Northern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Saranac Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Mark Gillis, age 47, of Saranac Lake, New York, pled guilty today to securities fraud in connection with a scheme to steal nearly $400,000 from his customers.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In 2012, Gillis was a co-owner of Hudson Valley Capital Management, Inc., a securities broker-dealer with offices in Saranac Lake and Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Gillis was a licensed stockbroker and worked out of Saranac Lake.
Gillis admitted to purchasing shares of a stock and then transferring the shares to three Hudson Valley customers at improper markups of up to 280%. As a result of the markups, Gillis stole $379,652.41 from the customers. Gillis did this to cover up a nearly $400,000 loss he suffered while trading securities for his own benefit.
Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith stated: “When Mark Gillis, a licensed stockbroker, lost $400,000 on his personal trades, he covered those losses by stealing more than $379,000 from his customers. He will now be held accountable for his greed. We will continue to protect investors by charging stockbrokers who do not follow the rules and abuse their positions of trust.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Vadim D. Thomas stated: “Mr. Gillis abused his position and defrauded investors of over $370,000. The FBI views securities fraud as a significant problem and is pleased with today’s plea.”
Gillis faces up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 5 years when he is sentenced by Senior United States Judge Norman A. Mordue on April 9, 2018 in Albany. 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.
Gillis will also be required to forfeit $379,652.41 to the United States. The Securities Investor Protection Corporation insured the investors’ losses.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
Mexican Citizens Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Severino Luna Vera, age 43, and his son Joel Oswaldo Luna Pedroza, age 21, both citizens of Mexico, were each sentenced today to time served (47 days in jail) for illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Luna Vera admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico, and that he illegally returned to the United States after he was removed to Mexico on January 19, 2016. Luna Vera was also removed to Mexico on November 10, 2013.
As part of his guilty plea, Luna Pedroza admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico, and that he illegally returned to the United States after he was removed to Mexico on July 30, 2016.
On September 27, 2017, ICE Officers arrested Luna Vera and Luna Pedroza in Poestenkill, New York.
Following their respective sentencings, both men were remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Ballston Spa Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Damian Quillinan, age 44, of Ballston Spa, New York, pled guilty today to receiving and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Quillinan admitted that on July 29, 2016, he used his phone to download files containing child pornography from the Internet, which he saved on the phone’s memory card. Quillinan further admitted to downloading and storing over 14,000 child pornography videos and images on various computers and external hard drives in his residence between February 2014 and August 2016.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino is scheduled to sentence Quillinan on March 13, 2018. Quillinan faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Upon his release from prison, Quillinan would also have to register as a sex offender.
This case was jointly investigated by the FBI and New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Vermont Felon Sentenced for Escaping Albany Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Keisha Richards, age 24, of Fair Haven, Vermont, was sentenced today to 8 months in jail for escaping from a federal halfway house.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and United States Marshal David L. McNulty.
Richards was ordered by the federal Bureau of Prisons to reside at the Horizon House Residential Reentry Center, a halfway house in Albany, as part of her sentence for a federal drug conviction in Vermont. As part of her August 16, 2017 guilty plea, Richards admitted that she left the halfway house without permission on February 27, 2017, and did not return. On April 11, 2017, Richards was arrested by the U.S. Marshals at a residence in Albany.
Richards will also serve a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after her release from jail.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Four Bronx Men Admit to Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Four Bronx men entered guilty pleas over the last two weeks to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud and related charges in an effort to steal over 2.8 million dollars in federal tax refunds using stolen identities, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, Shelly Binkowski, Postal Inspector in Charge, Boston Division, James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and acting Chief John Anton, Town of Dewitt Police.
As part of their guilty pleas, Ronnie E. Mejia, 28, Cerrone Hall, 29, Luis Morillo, 28, and Jeffrey Carvajal, 26, all residents of the Bronx, New York, admitted that they conspired to defraud the IRS by creating and electronically filing false and fraudulent tax returns that utilized stolen identities from Puerto Rico and mailing addresses in the Syracuse area and elsewhere. The scheme fell apart on September 21, 2011 when an alert house painter in Dewitt called police when he saw a car cruising up and down the street stealing mail from residential mailboxes. Dewitt Police stopped a Toyota Camry occupied by Ronnie E. Mejia and Jeffrey Carvajal matching the description of the suspect vehicle. Dewitt Police Officers and U.S Postal Inspectors searched the vehicle and located eight un-mailed federal income tax returns that included stolen personal identification information from people who live in Puerto Rico. Dewitt Police located a second vehicle nearby occupied by Luis Morillo and Jeffrey Carvajal. A search of this vehicle located six U.S. Treasury tax refund checks stolen from residential mailboxes in Dewitt and Syracuse. In the following days, Special Agents from IRS-CI recovered over $700,000.00 in fraudulent tax refund checks obtained through the electronic filing of false and fraudulent tax returns using stolen identities from Puerto Rican residents and addresses of uninvolved persons in the Syracuse area. In all, the scheme included over 380 fraudulent tax returns seeking refunds of over 2.8 million dollars.
Cerrone Hall pled guilty on November 1, 2017, will be sentenced on March 1, 2018 and faces a sentence of up to 22 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and three-year term of supervised release in connection with his convictions for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as aggravated identity theft. Luis Morillo pled guilty on November 7, 2017, will be sentenced on March 2, 2018 and faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and three-year term of supervised release in connection with his conviction for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud. Ronnie Mejia pled guilty on November 9, 2017, will be sentenced on March 13, 2018 and faces a sentence of up to 24 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and a three-year term of supervised release in connection with his convictions for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as two counts of aggravated identity theft. Jeffrey Carvajal pled guilty on November 9, 2017, will be sentenced on March 14, 2018 and faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and three-year term of supervised release in connection with his convictions for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as theft of government property. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Town of Dewitt Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Citizen of Dominican Republic Sentenced to 24 Months for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Radhames Perez a/k/a Edwin Perez, age 37, and a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today to 2 years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Perez admitted that he was convicted in New York County Supreme Court of criminal sale of crack cocaine in the second degree in May 2003, for which he received a sentence of 3 years to life in prison. Perez was released from state prison in December 2003 and was removed from the United States. He was then found in the United States in June 2017 when he was arrested on state charges in Herkimer County, as part of a crackdown on a cock-fighting ring. Those state charges are presently unresolved.
United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Perez to serve a 3-year term of supervised release should he remain in the United States after completion of his 2-year prison term. Perez will also face removal from the United States when he is released from prison.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Binghamton Woman Indicted for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Patricia L. Williams, age 61, of Binghamton, New York, was arraigned Friday on charges that she unlawfully received the Social Security benefits of her deceased husband, and also failed to disclose that income in order to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and John F. Grasso, Special Agent In Charge of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
The indictment alleges that from May 2005 through December 2013, Williams withdrew monthly Social Security benefit payments from the bank account of her deceased husband, who had died in 1990. The indictment also alleges that Williams failed to disclose her receipt of those benefit payments to SSA and unlawfully collected Supplemental Security Income benefits as a result. Supplemental Security Income would have been available to her only if she fell below a certain income threshold, and her unlawful receipt of her husband’s Social Security benefits put her over that threshold.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Williams faces up to 10 years in prison, 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release and a $250,000 fine if convicted on all counts of the indictment. 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.
Williams was arraigned Friday in Binghamton before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter. She was released with conditions pending a trial scheduled before Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.
This case is being investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. White.
Baldwinsville Man Charged with ObstructionRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Elias J. Sawalha, age 63, of Baldwinsville, New York, was arraigned today on an obstruction charge for submitting false documents to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region of the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations.
According to the indictment, Sawalha made and submitted forms, signed under penalty of perjury and submitted to the Department of Labor, stating that he had paid several employees of his gas station as ordered by the Department of Labor, when he knew he had not paid any of these employees the money they were owed.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge filed against Sawalha carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of 1 year. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Sawalha was arraigned today in Syracuse before United States Magistrate Judge David E. Peebles, and released pending a trial scheduled before United States District Judge David N. Hurd.
This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sahar L. Amandolare.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gerardo Froilan Lopez Velazquez, age 51, and a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced today to time served (56 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Lopez Velazquez admitted that he is a citizen of Guatemala, and that he illegally returned to the United States after he was removed to Guatemala on April 9, 2014. Lopez Velazquez had also been removed from the United States on January 30, 2014.
On September 7, 2017, Lopez Velazquez was arrested by an ICE officer in Middleburgh, New York.
Following his sentencing, Lopez Velazquez was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by the ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Brazilian Woman Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Carla Cristina DePaula, age 39, and a citizen of Brazil and Italy, was sentenced yesterday to time served (4 months in jail) for attempting to illegally re-enter the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Steven Bronson, United States Customs and Border Protection Port Director for the Champlain Port of Entry.
As part of her guilty plea, DePaula admitted that she is a citizen of Brazil and Italy, and that she attempted to illegally return to the United States after she was removed to Brazil on July 28, 2008.
On June 25, 2017, DePaula was arrested as she attempted to enter the United States from Canada by bus at the Champlain Port of Entry. DePaula presented her Italian passport and said she intended to travel to Boston, Massachusetts. She did not have permission to re-enter the United States.
Following her sentencing, DePaula was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal from the United States.
This case was investigated by United States Customs and Border Protection and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Premier Aviation Pleads Guilty to Environmental CrimeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Premier Aviation Overhaul Center, an airplane maintenance and painting company with a facility in Rome, New York, pled guilty today to omitting material information regarding hazardous waste on a trash compactor label, and was sentenced to pay a fine of $40,000.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in New York; and Joseph H. Schneider, Director of Law Enforcement, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Premier Aviation admitted that in February 2014, one or more of its employees placed large sheets of plastic containing hazardous chromium waste into a large trash compactor without updating the labels on the trash compactor to disclose the presence of hazardous waste inside. The chromium waste was generated when Premier Aviation stripped paint from older airplanes, and it remained stored in the trash compactor – which was not an appropriate means of disposal for the hazardous waste – for approximately two weeks prior to being seized by law enforcement. Subsequent tests revealed that the levels of chromium on the plastic sheets in the trash compactor were approximately 23 times higher than the legal limit. Premier Aviation admitted that it failed to report that one or more of its employees had stored and maintained chromium illegally in the trash compactor. Premier Aviation pled guilty to being an accessory after the fact to this environmental crime.
United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks sentenced Premier Aviation to pay a $40,000 fine. In its plea agreement the company also agreed to provide the EPA with quarterly statistics specifying the hazardous waste generated, stored, and disposed at its facility, to provide specific waste and emergency response training to all of its employees who handle paint, paint stripping processes, or any other hazardous waste materials, and to abide by a Hazardous Waste Reduction Plan, which was drafted by Premier Aviation and approved by EPA and DEC prior to the plea hearing. In addition, Premier Aviation agreed to allow EPA-CID and DEC to inspect its facility in Rome, and its compliance with the terms of the plea agreement and with all applicable laws and regulations, at any time, and without notice, until September 30, 2018.
This case was investigated by EPA-CID and DEC, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Sidney Man Pleads Guilty to Three Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a 17-Month Old ChildRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Justin Crandall, age 28, of Sidney, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Binghamton, New York, to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In pleading guilty, Justin Crandall admitted to having made videos and images of his sexual exploitation of a 17-month old child from December of 2016 through February of 2017. Sentencing is scheduled for February 23, 2018 in Binghamton, New York.
In entering his guilty plea today, Justin Crandall admitted that in 2016 and 2017 he resided in Sidney, New York (Delaware County) and provided daycare on a weekly basis at his residence for a 17-month old child. During this time period, and while the victim was in the custody, control and direct care of Justin Crandall, he used the child to engage in sexually explicit acts, while he made videos and images of this conduct. The FBI and New York State Police executed search warrants at the defendant’s residence and located the sexually explicit videos and images on a cellular telephone.
Justin Crandall was questioned by the New York State Police and, after being advised of and having waived his Miranda rights, voluntarily confessed in a video and audio-recorded interview.
Justin Crandall faces a minimum sentence of 15 years 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 on each of his three counts of conviction. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This joint investigation was conducted by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miroslav Lovric.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Misdemeanor Immigration Prosecutions – September and October 2017Read the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The following is a summary of misdemeanor immigration prosecutions from September and October 2017:
Citizen of Spain Sentenced For Illegal Entry into United States
Wilson Gavilanez-Pacha, age 39, and a citizen of Spain, was sentenced on September 1 to time served (6 days in jail) for illegally entering the United States. Gavilanez-Pacha admitted that on August 27, he entered the United States at Hogansburg, New York, by boat across the St. Lawrence River, before being stopped and arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of France Sentenced For Illegal Entry into United States
Hamza Mounaime, age 24, and a citizen of France, was sentenced on September 26 to time served (12 days in jail) for illegally entering the United States. Mounaime admitted that he walked across the border just east of Fort Covington, New York, then took a taxi to Massena, where he boarded a bus. A Border Patrol Agent inspecting the bus passengers encountered Mounaime, determined that he was illegally present in the United States, and arrested him.
Three Citizens of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry into United States
Samuel Alcaraz-Diaz, age 22, Jesus Enrique Vela-Hernandez, age 37, and Guadalupe Diaz-Arevalo, age 43, all citizens of Mexico, were each sentenced on October 3 to 20 days in jail, for illegally entering the United States. Alcaraz-Diaz, Vela-Hernandez and Guadalupe Diaz-Arevalo each admitted that together they walked across the border near Champlain, New York, on September 16. They spent the night of September 16-17 in the woods. They were arrested together as passengers in a car that was stopped at the Border Patrol checkpoint at North Hudson, New York, on September 17.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry into United States
Judith Hernandez-Daniel, age 39, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on October 3 to 20 days in jail, for illegally entering the United States. Hernandez-Daniel admitted that she walked across the border without inspection east of Chateaugay, New York, on September 17. She was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as she attempted to depart the border area as a passenger in a pickup truck.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry into United States
Jose Antonio Severiano-Barrientos, age 49, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on October 5 to 25 days in jail, for illegally entering the United States. Severiano-Barrientos admitted that he walked across the border just east of the Champlain Port of Entry on September 16. He spent the night of September 16-17 hiding from Border Patrol in the woods. He was arrested on September 17 while a passenger in a taxi at the Border Patrol checkpoint at North Hudson, New York.
Dual Citizen of Ecuador and Spain Sentenced For Illegal Entry into United States
Wendy Hortencia Flecher-Alvarez, age 40, and a dual citizen of Ecuador and Spain, was sentenced on October 5 to 25 days in jail, for illegally entering the United States. Flecher-Alvarez admitted that on September 19, she walked across the border at a former Port of Entry, and continued south to Plattsburgh, New York, where she was found and arrested by Border Patrol Agents.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Transportation of AlienRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Wilder Arreola-Medel, age 45, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to time served (40 days in jail) for transporting a Mexican citizen who had illegally entered the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Arreola-Medel pled guilty on October 13, 2017. He admitted that on September 17, 2017, along the international border near Chateaugay, New York, he picked up a Mexican citizen who had just crossed the border illegally from Canada. Arreola-Medel was driving the Mexican citizen away from the border area when he was stopped and arrested by Border Patrol Agents. Arreola-Medel admitted that he intended to transport the Mexican citizen to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the time of his crime, Arreola-Medel was also in the United States without authorization.
Following the sentencing, Arreola-Medel was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
The smuggled Mexican citizen, Judith Hernandez-Daniel, age 39, was convicted of illegal entry, a misdemeanor, and sentenced on October 3, 2017 to 20 days in prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, October 28, 2017Read the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith encourages all to take advantage of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration 14th National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on October 28th. The biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thousands of collection sites around the country, including many here in the Northern District of New York. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
“The opioid and heroin epidemic is devastating families and communities, causing overdose deaths, increasing property crimes, and encouraging drug gangs to compete for customers. The DEA Prescription Drug Takeback Day provides a safe and anonymous way to get unused prescription drugs out of our homes and away from potential drug abusers without harming the environment, and we encourage all to take advantage of this opportunity.” said Acting United States Attorney Grant Jaquith.
DEA Special Agent in Charge James Hunt stated, “New Yorkers have been the targets of opioid traffickers pushing diverted medication, heroin and fentanyl onto our streets. Abusing prescription medication has turned Americans into addicts and is the cause of tens of thousands of overdose deaths. This Saturday, you can remove threats that lurk in your medicine cabinet and dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medication at any of our collection sites.”
Last April Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.) Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash poses potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city, or state.
Central NY Military Contractor Pays $150,460 to Resolve False Claims Act ExposureRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – JGB Enterprises, Inc. (JGB) paid $150,460 today to resolve claims that it improperly billed the United States Army for repair kits for the Army’s tank recovery vehicle because the kits included parts from unapproved sources, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith.
JGB had a firm-fixed price agreement with the government to provide engine overhaul kits for the Army’s Recovery Vehicle, M51/M74/M88 (the “Contract”). The Contract contains a source-controlled provision. That provision requires that certain parts be obtained from specified manufacturers who have approved quality-control plans concerning the manufacture of their parts.
JGB obtained some source-controlled parts from third-party vendors. In several instances, these parts were not adequately traceable back to an approved source and at least two of the parts delivered by JGB were inconsistent with required specifications. For example, source-controlled bolts included within the kit delivered by JGB did not fit on the Army’s Recovery Vehicle, rendering a component of the kit unusable until replacements could be obtained.
Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith said: “Contractors for the government need to ensure that they turn square corners, an obligation that is especially important when they are providing goods or services used by our nation’s warfighters. We will continue to utilize the False Claims Act where appropriate to hold contractors to account when they submit false claims to the government. We do appreciate that JGB worked cooperatively to resolve this matter outside litigation and understand that it has implemented changes to help ensure that something like this does not occur going forward.”
“The settlement agreement announced today is the successful resolution of this joint investigation conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of New York,” stated Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent-in-Charge, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The integrity of the DoD supply chain is of vital importance to America’s national security and DCIS is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals and companies do not profit by providing non-conforming products to the U.S. military.”
“This settlement further demonstrates the resolve of USACIDC’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army,” stated Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland, of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Mid-Atlantic Fraud Field Office.
The investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.
Manhattan Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Manuel Clemente, age 62, of Manhattan, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute cocaine.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his plea, Clemente admitted that he worked with others to distribute cocaine in New York City and Schenectady, New York. Clemente also admitted that when he was arrested on May 30, 2017 in Manhattan, he was providing approximately $12,000 to a conspirator in exchange for approximately 190 grams of cocaine.
Clemente’s prosecution is part of a takedown of a Capital Region drug trafficking ring that led to charges against 12 other defendants, all of which remain pending.
Clemente faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $1 million fine, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on February 22, 2018 . A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Schenectady Police Department, Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Stillwater Man Sentenced to 27 Months for International Money Laundering and Steroids DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sean T. Dubanowich, age 43, of Stillwater, New York, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for distributing steroids throughout the country and laundering his drug proceeds overseas for the purpose of acquiring more steroids to sell.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin following Dubanowich’s release from prison.
In pleading guilty on June 1, 2017, Dubanowich admitted that he imported anabolic steroids from Thailand and other countries, via the United States Postal Service (USPS), in 2015 and 2016. The steroids he received from overseas were commercially packaged and marketed, among other things, as Mesviron 25, Promax, DecaMax, Primoprim, Susatanon, and TestoRapid.
Dubanowich further admitted that he distributed the steroids he received to customers throughout the United States and Canada, via mailings sent through the USPS. He then used the proceeds from the drug sales to purchase more steroids from abroad. For instance, between January 1, 2015 and June 29, 2016, he sent international wire transfers totaling $105,107: $53,647 to Thailand for “electronics” and “Christmas gifts,” and $51,360 to India for “vitamins and nutritional supplies.” Dubanowich admitted that these transfers were, in fact, all payments for steroids.
This case was investigated by the DEA, USPIS, and Homeland Security Investigations, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett
Rome Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Dyer, age 33, of Rome, New York, was sentenced today to 10 months of weekend incarceration, as well as a 3-year term of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Dyer admitted that in January 2016, after being convicted for the sale of a controlled substance, he sold a 12 gauge shotgun and four boxes of ammunition to another person. Dyer further admitted that he told the buyer to create a bill of sale that omitted Dyer’s involvement as the seller because Dyer could not sell the gun as a felon.
This case was investigated by the Oneida County Drug Enforcement Task Force and the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Levine.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Intending to Distribute Crack and HeroinRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK - Markell Reyes, age 20, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
As part of his guilty plea, Reyes admitted that while in Ogdensburg, New York, he possessed a bag that contained approximately 58 grams of crack, 5 grams of heroin, and 135 grams of N-ethyl pentylone, often marketed as “Molly,” all of which Reyes intended to distribute. The bag also contained a handgun.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd will sentence Reyes on February 22, 2017. Reyes faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, and a maximum $5 million fine.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Raul Mendez Ordonez, age 33, and a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced today to time served (47 days) for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Mendez Ordonez admitted that he is a citizen of Guatemala, and that he illegally returned to the United States after he was removed to Guatemala, under the name Nolberto Gonzalez Gomez, on June 1, 2012.
On September 7, 2017, Mendez Ordonez was arrested by ICE officers in Middleburgh, New York.
Following the sentencing, Mendez Ordonez will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Drug-Free Community Coalitions Unite to Fight Substance AbuseRead the Press Release
WATERTOWN, NEW YORK – Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and more than 100 community coalition members are meeting in Watertown today to unite in their fight against substance abuse and its devastation on individuals, their families and their communities.
This is the first meeting of the Northern and Central New York Community Coalition Summit. The purpose of the summit is for coalitions to gain strength through uniting their forces in prevention, intervention and treatment, and to launch a region-wide 2018 January Media Blitz.
Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith said: “The deadliest drug epidemic our nation has experienced has hit upstate communities hard. In 2016, 399 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl in the 32 counties of the Northern District of New York. There has been a resurgence of the local production of methamphetamine in small clandestine laboratories, with nearly 3 of 4 in New York occurring in a Northern District county. And cases addressing the influx of dangerous synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones continue. But there is hope -- in the remedial and preventive effects of strong law enforcement, which reduces the importation and supply of these drugs, deters dealers, and spreads information that helps people understand the danger, and in partnerships with community coalitions that bring together people of all walks of life to focus on education, intervention, and treatment. We are working together to help those who are suffering find health and avert tragedy.”
Resources for the summit were provided by the Central New York Prevention Resource Center – New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS); Pivot Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council of Jefferson County; the Seaway Valley Prevention Council; the Alliance for Better Communities, Watertown; the Massena Drug Free Community Coalition; the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
More than 100 members of community coalitions and partnerships for substance abuse prevention are attending the one-day summit in Watertown. The summit will also be livestreamed on the United To Fight It Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/United2FightIt) for those who cannot make the trip. Attendees and viewers will learn of current drug trends in the region from a panel made up of the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Attorney’s Office, Jefferson County District Attorney, and the Massena Police Chief. They will hear from substance abuse prevention and education expert Michael Nerney, who will share advice on how to help the general public understand and respond to these deadly addictions.
In the afternoon, a media panel made up of television, radio and print communications leaders will discuss how community coalitions can partner with their local media outlets throughout the month of January 2018, to blanket their communities with stories and information on substance abuse prevention and addiction.
Coalitions attending the summit include: the Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment, St. Regis; Alliance for Better Communities, Watertown; Cayuga County Drug Free Community Coalition; Chenango Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; Essex County Heroin & Opioid Prevention Coalition (ECHO); Lake Placid/Wilmington Connection Youth and Communities Coalition; Massena Drug Free Coalition; Nopiates, Rensselaer County; Ogdensburg Community Group; Oneida County Communities that Care (CTC); Oswego County Prevention Coalition; Project Save Our Community, Harrisville; Rensselaer County Heroin Task Force, Troy; TRACs Coalition, Berlin Central School District; Tri-Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention; Troy Drug Free Community Coalition; YEAH! Coalition, Lowville; and Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Syracuse.
Community substance abuse coalitions wishing to receive further information on how to participate in the 2018 January Media Blitz should contact Marilyn Morey, Community Outreach Coordinator, United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, at 518-431-0247 or [email protected].
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Rodolfo Calvo-Aguilar, age 53, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to time served (112 days in jail) for immigration fraud.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
As part of his guilty plea, Calvo-Aguilar admitted that he possessed a counterfeit alien registration receipt card (a/k/a green card) when Border Patrol Agents encountered him in Burke, New York, on July 1, 2017. Calvo-Aguilar also admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico, and that he was in the United States unlawfully.
Following his sentencing, Calvo-Aguilar was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Mexican Citizen Admits Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jaime Marquez-Venancio, age 50, and a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty yesterday to illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Marquez-Venancio was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on April 28, 2017 and again on May 4, 2017. On September 28, 2017, Marquez-Venancio illegally entered the United States from Canada by walking across the border near Mooers, New York. As Marquez-Venancio walked south away from the border, he was arrested by a Border Patrol Agent.
Marquez-Venancio faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn on February 15, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Salt Lake City Man and Chicago Man Convicted of Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A jury voted yesterday to convict two men of conspiring to defraud the Laurentian Aerospace Corporation (“Laurentian”) of $2.5 million.
Keith Eric Jergensen, age 58, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Debashis Ghosh, age 53, of Chicago Illinois, were found guilty following a 7-day trial before United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith stated: “Jergensen and Ghosh stole $2.5 million from a group of people who founded Laurentian with the hope of building a new business in the North Country. Jergensen and Ghosh quickly gained their victims’ trust, and just as quickly abused it by taking their money and then lying to them about what had occurred. They strung their victims along for years with false promises that their money would be returned. Yesterday’s verdict brought them to justice, brought justice to their victims, and demonstrates our commitment to investigating and prosecuting financial crime.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Vadim D. Thomas stated: “Jergensen and Ghosh abused their investors’ trust, as well as their money. The FBI is dedicated to investigating these crimes because of their lasting impact on the lives of the victims and our community as a whole. Jergensen and Ghosh will now face the serious consequences of their fraudulent actions.”
Judge Sannes is scheduled to sentence the defendants on February 16, 2018. They each face up to 20 years in prison, 2 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine. They may also be ordered to pay restitution to their victims. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The evidence at trial demonstrated that Jergensen and Ghosh were Co-Chief Executive Officers of Verdant Capital Group, LLC (“Verdant”), based in Chicago. Laurentian retained Verdant to raise funds for the construction of an airplane maintenance, repair and overhaul facility to be built in Plattsburgh, New York.
Jergensen and Ghosh asked Laurentian to invest $2.5 million as seed money for the project. They and Laurentian agreed that this money would remain in a Wells Fargo account and could not be moved without the authorization of Laurentian.
Laurentian, drawing on funds contributed by its board members and one outside investor, wired $2.5 million into the Wells Fargo account on December 3, 2010. Five days later, Jergensen and Ghosh began transferring the money out of the account without Laurentian’s authorization, and by March 18, 2011 they had transferred all of the $2.5 million out of the account.
Jergensen and Ghosh used Laurentian’s $2.5 million to pay Verdant’s expenses including employees and contractors, and to pay others, including payments totaling $1.75 million to a now-defunct wind turbine company that Ghosh was a minority owner of; transfers of $96,500 to Jergensen’s company Contour Composites, Inc. of Utah; a $55,000 “loan” to a friend; and payments totaling $14,500 to an Arizona man who was promising them access to union pension funds.
Having spent the money, and as part of their conspiracy, Jergensen and Ghosh then spent several years falsely assuring Laurentian and its investors that their money was safe and secure, with Jergensen going so far as to forge a memorandum of understanding that purported to show that Laurentian’s money was in a secured bank account at Wells Fargo. The victim investors included a retired United States Air Force colonel, a former New York City Deputy Mayor, a retired law firm partner, and several retired executives from the financial and airline industries.The evidence at trial also demonstrated that Jergensen and Ghosh misappropriated an additional $2.4 million in funds that other businesses had entrusted to them.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Cohoes Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Donna M. Smith, age 57, of Cohoes, New York, pled guilty today to making false statements to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to fraudulently obtain Disability Insurance Benefits.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of her plea, Smith admitted to submitting two false statements in which she claimed to have not worked between 2006 and 2015, when in fact she had worked for a total of eight Capital Region employers. Disability Insurance Benefits are designed to replace, in part, the loss of income due to a disability.
Smith faces up to five years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and post-imprisonment supervised release of up to three years when she is sentenced on February 1, 2018 by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. White.
Salina Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Three ChildrenRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Charles Poltenson, 28, of Salina, New York, pled guilty today to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In entering his guilty plea today, Poltenson admitted that he recorded via the internet three minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct over a three-year period.
As part of his guilty plea, Poltenson admitted that from 2014 through 2016 he used the real-time video technology of Skype to chat with numerous female children online. During the course of these Skype chat sessions, Poltenson persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced girls between the ages of 10 and 15 to engage in sexually explicit conduct. While engaging in these online interactions with children, the defendant misrepresented his true-identity, pretending to be a 16- year old teen. Charles Poltenson’s actual age at the time was between 24 and 26 years old.
As part of his guilty plea, Poltenson further admitted that in addition to the live Skype sessions, he also used the internet to send voice recordings with specific instructions about sexually explicit videos he wanted various female children between the ages of 10-15 to create for him. In response to his instructions, girls between the ages of 10 and 15 created sexually explicit videos for the defendant.
United States District Judge Hon. Brenda K. Sannes will sentence Poltenson on April 13, 2018. He faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years imprisonment on each count, with a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment per count. He will be required to serve a term of supervised release of a minimum of 5 years, and up to life, following his term of imprisonment. Poltenson will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This joint investigation was conducted by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Mexican Man Admits Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dario Sanchez-Rosas, 55, of Yonkers, New York, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.
Sanchez-Rosas, a citizen of Mexico, was removed from the United States to Mexico on three separate occasions in 2001. On August 24, 2017, he was encountered and arrested by an ICE Officer in Guilderland, New York. A fingerprint check of Sanchez-Rosas resulted in the discovery of his prior immigration history and the defendant admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2001 removals.
As a result of his conviction, Sanchez-Rosas faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Norman A. Mordue on January 18, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Former Cornell Student Pleads Guilty to Loan FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Cavya Chandra, 26, of Carmel, Indiana, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to one count of student loan fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Debbi Mayer, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General (ED OIG), Northeastern Regional Office.
As part of her guilty plea, Chandra admitted that between 2008 and 2014 she obtained admission to, and attended, three universities—Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (“IUPUI”)—by forging various documents, including academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. The charge to which Chandra pled guilty relates to her fraudulent acceptance of federal student loan money while attending Cornell, but her written plea agreement lays out Chandra’s broader pattern of defrauding several universities.
As part of her guilty plea, Chandra admitted that in 2008 she was denied admission to the freshman class at Cornell University, after which she applied to Carnegie Mellon University. In making that application, Chandra submitted a forged letter of recommendation from a high school teacher. Unaware of this forgery, Carnegie Mellon accepted Chandra’s application and admitted her as a student in the fall of 2009.
In February 2010, during her second semester at Carnegie Mellon, Chandra applied for admission to Cornell as a transfer student. In her transfer application, Chandra submitted a forged transcript to Cornell showing, falsely, that she had received a perfect 4.0 Qualified Point Average (“QPA”) during the fall 2009 semester at Carnegie Mellon. In reality, Chandra had actually received a much lower QPA of 2.79 that semester. Chandra also submitted to Cornell a forged transcript that falsely inflated her high school grades as well as another forged letter of recommendation from a high school teacher.
Unaware of Chandra’s fraud, Cornell admitted Chandra as a transfer student starting in the fall 2010 semester. While enrolled at Cornell, Chandra ultimately received more than $130,000.00 in financial aid, much of which was federal direct student loan money provided by the United States Department of Education. Cornell also provided tens of thousands of dollars in grant assistance to Chandra during her time as a student at Cornell.
In 2013, while still enrolled at Cornell, Chandra began the process of applying for medical school through the American Medical College Application Service (“AMCAS”). As part of her medical school application, Chandra submitted forged transcripts from Carnegie Mellon and from Cornell.
AMCAS reported to Cornell that it suspected Chandra had submitted a fraudulent transcript, and Cornell launched an internal investigation, during which it uncovered Chandra’s previous admissions fraud. When confronted by a university official, Chandra admitted that she had falsified information in her transfer application, and Cornell expelled Chandra in November 2013.
Following her expulsion from Cornell, Chandra applied for admission as a transfer student to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). In doing so, Chandra again submitted forged copies of her Carnegie Mellon and Cornell transcripts, both of which contained falsely inflated grades. IUPUI admitted Chandra as a transfer student and gave her credit for a number of classes that she did not actually take or pass at Cornell. IUPUI conferred a bachelor’s degree on Chandra in 2015. When Chandra’s fraud came to light the following year, IUPUI rescinded Chandra’s degree.
The charge filed against Chandra carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to one year. Chandra will be sentenced at a date not yet scheduled by United States Magistrate Judge David E. Peebles. Judge Peebles will formulate a sentence based on the particular statute Chandra is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. In this case, however, Chandra and the United States have agreed in their plea agreement to recommend that Judge Peebles impose a sentence of 5 years of Probation during which Chandra would be required to disclose her plea agreement and criminal conviction to any and all universities she attends while on probation, to disclose to her probation officer any new applications for financial aid, and to abide by an existing repayment agreement with Cornell University requiring her to pay Cornell an outstanding financial aid balance of $70,145.81. The parties have also agreed to recommend that Chandra pay a fine of $1,000 as part of her sentence.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General with assistance from Cornell University, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joshua Lozo, 36, of Troy, New York, pled guilty to one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany, New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his guilty pleas, Lozo admitted that between approximately December 1, 2015 and December 14, 2016, he used the Internet and file sharing software to download child pornography videos and still images. A forensic examination of electronic items seized from Lozo’s residence identified approximately 25 child pornography videos and approximately 350 still images of child pornography.
As a result of his convictions, Lozo now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2019, 2018 before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.
Schenectady Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dujuan Pleasant, 35, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to serve 120 months in prison for distributing crack cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered that Pleasant serve a four-year term of supervised release following his release from federal prison.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Pleasant, who pled guilty in June 2017, admitted that he distributed over 100 grams of crack cocaine in 2016. He also admitted that he possessed an Arminius .22 caliber revolver, a Kel-Tec .32 caliber semi-automatic handgun, 33 rounds of ammunition, several digital scales, as well as cocaine and ecstasy at his residence. Pleasant admitted that he kept both firearms in his residence to protect his drugs and drug proceeds from third parties.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
Mexican Man Admits Illegal Transportation of Alien Within the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Wilder Arreola-Medel, 45, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pled guilty today to transporting an alien within the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
In pleading guilty, Arreola-Medel admitted that on September 17, 2017, while driving his car along the international border near Chateaugay, New York, he picked up a Mexican citizen who had just crossed the border illegally from Canada, and was driving her away from the border area when he was stopped and arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Arreola-Medel admitted that he intended to transport the Mexican citizen to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
As a result of his conviction, Arreola-Medel faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervision of up to 3 years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on February 2, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The smuggled alien, Judith Hernandez-Daniel of Mexico, pled guilty to Entering the United States Without Inspection by Immigration Authorities, and was sentenced to a 20-day period of imprisonment on October 3, 2017.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, Burke Station, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Guatemalan Man Arrested in Guilderland, NY Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Diego Efrain Ceto De Leon, 24, of Guatemala, was sentenced today to time served (27 days), for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea, Ceto De Leon admitted that he was an alien, a citizen of Guatemala, and that he illegally returned to the United States after he was removed to Guatemala on July 29, 2014.
On September 16, 2017, Ceto De Leon was encountered and arrested by ICE officers in Guilderland, New York. A fingerprint check of Ceto De Leon resulted in the discovery of the prior removal.
Following the sentencing, Ceto De Leon was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place him into removal proceedings.
The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Glenville Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Glenn Mears, 44, of Glenville, New York, pled guilty today to one count of distributing and ten counts of possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
As part of his guilty plea, Mears admitted to distributing child pornography using the Internet-based messaging application, “Kik,” and to possessing images and videos of child pornography on ten compact discs. Mears also admitted that he possessed child pornography involving prepubescent children and children under 12 years of age.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2018, in Albany, New York.
Mears, who is detained pending sentencing, faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison on the distribution of child pornography count, and faces a total of 160 years imprisonment on the possession counts. Mears will receive a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by HSI and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Albany Felon Sentenced for Possession of Semi-Automatic Rifle and HandgunRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Jason Twiss, 29, of Albany, New York, was sentenced today to serve 80 months in prison for illegally possessing a loaded semi-automatic rifle and a loaded 9-milimeter handgun as a convicted felon, carrying firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered that Twiss serve a three-year term of supervised release following his release from federal prison on the three felony counts.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division.
As part of his November 22, 2016 guilty plea, Twiss admitted that on December 10, 2014, he drove to Kingston, New York, to purchase heroin for later distribution. While in the Kingston Hospital parking lot, Twiss carried and displayed a loaded Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a 30-round magazine, and a loaded Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, to guard against the theft of funds he brought to purchase the narcotics.
A prior felony conviction in Florida on narcotics-related charges prohibited Twiss from legally possessing a firearm in New York.
This case was investigated by ATF and the Kingston Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Mexican Man Admits Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juan Carlos Cruz Figueroa, 30, of Mexico, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.
Cruz Figueroa was removed from the United States to Mexico on September 22, 2007 and again on November 7, 2007. On September 11, 2017, he encountered and arrested by an ICE officer in Saratoga, New York. A fingerprint check of Cruz Figueroa resulted in the discovery of the prior removals. Cruz Figueroa admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2007 removals.
As a result of his conviction, Cruz Figueroa faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn on February 1, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Guatemalan Man Admits Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gerardo Froilan Lopez Velazquez, 51, of Guatemala, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.
Lopez Velazquez was removed from the United States to Guatemala on January 30, 2014 and again on April 9, 2014. On September 7, 2017, he was encountered and arrested by an ICE officer in Middleburgh, New York. A fingerprint check of Lopez Velazquez resulted in the discovery of the prior removals. Lopez Velazquez admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2014 removals.
As a result of his conviction, Lopez Velazquez faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn on February 1, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - Nicholas Feminella, 21, formerly of Danby, New York, was sentenced today to serve 72 months in prison for transporting and possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Feminella admitted that he transported videos of child pornography by uploading them from his computer to a Drop Box account. On November 3, 2015, investigators searched Feminella’s residence in Danby, New York and recovered thousands of images and hundreds of videos depicting child pornography.
Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, which will start after Feminella is released from prison, and ordered him to pay $20,000.00 in restitution to the victims, and a $200 special assessment. As a result of his conviction, Feminella will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the New York State Police-Computer Crime Unit and Investigators from the New York State Police, Troop C.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Celso Diaz Ramirez, 39, of Guatemala, was sentenced today to time served (34 days), for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.
As part of his guilty plea, Diaz Ramirez admitted that he was an alien, a citizen of Guatemala, and that he illegally returned to the United States after he was removed to Guatemala on July 8, 2014.
Diaz Ramirez was previously removed on May 27, 2011, February 1, 2012, April 9, 2012 and May 13, 2013.
On September 7, 2017, Diaz Ramirez was encountered and arrested by ICE officers in Middleburgh, New York.
Following the sentencing, Diaz Ramirez was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place him into removal proceedings.
The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Former NYS Deputy Secretary of State Sentenced to Serve Thirty Months in Prison for PerjuryRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Felix Strevell, 56, of Castleton, New York, was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, in connection with his guilty plea to five counts of perjury.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach, II, and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Strevell admitted that from 1997 to 1999, he served as a Deputy Secretary of State for the State of New York. He left that position in December 1999 to serve as the head of the state-funded Institute for Entrepreneurship, which he led until July 2001. In 2007, Strevell pled guilty in federal court to defrauding New York State while leading the Institute, including using Institute funds to give himself a $95,000.00 lump-sum raise without the approval of the Institute’s Board of Directors. He also admitted to improperly using Institute funds to pay for his personal expenses and those of his family.
In March 2009, the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York entered a judgment against Strevell for this conviction, requiring him to pay $111,500.00 in restitution to New York State, the victim of his offense. The judgment required Strevell to pay restitution at a minimum rate of $100 per month, or 10 percent of his gross monthly earnings, whichever was greater, and to pay full restitution immediately if at any time he had the resources to do so.
In December 2014, the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York deposed Strevell under oath to determine whether he was complying with his restitution obligation. When questioned about how he was able to make a $75,440.00 down payment on a lease with an option to purchase a 138.55-acre horse farm in Rensselaer County in April and May 2013, Strevell falsely testified that his mother and aunt provided most of the funds to make the down payment. In fact, neither Strevell’s mother, nor aunt, contributed any money toward the down payment.
Strevell also lied during that deposition about whether he had paid for his daughter’s wedding in May 2014, falsely testifying that he contributed only “a couple thousand dollars” toward wedding expenses. In fact, Strevell paid for most of the wedding, contributing more than $30,000.00, including $10,435.00 in cash to one vendor directly, and transferring tens of thousands of dollars from his business to his daughter.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police and the FBI, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey C. Coffman and Michael Barnett.
Schenectady Man Sentenced for Possession of Handgun as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tameen “Nitty” Johnson, 39, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to serve 235 months in prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun as a prior convicted felon. Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered that Johnson serve a five-year term of supervised release following his release from federal prison.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
After a three-day jury trial in January 2017, Johnson was convicted of possessing a Hi-Point JCP .40 caliber firearm loaded with seven rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The evidence at trial established the handgun had a defaced serial number and that Johnson provided it to another man inside a convenience store in Schenectady in exchange for $200. Johnson, after asking if the firearm would be used “to book somebody,” showed the man how to operate the firearm so that he could “handle his business,” and repeatedly warned him not to lose the “hammer.”
Johnson, who was charged as an Armed Career Criminal because he has at least three previous convictions for serious drug offenses or violent felonies, faced a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Johnson’s prior criminal history includes prior felony convictions for drug offenses, attempted robbery, attempted burglary, and assault.
This prosecution resulted from an investigation by the Capital District Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the New York State Police, the Schenectady Police Department, the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York Air National Guard.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
Former Postal Worker Sentenced for Stealing Money OrdersRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Naisha Wiley, 35, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to a three-year term of probation for stealing $10,000 in money orders from the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area for the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, and Inspector in Charge Shelly A. Binkowski, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
In pleading guilty, Wiley admitted that while working part-time as a retail clerk in Post Offices in Montgomery County in 2016 and 2017, she stole U.S. Postal Service money orders totaling $10,000. She also admitted to stealing gift cards from the mail.
Senior United States Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered Wiley to pay $10,170.00 in restitution to her victims, and complete 50 hours of community service.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Earlton Man Sentenced to Time Served on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Twiss, 59, of Earlton, New York, was sentenced today to time served (approximately five months) for possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his March 20, 2017 guilty plea, Twiss admitted that on October 24, 2016, he possessed a Plainfield M-1, Model 41 semi-automatic rifle on his residential property in Earlton.
Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also imposed a three-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Belliss.
Morrisville Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Michael Caraher, age 27, of Morrisville, New York, pled guilty today to one count of distribution of child pornography, three counts of receipt of child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Caraher admitted to using a custom-built desktop computer to access child pornography-oriented Internet sites, including at least one on the anonymous “Tor” network, for the purpose of downloading child pornography. Caraher also admitted to using peer-to-peer file-sharing software on a laptop computer to download additional child pornography. Overall, Caraher downloaded and saved over 100 videos and almost one thousand images depicting child pornography. Caraher further admitted to using an instant messaging application on his smartphone to trade the child pornography he had downloaded with other users.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 16, 2018, in Syracuse, New York.
Caraher, who is detained in custody pending sentencing, faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years on the charges for distribution and receipt of child pornography. Caraher faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years on all eight counts. The Court is also required to impose a term of supervised release between five (5) years and life, and Caraher 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 charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors
This case was investigated by the Albany Division of the FBI (Syracuse Resident Agency), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Fort Edward Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael R. Bush, age 49, of Fort Edward, New York, was sentenced today to 121 months in prison following his guilty plea to receiving child pornography.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his guilty plea, Bush admitted that in October 2016 he used his phone to download from the Internet over 20 image files containing child pornography. The images depicted sexual abuse of children as young as 3 years old.
In sentencing Bush, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino told him that the children in the images he received “are victims in every conceivable sense.”
“Images of child pornography involve real children,” she said. “These are not caricatures. These are not made-up images.” Bush was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release following his prison sentence. He must also register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI, New York State Police and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Giovannetti.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/
North Country Woman Sentenced on Methamphetamine-Related ChargeRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Cayla Wujek, age 25, formerly of Lewis County, was sentenced yesterday to serve 66 months imprisonment for possessing pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt of the New York Division and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.
As part of her previous guilty plea, Wujeck admitted that between January 2014 and July 2016, she purchased pseudoephedrine pills with an aggregate weight of 94 grams from different drug stores in and around Lewis County. Wujek knew there were restrictions on the sale of pseudoephedrine, and so, to avoid scrutiny, often rotated the stores from which she bought the pills. Wujek purchased the pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to illegally manufacture methamphetamine, and gave the pills she had purchased to others for that purpose. In return, Wujek received finished methamphetamine from the methamphetamine “cooks,” or, in some cases, received heroin in exchange for the pills.
Wujek, who has been detained since her arrest on April 21, 2017, entered her guilty plea on May 31, 2017. After completing her 66-month term of imprisonment, Wujek will serve a term of supervised release of at least 3 years.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police (NYSP), including the NYSP Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCERT), the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Eurenius.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Filiberto Moran Vasquez, age 50, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to time served (23 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Moran Vasquez admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico, and that he illegally returned to the United States after he was removed to Mexico on June 6, 2007. Moran Vasquez had also previously been removed on February 7, 2007.
On September 11, 2017, Moran Vasquez was arrested by ICE officers in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Following the sentencing, Moran Vasquez was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
The case was investigated by ICE-ERO in Albany and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Mattydale Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Steven Doty, 53, of Mattydale, New York, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to serve 15 years in prison to be followed by a 15 year term of supervised release in connection with his previous plea of guilty to two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. As a result of his conviction, Gonyea will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The announcement was made by the Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In pleading guilty, Doty admitted to using peer-to-peer software to distribute videos of child pornography on July 6, 2015 and from July 16, 2016 through July 29, 2016. Doty also admitted to downloading a file directory containing approximately one-thousand (1000) images of child pornography and possessing thirty-two (32) “hard core” videos.
This case was investigated by the Albany Division of the FBI (Syracuse Resident Agency) and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Levine.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Keeseville Man Sentenced for Unlawful Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kenneth R. Carte, Jr., age 27, of Keeseville, New York, was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Office; and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.
As part of his guilty plea on June 1, 2017, Carte admitted that on November 17, 2016, he sold a Remington Model 870 Express shotgun and a box of Remington .410 shotgun shells to another person. At the time, he was a felon, having been convicted of criminal possession of stolen property. Investigators also recovered from Carte’s house a loaded Remington Model 742 semi-automatic rifle.
Chief Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Carte to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police Troop B Gun Unit and the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Jury Convicts Brooklyn Man of Intending to Distribute Large Quantities of Cocaine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - A jury today convicted Oniel McKenzie, age 37, of Brooklyn, New York, of possession with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana found in Rensselaer County.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The jury’s verdict followed a 3-day trial before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. The evidence at trial showed that on October 4, 2013, McKenzie possessed 60 kilograms of cocaine in an apartment in North Greenbush, and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in a storage unit he rented in Rensselaer, New York, and in a Jeep he was driving.
McKenzie faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least 5 years and up to lifetime post-imprisonment supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000 when he is sentenced on February 1, 2018 by Judge D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the DEA and its Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon.