Northern District of New York

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Willy Rodriguez, 32, of Boston, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to a term of “time served,” (7 ½ months) in prison by Senior United States District Court Judge Frederick J. Scullin, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Thomas P. Brophy, Acting Field Office Director, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations (ICE/ERO), Buffalo Field Office. In December 2016, Rodriguez pled guilty to a violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which prohibits previously removed aliens from entering, attempting to enter, or being found in the United States without prior application and consent of the Department of Homeland Security. Rodriguez will now be eligible for removal proceedings from the United States.

Rodrigueaz was prosecuted after he was encountered by City of Amsterdam Police and ICE officers in Amsterdam, New York on August 23, 2016. ICE determined that Rodriguez was an alien unlawfully present in the United States and arrested him. A check of Rodriguez’s fingerprints by ICE indicated that he had been deported and removed from the United States to the Dominican Republic in 2011. Rodriguez was removed to his native Dominican Republic in 2011 after he was convicted in Providence, Rhode Island of a drug trafficking offense.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO), with the assistance of the Amsterdam NY Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Stacey E. Mendoza, age 40, of Albany, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

As part of her guilty plea, Mendoza admitted that on the evening of June 21, 2016, she fired a 12-gauge shotgun out of the window of a third-story apartment on Clinton Avenue, during a dispute with a neighbor. As a convicted felon, Mendoza could not legally possess the Winchester Model 1300 pump-action shotgun.

Mendoza, who has been in custody since December 12, 2016, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9, 2017 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. She faces up to 10 years in prison and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The case was investigated by ATF and the Albany Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Giovannetti.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Pampalone, age 34, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, pled guilty today to defrauding a Rensselaer, New York, resident of $132,450.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division.

As part of his guilty plea, Pampalone admitted that he stole money that he had promised to hold in escrow for a client seeking a mortgage. After the client sent him two wires totaling $132,450, Pampalone withdrew the money and used it for his own purposes.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Pampalone faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - In response to the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the Oswego County Prevention Coalition and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York are jointly sponsoring a community event April 11th at the Oswego Elks Lodge.

The evening begins at 5:30 PM with agency resource tables and will feature a 6:30 PM showing of “Chasing the Dragon,” a 45-minute documentary film that profiles the stories of real people and their families experiencing opiate addiction, loss and treatment. Created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), “Chasing the Dragon” profiles the cycle of addiction and looks at the tragic consequences associated with opioid abuse. Immediately following the film will be an interactive community panel discussion focusing on the local response in Oswego to the epidemic of opiate drug addiction.

April 11, 2017 – Anti-Opiate/Heroin Community Event

5:30 PM resource tables

6:30 – 8:30 PM “Chasing the Dragon” Documentary and Community Panel

Oswego Elks Lodge, 132 West 5th Street, Oswego, NY 13126

United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian said, “The opioid drug epidemic has afflicted communities, families, and individuals throughout the thirty-two counties of the Northern District of New York and across the nation. My office will continue to work with local drug coalitions to bring ‘Chasing the Dragon: the Life of an Opiate Addict’ and its powerful prevention message to a wide audience. Only by working together to prevent the tragedy of addiction and loss, can we begin to overcome this grave threat to public health and safety.”

The documentary features interviews with former addicts and their families discussing the effects of addiction, and how the opiate epidemic is unlike any this country has seen in the past. Also included are medical and law enforcement professionals discussing opiate drugs and the current crisis. “Chasing the Dragon” provides a vivid and thought provoking message of prevention and includes strong language and graphic images suitable for children age 12 and up.

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Markell Reyes, age 19, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was indicted yesterday for possessing crack cocaine and heroin with the intent to distribute them.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector; and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

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

According to a complaint filed on March 21, 2017, Reyes got out of a taxi in Ogdensburg, New York, and fled on foot after he encountered a Border Patrol agent who had been questioning the driver of the taxi. He was ultimately detained and a search of his bag, which was left in the taxi, revealed approximately 60 grams of crack, 250 bags of heroin, and a revolver.

On March 21, 2017, Reyes appeared in Plattsburgh, before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro, and was detained pending a trial before United States District Court Judge David N. Hurd. If convicted on all counts, Reyes faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison; a term of post-imprisonment supervision of at least 4 years and up to life; and a fine of up to $5 million. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juan Gonzalez Hernandez, age 26, of Mexico, was sentenced today to time served (27 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Thomas P. Brophy, Acting Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

As part of his guilty plea, Gonzalez Hernandez admitted that he returned to the United States after he was removed to Mexico on April 28, 2012 and again on May 7, 2012.

On March 7, 2017, Gonzalez Hernandez was arrested by ICE Officers at a residence in Hudson Falls, New York.

Following his sentencing, Gonzalez Hernandez was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Gonzalez Hernandez into removal proceedings.

This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Manish Patel, age 43, and a citizen of India, pled guilty today to use of a false passport, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian.

As part of his guilty plea, Patel admitted to presenting a forged Indian passport to Border Patrol agents in the early-morning hours of January 20, 2017. Patel used the forged passport –which was in another person’s name, but bore Patel’s photograph – to fly from India to Toronto, by way of London, prior to illegally entering the United States.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. before Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. Patel faces up to 10 years in prison and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. 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 Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Bobby Lemon, 36, of McRae, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday to serve a term of imprisonment of 12 months and one day in connection with his plea of guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return and filing a false income tax return, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Kathy A. Enstrom, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office. Lemon was also ordered to pay $115,391 in restitution and will serve a one–year term of supervised release following his release from prison.

On March 25, 2016, Lemon, a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Army, pled guilty and admitted to preparing false tax returns for soldiers while deployed to Afghanistan and while stationed at Fort Drum, New York. The defendant used false information, such as filing status and dependents, to generate fraudulent refunds, a portion of which was deposited in his personal bank account. Lemon prepared 30 false income tax returns for the 2011 and 2012 tax years and did not disclose the fraudulent refund payments he received on his own income tax return.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert J. Seifert, age 58, of Canandaigua, New York, pled guilty today to threatening to commit a mass shooting at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Donna L. Neves of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office.

Seifert pled guilty to a charge of making an interstate threat to injure another. He admitted that on June 15, 2016, he made a phone call to a Veterans Crisis Line operator in Portland, Oregon, in which he stated “I got an Uzi and I wanna kill everybody at the Albany VA,” “Watch what happens when I get to the Albany VA with my Uzi and I start shooting people up,” and “I’m going to [expletive] kill everybody there.”

Seifert has been in custody since July 14, 2016. As part of the plea agreement, the government and Seifert’s attorney asked the Court to impose a sentence of time served at the time of sentencing, as well as 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2017 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kimberly Powell, age 38, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to serve 37 months in prison for her participation in a Jamaica-based lottery scam that targeted elderly victims.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division.

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Powell to a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin once she completes her prison term.

As part of her August 3, 2016 guilty plea to mail fraud charges, Powell admitted to working with her husband Jeragh Powell, and others, to mail false lottery prize notifications to mostly elderly people located throughout the United States. The fraudulent prize notification letters congratulated the victims on winning a recent drawing and instructed them to pay tens of thousands of dollars in “fees and taxes,” and “shipping and handling,” in order to receive their purported prize money and cars. Members of the conspiracy located in Jamaica also communicated with the victims by telephone, directing them to make payments to people in the United States.

Kimberly Powell and her husband Jeragh Powell, age 26 and a citizen of Jamaica, received more than $65,000 from victims of the scheme, and forwarded a large portion of the proceeds to Jeragh Powell’s associates in Jamaica. Jeragh Powell was prosecuted and also pled guilty to mail fraud. On January 31, 2017, Judge D’Agostino sentenced him to 41 months in prison.

This case was investigated by the USPIS, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Schenectady Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.

UTICA, NEW YORK – Gilberto Trevizo-Molina, age 46, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to time served (50 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

As part of his guilty plea, Trevizo-Molina admitted that he unlawfully returned to the United States after he was removed to Mexico on May 29, 2007.

On February 8, 2017, Trevizo-Molina was arrested by Border Patrol agents, who encountered him as a passenger in a vehicle that stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint on New York State Route 30. He was residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the time of his arrest.

Following his sentencing by United States District Judge David N. Hurd, Trevizo-Molina was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Trevizo-Molina into removal proceedings.

This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Carlos Ochoa, age 31, of Puerto Rico, was arraigned today on charges that he accepted a bribe from an inmate while he was a corrections officer at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Ray Brook.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Ronald G. Gardella, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Ochoa is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery by a public official, and providing contraband to a federal inmate.

According to the indictment, Ochoa agreed to accept money in exchange for smuggling an iPhone to Richard Coleman, an inmate at FCI Ray Brook. Ochoa then successfully smuggled the iPhone into the facility and provided it to Coleman, who used the phone to communicate with people outside of the facility. The phone was discovered during a cell search on March 8, 2013.

In addition to Ochoa, the indictment charges Coleman with conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery of a public official, and possession of contraband by a federal inmate.

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

If convicted of all charges, Ochoa faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Ochoa appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro, who ordered Ochoa detained pending trial before Senior United States Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Ochoa was already in custody on federal charges in Puerto Rico. He is accused there of accepting a bribe as a corrections officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, as well as supplying a firearm and ammunition to a prohibited person, and attempting to aid and abet possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Kopita and Douglas Collyer.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – A jury today convicted Edwin Ferrer, age 44, of Schenectady, New York, of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, as well as a small quantity of crack cocaine.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division.

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 December 18, 2015, Ferrer was driving his Cadillac SUV in Schenectady when he accidentally shot himself in the leg with his Smith & Wesson pistol. Investigators searched his SUV and recovered the pistol, four rounds of ammunition, and approximately a quarter of a gram of crack cocaine. As a felon, Ferrer was prohibited from possessing the pistol and ammunition.

Ferrer faces up 10 years in prison, 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on July 26, 2017 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 ATF and the Schenectady Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –James L. Archer, Sr., age 52, of Au Sable Forks, New York, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; United States Marshal David McNulty of the Northern District of New York; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Clinton County Sheriff David Favro.

On August 22, 2016, members of the United States Marshals Service, ATF, and Clinton County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Archer’s residence in Ausable Forks and found 8 firearms and approximately 1,757 rounds of ammunition hidden on the property. As a result of felony sex abuse convictions, Archer was prohibited from possessing the firearms and ammunition.

Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue also ordered Archer to serve 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, ATF, and the Clinton County Sherriff’s Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Anthony Vita, 37, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty today to distributing a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2017 at 11:00 am before Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. According to the terms of the plea agreement, Vita will be sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment. He also faces a term of supervised release of between three years and life, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a special assessment of $100.

As part of his guilty plea today, Vita admitted that on November 7, 2015, he sold seven bags of heroin laced with fentanyl to a 24-year-old woman who was five months pregnant. Before the sale, the victim told Vita that she had not used heroin in five months and asked him to provide her with a syringe. As requested, he delivered a syringe and seven bags of the heroin/fentanyl mixture. She injected the mixture and died due to acute opiate intoxication.

“Today the defendant accepted responsibility for killing a young woman by selling her heroin laced with fentanyl. Thanks to the collaborative investigation by local police, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA, the defendant is being held accountable, but the victim’s family continues to endure their unimaginable loss of a 24-year-old woman who was five months pregnant and struggling to overcome her addiction. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold drug dealers accountable for fatal overdoses,” said United States Attorney Hartunian.

DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, “There is no happy ending to this investigation, but justice has been served. DEA and our law enforcement partners used every resource to identify, track and arrest the defendant, who has pled guilty and will spend the next fifteen years behind bars.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Syracuse Resident Office (with Assistance from DEA Norfolk, Virginia Resident Office), the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department and the Town of Camillus (New York) Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla Freedman and Tamara Thomson.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Luis Augusto Santos Alonzo, age 50, of New York, New York, was sentenced today to one year in jail for making a false statement to federal officers during an immigration inspection.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Steven Bronson, United States Customs and Border Protection Port Director for the Champlain Port of Entry.

On January 24, 2017, Santos Alonzo pled guilty. He admitted that he provided a false name and falsely claimed to be a United States citizen, born in Puerto Rico and residing in Pennsylvania, during an immigration inspection at the Champlain Port of Entry on June 18, 2016. Santos Alonzo admitted that he was in fact a citizen of the Dominican Republic and a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Senior United States Judge Norman A. Mordue also imposed a 3-year period of supervised release, to begin after Alonzo’s release from jail.

This case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Paul A. Light, age 46, of Albany, New York, pled guilty today to distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Light maintained a collection of least 5,027 image files and 597 video files containing child pornography stored on at least 9 different computers and external hard drives. Using an online file-sharing website, Light distributed and received child pornography on at least 7 occasions from approximately March 28, 2015 through October 26, 2015.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2017 before Senior United States Judge Gary L. Sharpe. Light faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least 5 years and up to lifetime post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine. He will also have to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison. 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon B. Shinerock.

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/.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Gilbert Gonyea, 60, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced today to serve 72 months in prison for receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his guilty plea, Gonyea admitted that he was in receipt of over fifteen hundred (1,500) images and approximately nine (9) videos depicting child pornography. On November 5, 2014, investigators searched Gonyea’s residence and recovered numerous DVDs and CDs on which Gonyea stored child pornography and had labeled “Downloads” with corresponding dates or years for when such images had been received from the internet.

Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a life term of supervised release, which will begin after Gonyea is released from prison, and ordered payment of a $100 special assessment. As a result of his conviction, Gonyea will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher and Assistant United States Attorney Sahar L. Amandolare.

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.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Krystal L. Moreno, 31, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced today to serve eighteen (18) months in prison for wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Special Agent in Charge Vadim D. Thomas, Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach. Her prison term will be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Moreno to pay $213,948.09 in restitution to the thirty-five victims of her crime.

Monroe pled guilty to wire fraud on September 19, 2016 in connection with a scheme to defraud timeshare owners. As part of the fraud, Moreno received over $200,000 in wire transfers to bank accounts she opened in Texas. Victims of the scheme, including a resident of Clinton, New York, wired money believing that their timeshares would be sold when, in fact, no buyers existed.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carina H. Schoenberger and Robert S. Levine.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – James M. Moody, 42, of Oswego, New York, was sentenced today to serve eighty-four (84) months in prison for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge, Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his guilty plea, Moody admitted that he distributed images of child pornography using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program. On October 23, 2015, investigators searched Moody’s residence, and recovered 60 images and 40 videos depicting child pornography.

United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release, which will begin following Moody’s release from prison, and ordered payment of a $300 special assessment. The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and 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.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard S. Buffham, 49, of West Monroe, New York, was sentenced today to serve 262 months in prison for distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The conviction was the result of a joint investigation by HSI, the New York State Police Troop D Computer Crime Unit, and the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI-Pulaski).

As part of his guilty plea, Buffham admitted that he distributed images of child pornography in an online chat group on September 23, 2015, September 24, 2015, and September 27, 2015. A search warrant of the defendant’s home and computer was executed on June 16, 2016, leading to the recovery of evidence.

Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release, which will start after Buffham is released from prison, and ordered payment of a $300 special assessment. As a result of his conviction, Buffham will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey 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.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Harold Jones, 23, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to serve thirty (30) months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the New York Field Office of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

As part of his previous guilty plea, Jones admitted that on April 20, 2016, he possessed and sold a Smith & Wesson model .40 caliber pistol and twelve (12) rounds of .40 caliber ammunition for $600. Jones was prohibited from possessing the pistol and ammunition because he was convicted of prior felony offenses.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a three (3) year term of supervised release, which will start after Jones is released from prison, and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.

This case was investigated by ATF (Syracuse Resident Office) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Parker S. Sikand, age 25, of Ballston Spa, New York, was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Sikand to serve a 15-year term of supervised release, to begin after his release from prison, and to pay restitution, in an amount to be determined by Judge D’Agostino at a later time, to a child pornography victim whose images Sikand possessed. Sikand must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

As part of his November 23, 2016 guilty plea, Sikand admitted that while living in Troy, New York, in September and October 2012, he distributed, received and possessed videos depicting children, some as young as 2-3 years old, engaged in sexual acts. He admitted to distributing and receiving these videos through an Internet peer-to-peer file-sharing service, and to possessing them on a laptop computer and a separate computer hard drive.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

This case is 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/.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Marc T. Woodley., age 32, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced today to 16 months in prison following his conviction for unlawfully possessing a shotgun.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Plattsburgh Police Chief Ken Parkinson.

Woodley was sentenced for possessing a Mossberg shotgun on June 22, 2015 after he called Plattsburgh Police to report a burglary at his apartment. Responding officers found nearly a pound of marijuana and the shotgun in Woodley’s bedroom. A further search of Woodley’s apartment revealed multiple smoking devices and a digital scale. As part of the burglary investigation, officers determined that an additional one and a half pounds of marijuana had been stolen from Woodley. As a user of marijuana, a controlled substance, Woodley was federally prohibited from possessing the Mossberg shotgun.

Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Woodley to serve 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Plattsburgh Police Department with assistance from the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.

ALBANY, NEW YORK –Harpushpinder Singh, age 46, of Richmond Hill, New York, was sentenced Friday to time served (9 months in jail) as a result of his trial conviction for transporting aliens unlawfully present in the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

Singh, an Indian citizen residing in Richmond Hill, Queens, was convicted after trial in October 2016 of transporting two Indian citizens who were in the country illegally, from Champlain, New York, until he encountered the Border Patrol immigration checkpoint on Interstate 87 in North Hudson, New York.

Singh had been incarcerated since his arrest on June 12, 2016. As part of his sentence issued by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, Singh will also serve one year of post-imprisonment supervised release.

This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Michael Kimball, age 29, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years and 1 month in prison for distributing, transporting, and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian 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 on October 20, 2016, Kimball admitted that he distributed child pornography to others over the Internet, downloaded child pornography, and saved it to electronic devices. Kimball worked at a daycare facility prior to his arrest on child pornography charges.

Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue also imposed a life term of supervised release to start after Kimball is released from prison. As a result of his conviction, Kimball will be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.

This case is 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/.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Twiss, age 59, of Earlton, New York, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian 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, Twiss admitted that on October 24, 2016, he possessed, at his residence, a Plainfield M-1, Model 41 semi-automatic rifle. As a felon, Twiss could not possess the Plainfield rifle.

Twiss faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2017 before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bobbi A. Constantine, formerly Robert Bove, age 49, of Albany, New York, pled guilty today to making false statements in connection with a federal employment application. Constantine also appeared today on a new criminal complaint charging her with wire fraud and Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) fraud.

The announcements were made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Inspector in Charge Shelly A. Binkowski, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division; and Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area for the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG).

As part of her guilty plea in the false statements case, Constantine admitted that, in May 2016, she submitted an application for employment to the United States Postal Service in Troy, New York. That application contained two false statements: (1) that she had never been convicted of a crime and (2) that she was employed from September 2000 to “present” as an administrative assistant. In fact, Constantine had multiple criminal convictions, and was not continuously employed during that time.

Constantine, who has been detained since her September 2016 arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior United States Judge Thomas J. McAvoy on June 12, 2017. She faces up to 5 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

In the wire fraud and SSI fraud case, the complaint alleges that Constantine defrauded mortgage and automobile lenders by falsely portraying herself as the sole beneficiary of a trust with assets of more than $12 million. According to the complaint, she used fraudulent trust documents to, among other things, purchase a home in Albany, a condominium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and two new vehicles. If convicted of wire fraud, Constantine would face up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.

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

The complaint also alleges that Constantine applied for SSI benefits in March 2014, claiming that she suffered from impairments, including deafness, that caused her to be unable to work. Constantine was awarded SSI benefits in May 2014. During a February 2015 continuing eligibility review, according to the complaint, Constantine claimed to have received no income since her initial May 2014 eligibility review, and failed to disclose that she had received numerous checks and wires totaling $40,000, into a trust account she concealed from the Social Security Administration. Had Constantine disclosed her resources, or her purchase of a second home in South Carolina, her SSI payments would have been reduced or terminated. If convicted of SSI fraud, Constantine would face up to 5 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years.

These cases are being investigated by the USPIS, the USPS-OIG, the New York State Police, and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Vantroy Nelson, 36, of Watertown, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve forty-two 42 months (3 ½ years) in prison following his guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division, United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The charges stemmed from an incident on December 21, 2013 where Nelson fired a shotgun from the back porch of a residence in the city of Watertown, New York. Nelson was also ordered to serve three (3) years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Watertown (New York) Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - Nathan E. Boguhn, 50, of Vestal, New York, pled guilty yesterday to three (3) counts of distributing and receiving child pornography via the internet and using a file sharing program, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Vadim Thomas, Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his guilty plea before Senior Judge Thomas J. McAvoy, Boguhn admitted that in 2016 he downloaded child pornography from the internet and allowed others access to this material through a file sharing program he maintained.

At sentencing on July 18, 2017 Boguhn faces minimum sentence of five (5) years and up to twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Boguhn remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service pending sentencing.

This case is being investigated by the Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes the FBI and the New York State Police, with assistance provided by the Town of Vestal (New York) Police Department, 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.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Audrey Bush, 46, of Akwesasne, Quebec, was sentenced yesterday to serve ten (10) months imprisonment, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release in connection with her plea of guilty to two counts of Transporting Illegal Aliens, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and United States Border Patrol Agent in Charge (Ogdensburg) Timothy Morgan. The defendant’s sentence included forfeiture of $1000, the fee she received for driving the aliens to Syracuse, New York.

As part of her guilty plea on November 9, 2016, Bush admitted to knowingly transporting two (2) Chinese citizens within the United States. Bush admitted that she picked up the two aliens at the Akwesasne Reservation and began to drive them to Syracuse, New York. Law enforcement officers stopped her vehicle in Hammond, New York, at which time the aliens were identified and determined to be in the United States illegally after crossing the St. Lawrence River from Canada without inspection by U.S. Immigration officers.

The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol (Ogdensburg, NY Station) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron M. Bowman, age 33, of Middleburgh, New York, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm that he advertised for sale on Facebook.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.

As part of his plea on November 3, 2016, Bowman admitted that on March 11, 2016, he possessed a Smith & Wesson model 432PD .32 caliber revolver, and ammunition for 3 types of firearms. Six months earlier, Bowman had posted photos of the same revolver to his Facebook page and offered to sell it. As a felon Bowman was prohibited from possessing the revolver and ammunition; this is his sixth felony conviction.

U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Bowman to serve 3 years of supervised release, to begin after his release from prison.

This case was investigated by the ATF and New York State Police, with the assistance of the Schoharie County District Attorney’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jeremy Lillie, age 32, of Melrose, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Vadim Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Senior U.S. District Judge Gary L. Sharpe imposed the sentence, which followed Lillie’s September 6, 2016 guilty plea to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.

United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian stated: “We will continue to work with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Vadim Thomas stated: “The FBI together with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors are dedicated to protecting the children of our community.”

Judge Sharpe also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release to start after Lillie is released from prison, and ordered the immediate payment of $15,000 in restitution. The restitution order of $15,000 is the total amount requested by the two child pornography victims who were identified and submitted requests for restitution. Lillie possessed images of many other children who either have not yet been identified or who did not seek restitution in this case. As a result of his conviction, Lillie will be required to register as a sex offender after leaving prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Colonie Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon B. Shinerock.

This case is 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/.

BINGHAMTOM, NEW YORK - Jared Flanders, 34, of Johnson City, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Binghamton, New York, to twelve (12) counts of distributing child pornography videos and images via the internet, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge James Spero, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Flanders will be sentenced on July 19, 2017 and remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Flanders faces a minimum sentence of five (5) years and up to twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), 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.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – “The Attorney General has graciously permitted me to remain as United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York through June of 2017 so that I can complete twenty years of service to the Department of Justice,” announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian. “We will work diligently to combat violent crime, promote border security, and otherwise fulfill the mission and implement the law enforcement priorities of the Department of Justice. I am very grateful to the Attorney General and the Administration for this opportunity to finish up a twenty-year career and I will do everything I can to assist in the orderly transition to my successor,” said Hartunian.

Mr. Hartunian became an Assistant United States Attorney in 1997. He served as the Northern District’s Narcotics Chief and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Coordinator from 2006 until his appointment as United States Attorney in 2010. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hartunian served as an Assistant District Attorney in Albany County from 1990 to 1997, where his work on narcotics and violent crime cases led to his designation as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in 1994.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Ricardo Davis, 28, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 110 months (9 years and two months) in prison for his possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian. Davis had previously admitted that he fired the firearm, a semiautomatic 9 mm pistol, in connection with a dispute with another man in Syracuse. Units of the Syracuse Police Department responded to a report of “shots fired” and arrested Davis after a short foot chase. Davis’s prior criminal record includes three (3) previous drug related felony level convictions. Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby, who imposed sentence, ordered that Davis’s term of incarceration is to be served in addition to his current state prison sentence for a parole violation. As part of his sentence, Davis will also serve a term of three (3) years of supervised release following his federal prison sentence. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Syracuse Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Donald Grant, 40, of Binghamton, New York, was sentenced today to serve fifteen (15) months in prison for preparing a false tax return and attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue Laws.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s New York Field Office.

U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Grant to a one (1) year term of supervised release, to begin after his release from prison, and also ordered him to pay $107,045 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

On November 4, 2016, Grant pled guilty to one count of preparing a false tax return and one count of attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue Laws. As part of his plea, Grant admitted that over the course of four years, he prepared twenty-seven (27) tax returns that contained false information, causing taxpayers to receive more than $100,000 in refunds they were not entitled to. Grant also admitted that he interfered with the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s inquiry into the returns he prepared and filed by providing a client with a counterfeit profit and loss statement, encouraging clients to provide false information to investigators, and providing false information, himself, when interviewed by an IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent.

This case was investigated by the New York Field Office (Syracuse) of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Levine.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Telford, age 47, of Cambridge, New York, was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The sentence was issued by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, and followed Telford’s guilty plea, on October 24, 2016, to a 3-count indictment charging him with distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.

Judge D’Agostino also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release to start after Telford is released from prison. She reserved judgment on any order of restitution, noting that 6 child pornography victims – whose images Telford possessed -- had submitted requests for restitution. As a result of his conviction, Telford will be required to register as a sex offender after leaving prison.

As part of his guilty plea, Telford admitted that on December 27, 2013, he used an online chat program to exchange videos including child pornography with a person in the United Kingdom; that between April 24, 2015 and June 4, 2015, he received video files containing child pornography using an online chat program; and that he saved child pornography on two digital devices. In sentencing Telford, Judge D’Agostino told him that his offenses made him a member of a group of people who ensure that “these children will have images of the worst times in their lives posted on the Internet,” and that these children will continue to suffer from the “endless crime” of the distribution and redistribution of those images.

This case was investigated by HSI and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon B. Shinerock.

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/.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – Tony Ivey, age 53, of Rochester, New York, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for threatening to kill an Assistant United States Attorney.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian of the Northern District of New York, whose office handled the prosecution.

On June 14, 2016, Ivey called the Rochester Branch Office of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, and threatened to kill an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) with an assault rifle. Prior to the threat, the AUSA had explained to Ivey that he could not directly assist Ivey with the complaint Ivey had called about and attempted to refer Ivey to an agency that could assist him.

Chief United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., of the Western District of New York, also imposed a 3-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service for the Western District of New York, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Brown of the Northern District of New York.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sid Ahmed Ould Denane Ould Sid Ahmed, age 43, formerly of New York, New York, was sentenced today to time served (70 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

In July 2016, Ahmed had left the United States while an order of removal was pending against him, making him ineligible to re-enter the country without the permission of the Department of Homeland Security. On December 27, 2016, Ahmed was arrested by United States Border Patrol Agents after he entered the United States without inspection in the area of Roxham Road in Champlain, New York.

Following his sentencing today, Ahmed was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Ahmed into removal proceedings.

This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, Champlain Station, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Keith Seppi, age 58, of Conneaut, Ohio, pled guilty today to using a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence and possessing a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division.  

Sentencing is scheduled in U.S. District Court on July 5, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. before United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes.   According to the terms of the plea agreement, Seppi will be sentenced to at least 30 years of imprisonment. 

As part of his guilty plea, Seppi admitted that he built a bomb at his Ohio home that would be activated by motion and disguised it to look like a standard parcel package.  He admitted that he brought the bomb from Ohio to Floyd, Oneida County, New York, where he put it in the victim’s driveway around midnight on May 28, 2016, intending that it would explode when it was moved.  The next morning, the victim attempted to pick up the package and the bomb exploded, causing severe injuries and burns.  The victim survived but was hospitalized for several weeks.

In his plea agreement, Seppi also admitted that in May 2016, and prior to the bombing, he had learned that the victim, Alan Dobransky, had accused Seppi’s sister-in-law of stealing money from Dobransky’s mother and had threatened to report the alleged thefts to law enforcement authorities in Ohio.  Dobransky’s mother had been living with and cared for by that sister-in-law in her Conneaut, Ohio, residence.  Shortly after learning of the theft accusations against his sister-in-law, and the threat to report the alleged thefts to local law enforcement authorities in Ohio, Seppi constructed the bomb and later planted it in Dobransky’s driveway in New York. 

United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian stated: "The defendant’s building and use of a lethal bomb, as part of a plan to intimidate and prevent the victim from reporting a theft to the police, was a terrifying and despicable crime that requires the lengthy prison sentence that he will receive.  I am grateful for the nearly miraculous survival of the victim, as well as the effective investigation by law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels, resulting in the quick identification and prosecution of the defendant." 

ATF Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict stated: "Keith Seppi committed a targeted, cowardly attack against Mr. Dobransky with a destructive device disguised as a package, which was intended to inflict, at a minimum, severe injury.  His motive was to prevent Mr. Dobransky from reporting crimes committed by Seppi's sister-in-law.  Such acts of violence will not be tolerated. Thanks to the superb efforts of the ATF Special Agents, Sheriff's Deputies, and New York State Police Investigators involved in the investigation, Seppi was quickly apprehended.  Today’s plea is a testament to the quality and comprehensiveness of their investigation.  We extend our well wishes to Mr. Dobransky and his family, and our gratitude to the United States Attorney's Office and the Oneida County District Attorney's Office for their partnership and diligence in seeing that justice is done."

Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara stated: "I would first like to recognize the victim, Alan Dobransky, as we all continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery from the injuries sustained as a result of this bombing.

"I would like to thank all of the members of local, state and federal law enforcement who spent countless hours to identify the perpetrators of this heinous attack and bring them to justice.  In particular, I would like to thank the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations, City of Utica Police Department, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Ashtabula Sheriff and Prosecutor (OH), Conneaut Police (OH).

"I would also like to thank U.S. Attorney Rick Hartunian and his Office, particularly Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Green and Nico Commandeur, for taking the lead on the investigation of federal charges against Keith Seppi and sending the strong and clear message that persons involved in the production and deployment of improvised explosive devices will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of our laws.

"I would also like to recognize First Assistant District Attorney Dawn Lupi and Assistant District Attorney Grant Garramone for all of the hard work that went into securing convictions for Keith Seppi, Cindy Shields and Donna Seppi in Oneida County Court for violations of New York State law. The success of this investigation is the direct result of the cooperation that occurred between all of the law enforcement agencies involved."

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol said stated: "Premeditated acts of violence such as this will not be tolerated in our community.  I cannot thank those at the local, state, and federal levels enough who worked tirelessly, side by side with us from the day of the bombing right up until today, to insure that every possible resource was utilized to bring this complex case to a successful conclusion."

New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II stated: "This defendant knowingly plotted and planned to do serious harm to a New York State Corrections Officer and should be punished to the fullest extent for this heinous act. The New York State Police, along with our law enforcement partners at all levels, remain committed to ensuring the safety of all of our citizens and will work diligently to identify these types of threats and stop those who seek to cause to harm others. Such premeditated attacks will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

At sentencing, Seppi faces at least 30 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 5 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

This case was investigated by the ATF, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen C. Green and Nico Commandeur.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, along with representatives of county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, will hold a news conference tomorrow, March 1, at 2:30 p.m. in Syracuse, following an expected guilty plea tomorrow at 1 p.m. in U.S. v. Seppi.

• Change of plea hearing in U.S. v. Seppi – March 1 at 1 p.m. in the courtroom of the Hon. Brenda K. Sannes, James M. Hanley Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY.

• News conference – March 1 at 2:30 p.m. on the Ninth Floor of the James M. Hanley Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jacob Ebel, age 29, of Niverville, New York, was arraigned today on charges that he distributed heroin and fentanyl that caused two overdose deaths in Columbia County in July 2016.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II, Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett, and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Ebel appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who ordered Ebel detained pending a trial scheduled before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Ebel has been in custody since July 26, 2016, when he was arrested on state drug charges.

According to the indictment, on July 3, 2016, Ebel distributed heroin and fentanyl to Victim 1, who died as a result of taking the drugs. Between July 18 and July 23, Ebel distributed heroin and fentanyl to the spouse of Victim 2. Victim 2 took the drugs and died as a result. Ebel is also charged with possessing heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute them, and conspiring to possess and distribute heroin and fentanyl. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If convicted of all charges, Ebel would face at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is the result of a joint investigation conducted by the DEA, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police, with assistance from the office of Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – George Muzio, Jr., age 35, of Cohoes, New York, was indicted yesterday for distributing and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Muzio is charged with 7 counts of distributing child pornography and 1 count of possessing child pornography. As alleged in a complaint filed earlier in the case, Muzio shared child pornography videos over the Internet. Following his arrest on the complaint, a detention hearing was held before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who ordered Muzio released and subject to pretrial supervision.

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

If convicted on all charges, Muzio faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least 5 years and up to lifetime supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a maximum $250,000 fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

This case is being investigated by HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon B. Shinerock.

This case is prosecuted as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Abdulmagid Al Saadi, age 38, a citizen of Yemen, was sentenced today to 10 days in jail following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States, a misdemeanor.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

Al Saadi admitted that on February 16, 2017, he walked across the border approximately one-half mile west of Rouses Point, New York, on New York State Route 276, and he continued south on foot until he was stopped and arrested by Border Patrol Agents.

Upon the completion of his sentence, Al Saadi will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security and placed into removal proceedings.

This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, Champlain Station, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Deborah E. Wagner, aka Deborah E. Cottrell, age 66, of Andes, New York, was sentenced today to serve 2 years of probation and pay $64,196 in restitution for defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) and receiving benefits to which she was not entitled.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.

As part of her August 9, 2016 guilty plea, Wagner admitted that she provided false information to the SSA so that she could continue to receive the Survivors Insurance benefits she collected from 2006 through 2014, purportedly as a widow. In 2014, Wagner told the SSA that she was not married when, in fact, she had been remarried in 2006, a fact that would have made her ineligible to receive benefits.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered Wagner to serve 50 hours of community service.

This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. White.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Angel Nunez, age 28, of Brooklyn, New York, and Stanislav Petkevichus, age 28, of Slingerlands, New York, were each sentenced today for conspiring to distribute the controlled substance oxycodone in Albany County.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Nunez to 33 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and to forfeit $100,000. Judge D’Agostino sentenced Petkevichus to time served (96 days in jail), as well as 3 years of supervised release including 6 months of home detention, and to forfeit $4,435.

As part of their guilty pleas, the defendants admitted that Nunez obtained 30 mg tablets of oxycodone from sources in New York City, and acted with Petkevichus and others to sell those oxycodone tablets in Albany County and elsewhere.

These cases were investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alikubar Shaw, age 34, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possessing more than 28 grams of crack cocaine with the intent to sell it.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; James Jewell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Shaw to serve 8 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.

As part of his August 11, 2016 guilty plea, Shaw admitted that on January 7, 2014, he was the passenger in a car that was stopped for a traffic violation in Albany County. The driver of the car had a suspended license, and New York State Police Troopers smelled burnt marijuana coming from the car. As Shaw exited the car to speak with one Trooper, the Trooper noticed Shaw touch his rear waist area, and the Trooper then found 263 grams of crack cocaine there. As part of his plea, Shaw admitted that he intended to sell the crack.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Richard Ramsey, age 48, of Saratoga Springs, New York, pled guilty today to two counts of providing false testimony to a federal grand jury investigating a fire that killed four people in Schenectady and seriously injured another.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian 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, Ramsey admitted that he made irreconcilably contradictory statements under oath before a grand jury conducting an investigation into the May 2, 2013 arson at 438 Hulett Street in Schenectady, New York, which caused the deaths of David Terry and three young children, seriously injured another child, and destroyed the building and the personal property inside. Ramsey admitted that, on October 11, 2013 and January 10, 2014, he testified regarding specific events that occurred on May 1-2, 2013. On May 5, 2016, Ramsey gave irreconcilably contradictory testimony about those events. The events included declarations that Ramsey had allowed another man, Robert Butler, to use Ramsey’s car to drive from Saratoga Springs to Schenectady in the early morning hours of May 2, 2013.

United States Richard S. Hartunian said: “Perjury cannot, and will not, be tolerated. Ramsey’s decision to lie to a federal grand jury reflects a shocking disregard for the law and the victims of this horrific crime. My office and our law enforcement partners remain fully committed to securing justice for the victims and their families. And let there be no doubt: this remains an active investigation.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict said: "Richard Ramsey’s repeated lies to ATF Special Agents and the grand jury served only to hinder the investigation of the Hulett Street fire, and to further victimize those who have already suffered so much because of that heinous crime."

In pleading guilty, Ramsey admitted that:

• On October 11, 2013, Ramsey’s testimony about the events of May 2, 2013 included the following:

On May 1, 2013, at approximately noon, Butler and Ramsey met in person in Saratoga Springs. At that time, Butler asked to borrow Ramsey’s car, and Ramsey agreed. Ramsey was awakened on May 2, 2013 at approximately 3 a.m. to the sound of his car starting, looked outside his window, and saw that it was gone from its parking space. Ramsey assumed Robert Butler had taken the car, as they had discussed on May 1, 2013, and went back to bed. At 7 a.m., Ramsey woke and the car was back in its parking spot. Ramsey inspected the car and discovered that the spare key, which he normally kept in the glove compartment, was still in the ignition. Ramsey had, on an earlier occasion, told Robert Butler he kept a spare key in the glove compartment of the car.

• On January 10, 2014, Ramsey’s testimony about the events of May 2, 2013 included the following:

On May 1, 2013, between 11:30 a.m. and noon, Butler called Ramsey and asked to borrow Ramsey’s car. Ramsey agreed and told Butler that he would drive the car to Jefferson Terrace in Saratoga Springs, park it there, and leave the keys on the floorboard. On May 1, 2013, Ramsey drove the car to Jefferson Terrace, parked it, and left the keys on the floorboard. A third party who lived at Jefferson Terrace drove Ramsey back to work. The following morning, May 2, 2013, Ramsey returned to pick up the car and saw that it was not parked in the same spot and had only a half tank of gas instead of a full tank of gas.

• On May 5, 2016, Ramsey’s testimony about the events of May 2, 2013 included the following:

Ramsey’s testimony on October 11, 2013, about the events of May 1-2, 2013, was untrue. Butler did not ask to borrow Ramsey’s car on May 1, 2013. Ramsey did not wake up at 3 a.m. on May 2, 2013 and hear his car being driven off. Ramsey did not find his spare key in the ignition of his car on the morning of May 2, 2013.

Ramsey’s testimony on January 10, 2014, about the events of May 1-2, 2013, was untrue. Ramsey did not drive his car and park it at Jefferson Terrace on May 1, 2013. Ramsey did not pick up his car at Jefferson Terrace on May 2, 2013 and did not discover that it had a half tank of gas instead of a full tank of gas.

Ramsey faces up to 5 years in prison, and a maximum $250,000 fine, on each count of conviction, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2017 at 10 a.m. before Senior United States District Court Judge Gary L. Sharpe.

The charges resulted from an ongoing investigation being conducted by the ATF, the Schenectady Police Department, and the Schenectady Fire Department. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U. S. Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers.

The ATF notes that there is a reward of up to a total of $40,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the arson that occurred on May 2, 2013 at 438 Hulett Street in Schenectady, resulting in personal injury and death. All information will be treated confidentially and the callers will remain anonymous if requested. Anyone having information is encouraged to call ATF at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473), or email [email protected], or contact ATF through its web site at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted to ATF through the “report it” app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Grzegorz Baczewski, age 31, of Ridgewood, New York, was sentenced today to time served (20 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Thomas P. Brophy, Acting Field Officer Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

As part of his guilty plea, Baczewski admitted that he returned to the United States after he was removed to Poland on September 18, 2013.

Following his sentencing, Baczewski was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Baczewski into removal proceedings.

This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward P. Grogan.