses. Today’s plea ensures he will pay the price for that disturbing deception and greed. The depth of his deceit was staggering, but the FBI was deeply committed to thoroughly investigating this case and bringing justice to the victims who continue to rebuild their lives. While Mr. Roglieri remains in prison, the FBI will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who commit fraud schemes to mislead innocent investors.”

Two co-conspirators have also pled guilty in connection with this case. Kimberly Owen, a/k/a Kimberly “Kimmy” Humphrey, age 41, and her brother Christopher Snyder, age 45, both of Virginia Beach, have each pled guilty to a charge of wire fraud conspiracy. Both Owen and Snyder admitted to conspiring with each other and Roglieri to defraud Prime Capital clients. Owen is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2026, and Snyder is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2025.

Roglieri has been in custody since his arrest on a criminal complaint on May 31, 2024.

At sentencing on March 11, 2026 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, Roglieri 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. He will also have to pay restitution to his victims and forfeit property that he obtained as proceeds of this offense. As part of his plea agreement with the government, Roglieri agreed to consent to entry of an order directing forfeiture of over $55 million, a dozen luxury vehicles, six Rolex watches, two Richard Mille watches, and a Virigina Beach mansion that was purchased as part of the scheme.

The FBI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting it.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York is alerting the public of imposter scams involving individuals claiming to work for the Department of Justice.

During these calls, scammers appear to focus on immigration-related matters, like visa status, and at times threaten to retaliate against the person if their demands are not met. They often ask for personal information, like the person’s address or where the person is located. 

Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They typically spoof their phone numbers so that when you receive the call, it appears as if the call is coming from a number associated with a government agency, like the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never:

• Direct you to tell us exactly where you are at any given moment; or
• Threaten you or tell you there are “consequences” if you do not speak to us or comply with any demands.

As a reminder, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also never demand payment of any kind, including by gift card, and it will never ask you for your credit card number. Such requests are often made by scammers.

If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and would like to confirm the call is legitimate, please hang up and contact our Office’s main line at 315-448-0672. While scammers can spoof their phone numbers to appear to be calling from this number when making outgoing calls, they cannot receive calls made to this number.

If you suspect you have received one of these scam calls, you may also report the incident via the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov/. 

A dual Canadian American citizen made her initial appearance in court in Plattsburg, New York today after being extradited to New York from Canada to face charges relating to her role in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy that left a family of four, including two small children, dead in the St. Lawrence River.

In June 2024, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of New York returned an indictment against Stephanie Square, 52, of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR), Canada, for conspiring to engage in alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for profit, and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

Square was arrested in Canada in August 2024 at the request of the U.S. government. Her extradition followed extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement authorities. Co-conspirator Timothy Oakes, 34, from the AMIR, was arrested on June 15, 2025, and remains detained pending trial for his role in the deadly conspiracy. U.S.-based co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of Akwesasne, New York, and Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, Oct. 8, 2024, and March 6, 2025, respectively.

According to court documents, Square allegedly was the U.S.-based leader of an alien smuggling organization (ASO), that regularly smuggled aliens across the U.S.-Canada border via the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation. During the week of March 27, 2023, a prolific Canadian smuggler contacted Square to smuggle a Romanian family of four across the St. Lawrence River into the United States. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Square is alleged to have recruited multiple co-conspirators to assist with the smuggling of the family, though one refused to assist due to the high winds on the St. Lawrence River that night. Undeterred by the dangerous weather conditions, as alleged, Square enlisted one of her regular drivers, Dakota Montour, to transport the family via automobile to Timothy Oakes’ residence on Cornwall Island, a notorious staging area for cross-border smuggling operations.

The family of four arrived at the Oakes’ residence on March 29, 2023, at approximately 3:35AM, and stayed there until evening. On March 29, 2023, at approximately 9:29PM, Timothy Oakes’ vehicle with a light blue boat in tow, is recorded traveling eastbound away from the Oakes’ residence towards a public boat launch.

On March 29, 2023, between 10:09PM and 10:50PM, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) received multiple calls from citizens on Cornwall Island reporting hearing cries for help on the St. Lawrence River. The callers also reported the terrible weather conditions. At the same time, Square instructed Montour to search the banks of the St. Lawrence River for the missing family. On March 30, 2023, at approximately 3:36AM, Square instructed Montour to delete all their messages.  

Between March 30 and 31, 2023, AMPS conducted a riverine search and recovered the bodies of the Romanian family of four, including two small children. AMPS also recovered Oakes’ light blue boat. The body of the boat captain, Case Oakes, was found eight months later.

HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with foreign legal assistance requests.

The investigation is a result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations and eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating within the Americas that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, including the Northern District of New York. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs (OIA), among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 420 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 370 U.S. convictions; more than 315 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case. OIA Trial Attorney Trish Maskew provided significant assistance with the extradition.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Peter Bardunias, 59, of Clifton Park, New York, was charged today with attempting to entice a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The criminal complaint filed today alleges that over the past two weeks, Bardunias, a Senior Vice President of Community Advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, sent messages to an individual he believed to be a 15 year-year-old girl during which he discussed subjecting the would-be minor to violent and sadistic sexual activity.

As alleged in the complaint, Bardunias told the individual—who was in fact an undercover law enforcement official—that he wanted to, among other things, “strangle[]” and “tortur[e]” the purported child while raping them. On October 6, 2025, Bardunias traveled to Warren County, New York, to meet the would-be minor and brought them candy to make them feel more comfortable. Bardunias was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The complaint also alleges that a federal search warrant executed at Bardunias’ residence revealed a box of sex toys which included restraints and a knife consistent with the materials used for the “torture chamber” Bardunias told the would-be child he was going to prepare to rape and torture them within.

“Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”

“As alleged in the federal criminal complaint filed today, Peter Bardunias attempted to engage in what can only be described as heinous, unspeakable, and violent actions against a minor,” Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “I am thankful that the FBI intervened to ensure that he was unable to follow through in any of this horrific activity with a real minor, and our community is safer tonight because Bardunias is behind bars.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “As detailed in the criminal complaint, the allegations against Mr. Bardunias are truly horrific. His intentions were beyond disturbing and have resulted in serious federal charges. The FBI commends the brave individual who contacted us with information that immediately launched this investigation and put an end to these disturbingly sinister plans. We will continue to use every resource available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable, and we encourage anyone with additional information on Mr. Bardunias to contact our office.”

The charge filed against Bardunias carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Bardunias had an initial appearance today in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and was held in custody pending a detention hearing set for Friday, October 10, 2025.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Peter Bardunias, age 59, of Clifton Park, New York, was charged today with attempting to entice a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The criminal complaint filed today alleges that over the past two weeks, Bardunias, a Senior Vice President of Community Advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, sent messages to an individual he believed to be a 15 year-year-old girl during which he discussed subjecting the would-be minor to violent and sadistic sexual activity.

As alleged in the complaint, Bardunias told the individual—who was in fact an undercover law enforcement official—that he wanted to, among other things, “strangle[]” and “tortur[e]” the purported child while raping them. On October 6, 2025, Bardunias traveled to Warren County, New York, to meet the would-be minor and brought them candy to make them feel more comfortable. Bardunias was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The complaint also alleges that a federal search warrant executed at Bardunias’ residence revealed a box of sex toys which included restraints and a knife consistent with the materials used for the “torture chamber” Bardunias told the would-be child he was going to prepare to rape and torture them within.

“Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”

“As alleged in the federal criminal complaint filed today, Peter Bardunias attempted to engage in what can only be described as heinous, unspeakable, and violent actions against a minor,” Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “I am thankful that the FBI intervened to ensure that he was unable to follow through in any of this horrific activity with a real minor, and our community is safer tonight because Bardunias is behind bars.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “As detailed in the criminal complaint, the allegations against Mr. Bardunias are truly horrific. His intentions were beyond disturbing and have resulted in serious federal charges. The FBI commends the brave individual who contacted us with information that immediately launched this investigation and put an end to these disturbingly sinister plans. We will continue to use every resource available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable, and we encourage anyone with additional information on Mr. Bardunias to contact our office.”

The charge filed against Bardunias carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Bardunias had an initial appearance today in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and was held in custody pending a detention hearing set for Friday, October 10, 2025.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 – Christian Mur-Santana, age 39, a Cuban national residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, pled guilty on Friday to conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution charges in connection with his distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement.

Mur-Santana admitted that between April and July 2023, he mailed several packages containing pure methamphetamine and fentanyl from Las Vegas to co-conspirator drug distributors in the Capital Region. During the conspiracy, Mur-Santana used the U.S. Mail to distribute more than five kilograms of methamphetamine and 10 grams of pressed pills containing fentanyl. In September 2023, law enforcement searched Mur-Santana’s Las Vegas residence and recovered approximately 391 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm pistol.  

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Christian Mur-Santana, while a guest in this country, repeatedly shipped deadly and addictive drugs, several thousand miles, to the Capital Region. He will now be serving at least 10 years in prison. Mailing highly toxic and lethal substances through the U.S. Mail places our Postal workers in danger. We will aggressively pursue abuse of our U.S. Mail system by dangerous criminals like Mur-Santana. I am grateful for and commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal law enforcement partners who worked this important case.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “The DEA remains committed to stopping the flow of dangerous substances, like methamphetamine and counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, from reaching our towns and communities. Today’s plea is the result of the tireless work the DEA and our law enforcement partners do when targeting those who weaponize our mail system to traffic illicit narcotics and ensuring justice is delivered. We remain committed to targeting those responsible for fueling addiction and causing needless deaths from the poison they push.”

USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service takes very seriously any abuse of our nation’s mail system for criminal purposes. Today’s plea is the result of rigorous investigative work and demonstrates that the U.S. Mail is not a safe harbor for drug traffickers. We will continue to safeguard the integrity of the mail and support efforts to protect public health and safety.”

Mur-Santana was one of nine defendants to be charged in this investigation. The following defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing:

• Todd Austin was sentenced to 78 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
• Andrew Deleon was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
• Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
• Ahmad Burke was sentenced to 14 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
• Flor Arencibia is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2025;
• Melissa Karwan is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2025; and
• Keisha Duboise is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2026.

Charges against the remaining defendant, Felix Arencibia, are pending. The charges in the indictment against Felix Arencibia are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

At sentencing, Mur-Santana faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. He will be sentenced on January 23, 2026, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

These cases are being investigated by the DEA and USPIS. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the cases.

These cases are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Alexis Miranda, age 30, of Syracuse, was sentenced on Thursday to 60 months in prison for possessing defaced firearms and for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Miranda admitted that from August to October 8, 2019, she agreed with Christopher Montano to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. On September 12, 2019, Miranda travelled from the Rome, New York, area to meet Montano, where they distributed more than 80 grams of methamphetamine to another person. A few months later, in August 2020, Miranda was stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 90, in Rensselaer County, New York, and law enforcement found heroin and fentanyl in her purse as well as a roller suitcase in her trunk containing four semiautomatic pistols with defaced serial numbers.

Last year, Montano was sentenced to 76 months in prison for unlawfully selling unregistered firearms and drug trafficking crimes.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Alexis Miranda was engaged in trafficking deadly substances and weapons, each of which contribute to drug addiction and gun violence in the community. We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals like her to get rid of deadly firearms and drugs from our streets.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “Those who traffic in illegal firearms and deadly drugs will be held accountable. These defaced and stolen weapons pose a serious threat to our communities, and we remain committed to working with our federal and local partners to disrupt this kind of dangerous criminal activity.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “Strong partnerships are crucial for intercepting the illegal drugs and weapons that sustain a cycle of violence and threaten the quality of life in our communities. The collaborative multi-agency efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, and New York State Police has resulted in the sentencing of Mr. Miranda and has eradicated an unprincipled gun and drug trafficking operation. We will continue to make it a priority to find those who commit these acts and dismantle the dangerous chain of activities they perpetuate.” 

Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 5-year term of post-release supervision.

ATF and the NYSP investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Kelly, age 83, of Rome, New York, was sentenced on Wednesday to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography and for possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his prior guilty plea, Kelly acknowledged that in August 2022 he began conspiring with his co-defendant, Richard Hockersmith, about exchanging child sexual abuse material. Kelly further acknowledged that he and Hockersmith decided to exchange the material by mailing an SD card containing child sexual abuse images and videos back and forth, which each of them did. Kelly also acknowledged that during a search of his residence on February 23, 2024, he possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on a laptop computer.

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also sentenced Kelly to serve a 10-year term of supervised release to begin after Kelly is released from prison, and to pay a total of $15,000 in restitution. Kelly will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

Hockersmith was previously sentenced on July 8, 2025, to six years in federal prison and a 10-year term of post-release supervision.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “It is beyond disturbing that an 83-year-old man would seek out depictions of the sexual abuse of our most vulnerable population. Thanks to the diligent work of HSI, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police, this defendant will now be spending his twilight years in federal prison—where he belongs.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said, “Today's sentence underscores how coordinated, targeted investigative efforts disrupt the distribution of child sexual abuse material and ensure offenders are held accountable. Protecting children from sexual exploitation is one of HSI's highest priorities, and we will relentlessly investigate and disrupt those who trade in child sexual abuse material. HSI Syracuse's strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York—and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners—has proven essential to holding these child predators accountable and strengthening public safety across New York.”

The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Juan Correa Sr. age 49, of Lady Lake, Florida was sentenced on Wednesday to 210 months in prison for money laundering and conspiring to possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, the defendant admitted that from July 2021 through July 2024, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Onondaga County.  As part of the conspiracy, the defendant directed Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo to mail packages with kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Syracuse.  He then arranged for the packages to be picked up and delivered to Juan Correa, Jr. and Ashley Correa, who re-distributed the cocaine to others in the Syracuse area. Correa Sr. also arranged for them to mail cash from the cocaine sales back to Calcano-Carrasquillo for the purpose of purchasing more cocaine.

All four of these co-conspirators were charged in an indictment last year and have since pled guilty to various offenses. Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment; Juan Correa, Jr. was sentenced to 7 years’ imprisonment; and Ashley Correa was sentenced to over 7 years’ imprisonment. 

Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered the defendant to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.  

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Bringing the head of this dangerous organization to justice is a testament to the close collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies up and down the East Coast. This defendant had 5 prior state felony drug convictions and didn’t learn his lesson. 17 years in federal prison should do the trick. We remain committed to ensuring repeat offenders like this defendant, who make money from flooding our community with deadly drugs, get taken off our streets.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “The sentencing of Juan Correa Sr., is the result of the hard work and determination the DEA and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals looking to transport illicit narcotics through the northeast corridor. The DEA remains focused on disrupting these supply chains and preventing these dangerous narcotics from reaching our streets.”

Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation New York, stated: “Juan Correa Sr. is just another predator who chose to bring highly addictive drugs into our neighborhoods, continuing to prey on the vulnerable.  IRS-CI New York is proud to continue its work with the DEA and our law enforcement partners in ridding our communities of those who have no regard for the welfare of its people.  This sentencing does exactly that.”

Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, stated: “Through our joint enforcement efforts, we’ve dismantled a criminal organization that posed a serious public safety threat to New York communities. As this sentence demonstrates, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with its law enforcement partners to prevent dangerous and addictive drugs from reaching our streets and ensuring that perpetrators of such attempts are brought to justice.”

Joseph L. Cecile, Chief of the Syracuse Police Department, stated: “Law Enforcement is never stronger than when we partner together.  Together, we represent an omnipresent threat to criminal enterprises such as this one.  On behalf of the Syracuse Police Department, I would like to both thank and congratulate the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all of our law enforcement partners who successfully dismantled this drug trafficking organization.  Well done!"

This case was investigated by the DEA, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Brown prosecuted the case.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.  

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas P. Allen, Sr., age 44, of Granville, New York, pled guilty on Monday to transportation of child pornography.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Allen admitted that from about February 2016 through November 2018, and in December 2019, he used the internet to upload images of child pornography to his Google Drive account.  Additionally, he received images of child pornography on his cellular phone.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thomas P. Allen’s deliberate and calculated use of the internet to transport and possess child pornography is a violation of the law and the innocence of children. My office will not allow anyone who engages in such sickening conduct to evade justice. This case should serve as a warning to all who would exploit children: we will pursue you relentlessly, and we will ensure you face the full force of the law.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “This plea ensures Mr. Allen will spend time in federal prison for his despicable actions. The FBI will continue to aggressively seek out and investigate those who prey on our most vulnerable, especially predators who possess child pornography.”

Sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Allen faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  Allen also will have to pay restitution to victims, forfeit property he used to commit the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Quintron Dixon, age 22, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

Dixon admitted that on September 13, 2023, he sold approximately 52 grams of pure methamphetamine to a customer in Syracuse. On July 24, 2025, during an arrest, Syracuse police officers found in Dixon’s pocket a plastic bag, which Dixon admitted as part of his plea contained approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Methamphetamine is a particularly dangerous and addictive drug, and those who peddle this deadly poison are a scourge on our communities. Together with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to rooting out drug traffickers and putting them behind bars, where they belong.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This guilty plea reflects the strength of ongoing collaboration with ATF NY Syracuse Field Office, Syracuse PD Intel Unit and the US Attorney’s Office NDNY. Those who think they can disregard laws and push dangerous drugs into our communities – fueling addiction and death – will be held accountable. ATF NY remains committed to protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring the safety of those we serve.”

Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Dixon faces a prison term on each count of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt McCrobie is prosecuting the case.