Northern District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Melrose Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
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/.
Binghamton Man Pleads Guilty to Twelve Counts of Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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.
Northern District of New York United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian to Remain Through June of 2017Read the Press Release
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 Man Sentenced for Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
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.
Binghamton Man Sentenced for Preparing False Tax Returns and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
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.
Cambridge Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
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 Man Sentenced to 20 Months for Threatening to Kill Federal ProsecutorRead the Press Release
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.
Mauritanian Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
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.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Oneida County BombingRead the Press Release
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.
News AdvisoryRead the Press Release
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.
Columbia County Man Indicted for Two Drug Overdose DeathsRead the Press Release
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.
Cohoes Man Indicted for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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.
Citizen of Yemen Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
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.
Andes Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
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.
Two Men Sentenced for Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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.
Troy Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Crack Cocaine ConvictionRead the Press Release
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.
Saratoga Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Testifying Falsely in Arson-Homicide InvestigationRead the Press Release
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.
Polish Man Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
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.
Johnson City Man Arrested for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - Jared Flanders, 34, of Johnson City, New York, was arrested today on charges contained in a twelve count federal indictment alleging he distributed child pornography via the internet.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge James Spero, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
Flanders was arraigned today in Binghamton, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge David E. Peebles, and held without bail pending a detention hearing scheduled for next week.
The charges in the indictment carry sentences that require a minimum 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.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, 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.
Citizen of Poland Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Emil Michalczuk, age 25, of Siemiatycze, Poland, was sentenced today to 20 days in jail following his guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of illegally 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.
Michalczuk admitted that he walked across the border approximately a half-mile west of the Overton Corners Port of Entry on New York State Route 276, and continued southwest on foot until he reached the Rouses Point train station, where he was arrested by Border Patrol agents.
Upon the completion of his sentence, Michalczuk will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security and he will be subject to removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Syracuse Woman Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Ten-Year Old ChildRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kerry Smith, 41, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James Jewell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of her guilty plea today in United States District Court, Smith admitted that in 2014 she engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a 10-year-old child, produced images of the abuse, and distributed the images to another person using her mobile telephone. Smith was arrested for this offense in April of 2016 when the images were recovered from a computer belonging to that person, who told police he had received them from a woman he knew as “Kerry.”
Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2017 before Hon. Glenn T. Suddaby, Chief United States District Judge. If the court accepts the plea agreement, Smith will be sentenced to fifteen (15) years imprisonment and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years, and up to life. She will also have 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.
Smith’s case was investigated by the Albany Division of the FBI (Syracuse Resident Agency), and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York.
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.
Senegalese Man Sentenced for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Lanssana Soumare, age 55, of Senegal, was sentenced today to time served (49 days in jail) for passport fraud.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Steven Bronson, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port Director for the Champlain Port of Entry.
As part of his guilty plea, Soumare admitted that he presented another person’s Canadian passport to a CBP officer at the Champlain Port of Entry on December 27, 2016. Soumare presented the passport in an attempt to enter the United States from Canada. As part of his plea, Soumare also admitted that he was not a Canadian citizen and that the passport was not issued to him.
Following his sentencing, Soumare was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Soumare into removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by CBP and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gabino Lopez-Lopez, age 27, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced yesterday to time served (88 days in jail) for immigration fraud.
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, Lopez-Lopez admitted that he presented a counterfeit alien registration receipt card (a “green card”) to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, in Latham, New York, on November 10, 2016. Lopez-Lopez presented the card in support of his claim to being lawfully present in the United States. As part of his plea, Lopez-Lopez admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico and that he was unlawfully present in the United States.
Following his sentencing, Lopez-Lopez was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Lopez-Lopez into removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Plattsburgh Man Charged in Fatal Heroin OverdoseRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Thomas A. Burnell, age 34, of Plattsburgh, New York, was charged today with distributing heroin resulting in another person’s death.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Plattsburgh Acting Chief of Police Michael Branch, and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Burnell is detained pending a detention hearing before Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro on February 14, 2017.
Burnell has been incarcerated since January 18, 2016, on state charges arising out of the same allegations charged in the federal complaint. According to the criminal complaint, on January 16, 2016, Burnell sold heroin to a man identified as “J.G.” who died later that night. The cause of death was an opiate overdose.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted of the offense of distributing heroin resulting in death, Burnell faces at least 20 years and up to life in 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 the Plattsburgh Police Department and the DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Skaneateles Falls Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Richard Michael Lydon, age 67, of Skaneateles Falls, New York, was sentenced today to 90 months in prison 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).
As part of his guilty plea, Lydon admitted that he distributed and possessed images of child pornography that he acquired in part using an Internet peer-to-peer, file-sharing program. A search of Lydon’s residence in November 2015 led to the discovery of over 1,400 videos and over 8,000 images depicting child pornography. Lydon admitted that he had been collecting child pornography for over a decade
United States District Judge David N. Hurd, in imposing the sentence, noted that what Lydon possessed was one of the largest collections of child pornography he had ever sentenced a person for distributing and possessing. Judge Hurd also imposed a lifetime of supervised release, which will start after Lydon is released from prison, and ordered the payment of $3,300 in restitution to child pornography victims. As a result of his conviction, Lydon will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by HSI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carina Schoenberger as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Fifth Illegal Re-Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jose Alejandro Balderas-Figueroa, age 36, a former resident of Pelham, Alabama, was sentenced yesterday to time served (six weeks 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, Balderas-Figueroa admitted that he returned to the United States almost immediately after he was removed to Mexico on October 6, 2016. Balderas-Figueroa also admitted that he had been removed to Mexico four other times, on May 18, 2015, September 7, 2014, January 25, 2007 and June 5, 2000.
On December 23, 2016, Balderas-Figueroa was arrested by United States Border Patrol Agents just south of the international border in the vicinity of Champlain, New York.
Following his sentencing, Balderas-Figueroa was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Balderas-Figueroa into removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Erik Rodolfo Lozano-Arratia, age 27, and a resident of Kingston, New York, was sentenced today to time served (110 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Thomas Decker, Director of the New York Field Office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Lozano-Arratia admitted that he returned to the United States after his May 15, 2013 removal to Mexico. Lozano-Arratia also admitted that he had been removed to Mexico four other times, the dates being January 4, 2012, October 21, 2011, August 18, 2011, and July 15, 2011.
On October 20, 2016, Lozano-Arratia was arrested by ICE-ERO officers in Kingston.
Following his sentencing, Lozano-Arratia was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Lozano-Arratia into removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), in Newburgh, New York, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jeffrey Butler, age 33, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to 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).
As part of his guilty plea, Butler admitted that in 2014 and 2015, he used the Internet and a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download video files containing child pornography, which he saved on his computer’s hard drive. Butler further admitted to storing over 300 child pornography videos on external hard drives in his residence.
As a result of his conviction, Butler faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2017 before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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/.
Hogansburg Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Obstructing a Vessel BoardingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Abraham C. Lazore, age 37, of Hogansburg, New York, was sentenced today to serve 16 months in prison for his obstruction of a vessel boarding.
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, Lazore admitted that on September 3, 2016, as Border Patrol Marine Unit agents were attempting to board his vessel for an inspection, he engaged the throttle of his boat while a bowline from his boat became wrapped around an agent’s arm, which could have dragged that agent overboard. Another agent was able to stop Lazore from driving away, and no one was injured.
“You could’ve killed one or more federal agents. I take it seriously when federal agents are exposed to this conduct,” U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino told Lazore before issuing the sentence, which also included 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.
Agents stopped Lazore because they had observed him enter U.S. waters from Canada on the St. Lawrence River at approximately 12:25 a.m. without any navigation lights.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Binghamton Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Anthony Randolph, 30, of Binghamton, New York, pled guilty yesterday in federal court to engaging in a drug trafficking conspiracy and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James Jewell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Randolph admitted that between January 2014 and November 17, 2015, he conspired with others to acquire cocaine and cocaine base from suppliers in Broome County, New York and from New York City. Randolph admitted that he and others “converted” or “cooked” cocaine into cocaine base, which was later packaged and stored at different locations in Broome County, New York for later distribution. Randolph acknowledged in court that he and others used cellular telephones and vehicles to take orders from customers and deliver cocaine base and that a search warrant executed on November 17, 2015 led to the seizure of 55 grams of cocaine base and a .40 caliber pistol and ammunition from Randolph’s residence in Binghamton.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2017 in Binghamton before Senior District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. Randolph faces a minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 10 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, Binghamton Police Department, New York State Police, Broome County Drug Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miroslav Lovric.
Spanish Woman Admits Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Maria Martinez a/k/a Maria Josefa Munagorri Diaz, age 49, of Madrid, Spain, pled guilty yesterday to attempting to illegally re-enter the United States.
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.
Martinez was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Northern District of Ohio in 2002, and after serving 32 months in prison, was deported. Because of her conviction, Martinez is not allowed to enter the United States. As part of her guilty plea yesterday, Martinez admitted that on August 8, 2016, she presented herself at the Champlain Port of Entry for admission to the United States and presented a passport in the name of “Maria Josefa Munagorri Diaz.” A fingerprint scan of Martinez resulted in the discovery of her arrest record and prior deportation.
As a result of her conviction, Martinez faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when she is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Norman A. Mordue on May 30, 2017. 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 United States Customs and Border Protection and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Jamaican Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jeragh Powell, age 26, a citizen of Jamaica and former resident of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino to serve 41 months in prison for his 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.
As part of his August 1, 2016 guilty plea, Powell admitted to working with his wife Kimberly Powell, a co-defendant, and others, to mail false lottery prize notifications to mostly elderly people located throughout the United States. The fraudulent prize notifications 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.
Jeragh Powell and his wife Kimberly, age 37, of Schenectady, 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. Kimberly Powell pled guilty to mail fraud charges on August 3, 2016, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2017.
This case was investigated by the USPIS, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Schenectady Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.
Binghamton Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking and Prostitution of MinorsRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - Antonio Ballard, 26, of Binghamton, New York, was sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison to be followed by a twenty (20) year term of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Ballard will also be required to register as a sex offender once he has completed his federal prison term. Today’s sentence was in connection with Ballard’s conviction after trial in March of 2016 on eight (8) counts relating to operating a sex trafficking and prostitution business involving three minor girls.
The evidence at trial showed that Ballard, from August of 2014 through December of 2014, in Broome County, New York, knowingly persuaded, used, recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, and maintained three minor girls for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts and prostitution with men. Ballard benefitted from prostituting these minors by receiving 50% of the proceeds, for which he provided physical security and an apartment where the minors met with clients. Ballard also photographed the three minor girls and assisted in posting advertisements on Backpage.com, an internet advertisement site.
The case was investigated by the FBI, New York State Police, and the Binghamton Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miroslav Lovric.
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/.
Apalachin Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW YORK - Brandon Kie, 31, of Apalachin, New York, was sentenced today to serve sixty months (5 years) imprisonment and a term of fifteen (15) years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Kie is also required to register as a sex offender following his release from federal prison. Kie pled guilty in September of 2016 to receiving child pornography via the internet and a computer.
In pleading guilty, Kie admitted that in 2014 he used a computer to connect to several child pornography web sites via the internet using peer-to-peer file sharing software programs. On numerous occasions, Kie received and downloaded more than 500 digital images and more than 12 videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which included sadistic and masochistic acts.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miroslav Lovric.
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/.
Albany Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Salvatore Commisso, age 33, of Albany, New York, was sentenced today to serve 36 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute the controlled substance oxycodone.
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 also ordered Commisso to forfeit $16,523, and to pay a fine of $2,000.
As part of his September 26, 2016 guilty plea, Commisso admitted that from at least December 2015 through February 2016, he obtained oxycodone tablets from a co-conspirator for resale in the Northern District of New York.
This case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.
Utica Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Distributing, Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - - Daniel Beal, 56, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to serve seven (7) years in federal prison for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Beal admitted that he distributed and received images of child pornography using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. A search of Beal’s business, Dacobe Enterprises, LLC, in July of 2015 led to the discovery of hundreds of videos depicting child pornography, including images and videos depicting the sexual assault of children as young as two years of age.
United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a fifteen (15) year term of supervised release, which will begin after Beal is released from prison. As a result of his conviction, Beal will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
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/.
Two Syracuse Men Arrested on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, Saladin Hadid, 37, and Cory Ogletree, 43, of Syracuse, were arrested last night and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.
Both Saladin Hadid and Cory Ogletree appeared today in federal court in Syracuse to make their initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter and were ordered held without bail, pending a detention hearing scheduled for January 31, 2017. The criminal complaint filed in federal court alleges that from October 2016 through January 25, 2017, Hadid and Ogletree conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed in excess of 500grams (approximately one pound) of cocaine. The complaint also alleges that during searches yesterday, law enforcement officers seized in excess of 500 grams of cocaine and over $250,000.00 in U.S. currency.
The charges filed against Hadid and Ogletree carry a minimum sentence of five (5) years and a maximum sentence of up to forty (40) years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman.
Citizen of Togo Admits Misusing PassportRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Koffi Roudolphe Sewoul, age 40, of Lome, Togo, pled guilty today to misuse of a passport.
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.
Sewoul admitted that on October 15, 2016, he attempted to enter the United States at the Champlain Port of Entry using his brother’s United States passport. Sewoul had successfully used the passport to travel from Togo to Accra, Ghana, on October 12, 2016 and then from Ghana to Montreal, Quebec, on October 13, 2016.
As a result of his conviction, Sewoul faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by U.S. Senior 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 United States Customs and Border Protection and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Watertown Man Convicted of Naturalization FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Gurpreet Singh, age 37, of Watertown, New York, was convicted today of unlawfully obtaining U.S. citizenship following a jury trial.
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 trial evidence established that Singh, who was a citizen of India, repeatedly affirmed to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) authorities prior to his U.S. naturalization that he had not committed any crimes for which he was not arrested. Immigration authorities later learned that the defendant sexually abused a child under the age of 10 during the same time period he was applying for citizenship. The trial evidence demonstrated that Singh deliberately failed to report his criminal activity because he knew he was not entitled to citizenship and that USCIS would not have approved Singh’s naturalization application if the agency had known about his abuse of the child. Singh ultimately pled guilty in state court to a single count of sexual abuse of a minor child, but by then had already become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Singh will be sentenced by Senior District Judge Norman A. Mordue on May 18, 2016 and faces up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and mandatory revocation of his naturalization because of his federal court conviction. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Robert S. Levine.
Marlboro Resident Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas Albright, age 71, of Marlboro, New York, was arrested January 12 on charges of distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Albright appeared on January 13 in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart and was detained pending further proceedings.
The charges in the complaint filed against Albright are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted on all charges, Albright faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least 5 years and up to a life term of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine. Albright would also have 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 is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sahar Amandolare.
Schenectady Felon Convicted of Illegally Possessing Handgun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – A jury yesterday voted to convict Tameen “Nitty” Johnson, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, of illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Johnson could not possess the handgun or ammunition because of prior felony convictions for firearm, drug and assault offenses. He faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.
The evidence at trial showed that Johnson possessed a Hi-Point JCP .40 caliber firearm loaded with seven rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The handgun had a defaced serial number. Johnson sold the loaded firearm to another man inside a convenience store in Schenectady, New York, 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.”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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
Fulton Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Unlawfully Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Haggerty, 34, of Fulton, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve sixty-three (63) months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. 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, Haggerty admitted that on December 12, 2015, he possessed a Browning .308 Rifle and 20 rounds of Winchester .308 caliber ammunition after Oswego Sheriffs recovered the stolen items from his apartment. Haggerty stole the gun and ammunition from an unoccupied Jeep in Fulton, New York on December 3, 2015, and filed off the serial number on the weapon. He was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as the result of a prior felony conviction.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also ordered Haggerty to serve (3) years of supervised release following his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown
United States Attorney and Community Coalitions Host Anti-Heroin Event at Hudson Valley Community CollegeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – As a follow-up to an opiate addiction awareness event in December 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office, with the Rensselaer County Heroin Coalition, Troy Drug Free Community Coalition, NOPIATES, and Rensselaer Area Drug Awareness Reality Coalition (RADAR) will jointly host a two-part community event on January 18th from 7 – 9 PM at Hudson Valley Community College. The evening begins with a screening of Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict, a documentary film commissioned by the FBI and DEA and told through interviews with recovering users and their loved ones. Following the film, Eric Dyer, a law student who became an opiate user while attending college in the Capital Region, will discuss his addiction and life in recovery.
United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian said, “The heroin and prescription opioid epidemic is a crisis that reaches every corner of our communities. We are committed to continuing to combat the distribution of heroin and illicit opioids with robust enforcement, but the best protection of public health and safety is in prevention and education. We hope events such as this will spread the word that heroin and illicit opioids are deadly, and there is help available to avoid and overcome them.”
All four community coalitions in Rensselaer County are collaborating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to raise awareness of the heroin and opiate epidemic, and these coalitions all encourage participation in events such as this one.
“The Rensselaer County Heroin coalition brings together many different “faces” to help combat the Opioid crisis in our area,” explained Co-Chairperson Maryfran Wachunas, Rensselaer Public Health Director. “Working together as a team and sharing each other knowledge, we are taking a multi -step approach at not only educating ourselves but the entire coalition and community as a whole.”
“NØpiates Committee is a local organization that is dedicated to raising community awareness regarding opiates, substance abuse and addiction,” explained Kim and Tim Murdick, organizers of the NØpiates Committee. “Our dedicated members provide support, assistance and aid to identify available resources for those who battle with the disease of addiction. Our committee also organizes and participates in community events to provide education that focuses on the prevention of substance abuse, all the while remembering those who have been lost to the disease of addiction.”
“Troy Drug-Free Community Coalition (Troy DFCC) is a partnership of concerned community members organized for the purpose of reducing substance abuse among young people,” said Davia Collington, Troy DFCC Project Coordinator. “We believe that good things happen when the community comes together!” she explained. “It will take all sectors of the community to protect our youth from the disease of addiction. While we know that most youth in the City of Troy are substance-free, we are here to support those families that are struggling with substance abuse.”
“We've all heard the expression ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. At the RADAR Coalition, we're applying that approach to drug abuse prevention,” said Nancy Hardt, chairperson of RADAR. “Rensselaer Area Drug Awareness Reality (RADAR) Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting a safe and healthy, drug-free community in the City of Rensselaer. We're working to bring together a wide range of community partners to prevent substance abuse by raising awareness and providing education. The RADAR Coalition’s vision is for the City of Rensselaer youth to live substance free.”
The greatest responses to addiction are to prevent it in the first place, and to bring people struggling with addiction the help they need to enter into a life of recovery. Come learn how each of these steps are possible.
Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict
Followed by Eric Dyer telling his story to recoveryWhen: Wednesday, January 18th, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Bulmer Telecommunications Center
Hudson Valley Community College
80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, NYFor more information and to become involved with the local coalitions, see the information below:
NØpiates Committee
[email protected]
www.nopiates.com
518-220-4199The Rensselaer County Heroin Coalition
Maryfran Wachunas, Sheriff
Patrick Russo, Co-Chair
Public Health Director Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office
1600 7th Avenue 4000 Main Street
Troy, NY 12180 Troy, NY 12180
518-270-2626
https://www.rensco.com/326/Rensselaer-County-Heroin-Coalition
[email protected]RADAR – Rensselaer Area Drug Awareness Reality Coalition
Jennifer Haggerty, Chair
Nancy Hardt, Co-Chair
https://www.facebook.com/RADAR12144
[email protected]
518-270-2841Troy Drug Free Community Coalition
Davia Collington, Project Coordinator
415 River Street 3rd Floor Troy, NY 12180
518-272-8289x216
https://triponline.org/troy-drug-free-community-coalition/
https://www.facebook.com/TroyDFCC/
[email protected]SRCTec, LLC to Pay over $6.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - SRCTec, which manufactures a lightweight counter mortar radar system (the “radar system”) and associated replacement parts pursuant to contracts with the Department of the Army, will pay over $6.3 million in consideration to resolve False Claims Act allegations concerning its invoicing for the radar system and spare parts, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian. SRCTec has separately agreed to a remediation plan, to be performed at its own expense, with respect to previously delivered products.
The radar system serves an important function for America’s warfighters by providing early warning of incoming mortar and rocket fire and information about the location from which that fire emanated (“source-of-fire”). This source-of-fire data enables a targeted counter-fire response. The radar system provides continuous 360-degree monitoring and source-of-fire data through a non-rotating 24-column array. Among other replacement parts, SRCTec produces column spares for use when a column for the radar system fails or is damaged or destroyed. Pursuant to SRCTec’s contract with the Army, “initial spares and ancillary items shall be form, fit and functionally interchangeable with the parts they are intended to replace.”
SRCTec became aware of anomalies in source-of-fire accuracy data in certain combinations of initial system columns and column spares in March 2013. At that time, SRCTec summarized the issues in a Problem Report uploaded to a database shared by SRCTec and the Army. SRCTec designated the Problem Report at a priority level that indicated that a work-around existed for the identified problem. Higher level priority designations were available but were not selected, although SRCTec did not know in March 2013 what caused the anomalies or have a solution that would eliminate them. Problem Reports at the priority level selected by SRCTec are part of the normal life cycle of the program, and problem reporting is not the exclusive method (under the applicable contracts or otherwise) for SRCTec to notify the Army of issues with the radar system.
Over the ensuing months after March 2013, SRCTec learned more about the circumstances in which the source-of-fire accuracy anomalies would manifest themselves and how they might be mitigated in the field. By August 2013, SRCTec described an increased risk of degraded source-of-fire accuracy as a “known” problem in an internal memorandum that was not shared with the Army. SRCTec did set forth certain additional material details concerning degraded source-of-fire accuracy in various additional Problem Reports also uploaded to the shared database, all of which were designated at the same priority level as the initial Problem Report, although SRCTec had not actually identified a work-around through at least the summer of 2013. A potential solution was eventually identified by SRCTec in March 2014, and in the fall of 2014 SRCTec began testing what would become the solution for newly manufactured systems and column spares.
In March 2015, SRCTec requested a meeting with the Army, which was held in April 2015. At the meeting, SRCTec disclosed how it learned of and ultimately solved the increased risk of degraded source-of-fire accuracy from the use of column spares and original system columns in certain combinations, explained the circumstances under which the increased risk was such that source-of-fire accuracy could potentially fall outside the required accuracy performance specification, explained how the increased risk of degraded source-of-fire accuracy could be mitigated, and advised that the systems’ ability to perform their sense and warn function was never impacted. Since April 2015, the Army has ensured that all fielded systems are operating without any increased risk of degraded source-of-fire accuracy, and all fielded systems are currently functioning within their source-of-fire performance parameters. There have been no reported field failures.
During the time period covered by the Settlement Agreement, SRCTec invoiced the Army for radar systems and column spares (which were verified as operable by the Army) at a cost of tens of millions of dollars. The increased risk of degraded source-of-fire accuracy from the use of column spares in certain combinations with original system columns would not have been identified by the fielded systems’ self-diagnostic testing nor necessarily been recognized by soldiers.
United States Attorney Hartunian said: “Our office is committed to ensuring that federal programs receive products that perform as paid for, and we pursue False Claims Act claims vigorously. The stakes are particularly high when the procurement involves protection for our nation’s warfighters. This settlement reflects the importance of the case, the fine work of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and SRCTec’s disclosure of the problem and cooperation in addressing it.”
“The ability of our equipment to function as required is essential when it comes to purchase of equipment that protects the very lives and limbs of one of our most precious resources - our military members,” said Frank Robey, director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit.
“This settlement demonstrates the continued commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), partnering with Army CID, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York, to protect the military services and its members from potential failures of warfighting systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert, DCIS Northeast Field Office, U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General. “DCIS will continue to tirelessly pursue cases like this in its mission to protect the warfighter and safeguard our national defense.”
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 United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Sell Devices to Cheat Vehicle Emissions TestsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Charles Edward Bayer, Jr. (31), of Lafayette, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today in Syracuse to one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and violate the Clean Air Act, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, and Vernesa Jones-Allen, Special Agent in Charge, EPA-CID, New York Area Office.
In pleading guilty, Bayer admitted that between 2011 and 2013 he participated in a conspiracy to design, manufacture, and sell motor vehicle simulator devices which were designed and programmed to allow vehicles to by-pass motor vehicle emissions inspections tests in a fraudulent manner. Bayer admitted that when one of his co-conspirators believed the EPA had become aware of the illegal sales of these devices, he (Bayer) purchased the remaining inventory as well as the source codes, and a customer list. Thereafter Bayer continued to sell and manufacture these devices. Ultimately, Bayer and his co-conspirators sold at least 170 such devices throughout the country. In pleading guilty, Bayer admitted that he was a leader in the conspiracy, which involved at least five others. Bayer also admitted that he understood his customers were using the devices to fraudulently bypass motor vehicle inspections and that he added a disclaimer to the instructions that the devices were for “development/off road use only” to make the devices appear legitimate.
The charge to which Bayer pled guilty carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Bayer will be sentenced by Senior District Judge Norman A. Mordue on May 11, 2017.
This case is being investigated by EPA-CID, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry and Senior Trial Attorney Todd Gleason.
East Durham Man Sentenced to 72 Months on Child Pornography ConvictionsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gregory Kurzajczyk, age 69, of East Durham, New York, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for distributing and receiving 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).
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Kurzajczyk to serve a lifetime term of supervised release, to begin after his release from prison. Kurzajczyk will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
As part of his guilty plea on September 2, 2016, Kurzajczyk admitted that between July 16, 2014 and January 19, 2015, he distributed child pornography images and videos through an Internet file-sharing application. Kurzajczyk also admitted to using the file-sharing application to download child pornography.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Colonie Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Syracuse Man Sentenced for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – James Chisholm, 27, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced today to serve 90 months in prison for robbing the same branch of Chase Bank in Syracuse twice within a five-day period.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Senior U.S. District Judge Norman A. Mordue said that he believed the sentence was necessary because of Mr. Chisholm’s “history of robberies involving violence and the use of weapons.” Judge Mordue also sentenced Chisholm to a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from prison and ordered restitution in the amount of $3,242, the total amount stolen from Chase Bank.
On September 8, 2016, Chisholm pled guilty to two counts of bank robbery and admitted that on March 12, 2016, and again on March 16, 2016, he entered Chase Bank, located at 801 James Street in Syracuse, passed a note to a teller, and demanded money. On March 12, Chisholm took $489 from the bank, and on March 16, he took $2,753.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Syracuse Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Levine.
DeRuyter Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a 12-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Floyd Wood, age 48, of DeRuyter, New York, pled guilty today to attempting to entice a 12-year-old girl into a sexual encounter.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his plea, Wood admitted that in April 2016, while text messaging with someone he believed was a female acquaintance, he arranged to meet with the acquaintance and her 12-year-old daughter at a Syracuse hotel to engage in a sexual encounter with both the mother and daughter. Wood was actually corresponding with law enforcement officers. He was arrested at the Syracuse hotel where he was to meet the child and her mother, after having been observed at an adult store where he purchased items he intended to use in the encounter.
Wood will be sentenced by United States District Judge David N. Hurd on May 4, 2017. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Wood will also 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 FBI, Syracuse Resident Agency, together with the New York State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Fletcher as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, and 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Romanian Man Pleads Guilty in Capital Region ATM Skimming ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ilie Sitariu, age 37, a citizen of Romania, pled guilty today to stealing about $127,000 through the use of skimming devices that were secretly installed on several bank ATMs in the Capital Region.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Sitariu admitted that from August 30, 2015 through October 24, 2015, he and a co-conspirator used skimming devices and pinhole cameras to secretly capture the account numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs) of customers who used ATMs at First Niagara Bank, Trustco Bank, and Berkshire Bank branches in Chatham, New York, Delmar, New York, and Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The skimming devices captured the information encoded on the magnetic strips of customers’ bank debit cards, while the pinhole cameras allowed the conspirators to record the PINs used by the customers at ATMs. The conspirators then used the information to steal approximately $127,000 from the customers’ accounts by making withdrawals at ATMs in New York City.
Sitariu faces at least 2 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on May 10, 2017 by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the New York State Police and the U.S. Secret Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Rome Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Ammunition as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Alfred Laquan Thomas, 31, of Rome, New York, pled guilty today to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian.
As part of his guilty plea today, Alfred Laquan Thomas admitted that he possessed two (2) 12-gauge Remington shotgun shells in his pants pocket on August 16, 2012 when encountered by Syracuse Police minutes after a shooting incident that involved several shotgun rounds fired from his car at the front of an occupied residence on West Bissell Street in Syracuse. In pleading guilty today, Alfred Laquan Thomas also admitted that he was previously convicted of Aggravated Burglary in Kansas in 2003, and was therefore prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law.
The charge to which Alfred Laquan Thomas pled guilty today carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three (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.
Alfred Laquan Thomas was ordered held without bail pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 24, 2017 in Syracuse.
This case is being investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Syracuse Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard R. Southwick.