Northern District of New York

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nelson Moran, age 31, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Moran admitted that on July 31, 2024, his co-conspirator asked him to deliver a package to another individual in Saratoga Springs, New York. Moran agreed and delivered the package—which, as he knew, contained over 200 grams of methamphetamine—before he was arrested. The delivery took place near the Saratoga Race Course, where Moran worked.

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 1-year term of supervised release to begin after Moran is released from prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “Nelson Moran was permitted to enter this country so that he could work an honest job, and he abused that opportunity by conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. He will now be going to federal prison, and will then be deported and forever barred from lawfully re-entering the United States. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute these dangerous and despicable drug peddlers.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated, “This case underscores the DEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations that threaten the safety of our communities. By intercepting this shipment of methamphetamine, we have removed a significant quantity of a dangerous drug from our streets and sent a clear message: those who seek to profit from poisoning our neighborhoods will be met with decisive action.”

The DEA and Saratoga Springs Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa prosecuted the case. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Keith Edmonds, age 30, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

Edmonds admitted that on April 24, 2025, he possessed 425 pills containing methamphetamine that he intended to sell.  Edmonds also admitted that between October 2024 and March 2025, he sold more than 1,300 pills containing either methamphetamine or benzodiazepine to buyers in the Capital Region.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Edmonds brazenly sold poisonous pills in this District and faces a serious term of imprisonment as a result.  This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to disrupt, arrest and prosecute drug dealers in the Northern District of New York.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: “Keith Edmonds’ guilty plea is the result from the unity the DEA and our law enforcement partners show when successfully targeting those individuals who are causing the most harm to our families, friends, and neighbors. Illicit drugs have no place in our communities and the DEA is committed to apprehending those who distribute counterfeit pills and inflame the ongoing opioid crisis.”

Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025.  Edmonds faces a prison term of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, as well as a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shane Daley, age 40, of Galway, New York, was charged with cyberstalking and arrested today for sending harassing and threatening voicemail messages to a family member of murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

A criminal complaint alleges that between December 4 and 7, 2024, beginning just hours after Thompson’s murder in midtown Manhattan, Daley placed multiple calls to a work phone line used by a member of Thompson’s family. In a series of voicemail messages, Daley used threatening and harassing language that focused on, among other things, Thompson’s killing, expressed satisfaction over the fact and manner of his death, and stated that the victim and Thompson’s children deserved to meet the same violent end.

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

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Brian Thompson was gunned down in midtown Manhattan.  Daley, as alleged, gleefully welcomed this tragedy and did all that he could to increase the Thompson family’s pain and suffering.  My office and its partners will now do all that we can to hold him accountable for this vicious and outrageous conduct.”

Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said: “As alleged, Daley threatened and harassed a grieving family in the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s murder. These selfish, harmful, and callous actions undermine public safety and will not be tolerated. This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will pursue and prosecute those who seek to intimidate victims and their families. We are grateful to be working on this case alongside the Northern District of New York.”

Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), said: “Shane Daley allegedly repeatedly harassed the grieving family of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare gunned down in New York City. The recurrent calls and messages in the days following Brian Thompson’s murder were more than callous and cold-hearted harassment – they were threatening and terrified a family already suffering following the violent death of their loved one. The FBI will continue to bring to justice any individual attempting to stalk and harass innocent Americans.”

The charge filed against Daley carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Daley will be arraigned today at 2 p.m. in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal of the Northern District of New York, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile and Jun Xiang of the Southern District of New York, are prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, age 29, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for conspiring to illegally straw purchase a firearm, obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs with a dangerous weapon, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated, “The Department of Justice stands firmly against antisemitism and all hate crimes. We are committed to protecting everyone in our communities and upholding the freedom of religion as enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution.”

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “This shooting, outside of a synagogue on the eve of a Channukah celebration, was unfortunately emblematic of the anti-Semitic violence, rhetoric and practices that have swept this country over the last few years. This year, the Justice Department has emphatically said – through its words and actions – no more. My Office, with our law enforcement partners, will do everything within our powers to make sure everyone in the Northern District of New York can exercise their right to practice their religion without fear of violence and hatred.”

As part of his prior guilty plea, Alkhader admitted that, between November 1 and November 6, 2023, he and Andrew Miller agreed that Miller would purchase a shotgun for Alkhader by lying to a firearms dealer and falsely representing that Miller was the purchaser of the gun.  On November 5, 2023, Alkhader and Miller drove to a federal firearms dealer in Albany and illegally purchased a Kel-Tec KS7 12-gauge pump-action shotgun.

On December 7, 2023, Alkhader took an Uber from his home to Temple Israel, a synagogue in Albany. Upon arriving at the synagogue, at approximately 2 p.m., Alkhader walked up the walkway toward the front entrance, brandished the Kel-Tec shotgun, and then twice fired the shotgun into the air while shouting “Free Palestine!” Alkhader attempted to fire a third time, but the shotgun jammed.  After the shotgun jammed, Alkhader attempted to tear an Israeli flag from a flagpole in front of Temple Israel. Albany Police Officers responded to the scene and arrested Alkhader outside of a nearby hospital. As a result of Alkhader’s actions, Temple Israel was forced to cancel a planned concert and candle lighting ceremony to celebrate Chanukah that evening, and its congregants were afraid to return to their place of worship.

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Alkhader is released from prison. 

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “Mr. Alkhader’s violent actions were fueled by hatred for individuals simply because of their faith. That hatred caused tremendous terror within the Temple Israel community – and the Jewish community as a whole – as they were preparing for the first night of Channukah. We hope this sentence can play an important part in the community’s continued healing process, but can also serve as a notice that violence, especially borne from hate, will not be tolerated by the FBI. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate these hateful incidents and bring justice to the victims, so no one has to live in fear.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated, “This sentencing reflects our commitment to stopping those who unlawfully obtain firearms to cause fear and chaos in our communities. When individuals conspire to bypass gun laws and use firearms to intimidate others, they will be held accountable. This case highlights the importance of our ongoing work to disrupt illegal firearm activity before it turns deadly. I’m grateful for the partnership between ATF NY Albany Field Office, FBI Albany, the Albany Police Department, the New York State Police and U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of NY — a united front in keeping our communities safe.”

Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox stated, “The sentencing in this case sends a clear message that violence and crimes of hate targeting any community, including those of our Jewish community, will not be tolerated. The Albany Police Department remains committed to protecting all communities and to hold those accountable who seek to spread fear and hate.”

Andrew Miller previously pled guilty and was sentenced to 14 months of imprisonment for his role in the straw purchase of the shotgun.

The FBI’s Albany Field Office, in conjunction with the ATF and the Albany Police Department, investigated the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping for the Northern District of New York, Trial Attorney Trevor Kempner of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division prosecuted the case.  Additionally, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Perry and Michael Gadarian provided counsel in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 29, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiring to illegally straw purchase a firearm, obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs with a dangerous weapon, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

On Dec. 7, 2023, Alkhader took an Uber from his home to Temple Israel, a synagogue in Albany. Upon arriving at the synagogue, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Alkhader walked up the walkway toward the front entrance, brandished the Kel-Tec shotgun, and then twice fired the shotgun into the air while shouting “Free Palestine!” Alkhader attempted to fire a third time, but the shotgun jammed. After the shotgun jammed, Alkhader attempted to tear an Israeli flag from a flagpole in front of Temple Israel. Albany Police Officers responded to the scene and arrested Alkhader outside of a nearby hospital. As a result of Alkhader’s actions, Temple Israel was forced to cancel a planned concert and candle lighting ceremony to celebrate Chanukah that evening, and its congregants were afraid to return to their place of worship.

“The Department of Justice stands firmly against antisemitism and all hate crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to protecting everyone in our communities and upholding the freedom of religion as enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution.”

“This shooting, outside of a synagogue on the eve of a Channukah celebration, was unfortunately emblematic of the anti-Semitic violence, rhetoric and practices that have swept this country over the last few years,” Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “This year, the Justice Department has emphatically said – through its words and actions – no more. My office, with our law enforcement partners, will do everything within our powers to make sure everyone in the Northern District of New York can exercise their right to practice their religion without fear of violence and hatred.”

“Mr. Alkhader’s violent actions were fueled by hatred for individuals simply because of their faith. That hatred caused tremendous terror within the Temple Israel community – and the Jewish community as a whole – as they were preparing for the first night of Channukah,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “We hope this sentence can play an important part in the community’s continued healing process, but can also serve as a notice that violence, especially borne from hate, will not be tolerated by the FBI. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate these hateful incidents and bring justice to the victims, so no one has to live in fear.”

“This sentencing reflects our commitment to stopping those who unlawfully obtain firearms to cause fear and chaos in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller of the ATF New York Field Division. “When individuals conspire to bypass gun laws and use firearms to intimidate others, they will be held accountable. This case highlights the importance of our ongoing work to disrupt illegal firearm activity before it turns deadly. I’m grateful for the partnership between ATF NY Albany Field Office, FBI Albany, the Albany Police Department, the New York State Police and U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of NY — a united front in keeping our communities safe.”

“The sentencing in this case sends a clear message that violence and crimes of hate targeting any community, including those of our Jewish community, will not be tolerated,” said Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox. “The Albany Police Department remains committed to protecting all communities and to hold those accountable who seek to spread fear and hate.”

As part of his prior guilty plea, Alkhader admitted that, between Nov. 1 and Nov. 6, 2023, he and Andrew Miller agreed that Miller would purchase a shotgun for Alkhader by lying to a firearms dealer and falsely representing that Miller was the purchaser of the gun. On Nov. 5, 2023, Alkhader and Miller drove to a federal firearms dealer in Albany and illegally purchased a Kel-Tec KS7 12-gauge pump-action shotgun.

U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci for the Northern District of New York also imposed a five-year term of supervised release to begin after Alkhader is released from prison.

Andrew Miller previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 months of in prison for his role in the straw purchase of the shotgun.

The FBI’s Albany Field Office, in conjunction with the ATF and the Albany Police Department, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping for the Northern District of New York, Trial Attorney Trevor Kempner of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division prosecuted the case. Additionally, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Perry and Michael Gadarian for the Northern District of New York provided counsel in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tristan Kovacs, age 21, of Waverly, New York, appeared today in federal court on charges of sexual exploitation of a child and transportation of child pornography announced Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The complaint alleges that in April of 2025, Kovacs produced a sexually explicit image of himself and a nine-year-old female child which Kovacs later uploaded to a pornographic website to generate revenue from other users of the site. The website reported Kovacs’ upload of the image, which subsequently led to the investigation of Kovacs and his arrest yesterday evening.

The sexual exploitation charge filed against Kovacs carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in federal prison and maximum sentence of 30 years while the charge of transportation of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of five years and maximum sentence of 20 years. Both charges carry a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  If convicted, Kovacs will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Kovacs was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks and was detained pending further proceedings.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “the defendant’s conduct as alleged in the complaint is despicable. Not only is the defendant alleged to have sexually exploited a child, but he also appears to have sought to profit from it. My office is committed to doing whatever is in our power to ensure this defendant never has the opportunity to harm another child.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli stated: “Hours after FBI Albany received this disturbing tip from law enforcement, Mr. Kovacs was in custody facing federal charges that carry significant sentences. The FBI will continue to devote every resource available to swiftly investigate these despicable predators and protect our most vulnerable. Our office is especially thankful to our partners at Waverly Police Department, New York State Police, and Broome County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance in this investigation.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the New York State Police with assistance from the Waverly New York Police Department and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Maya McIntosh, age 33, of Albany, was sentenced on July 31, 2025, for conspiracies to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and controlled substance analogue, distribution and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and controlled substance analogue, and unlawful possession and use of a means of identification.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction, made the announcement.

McIntosh admitted in her prior guilty plea that beginning no later than January 2023 through July 2024, the defendant manufactured, distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute the substance MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, and conspired to do so with others. More specifically, McIntosh ordered constituent chemicals, which were shipped to the residences of McIntosh and a coconspirator. McIntosh combined those chemicals in her residence to create MDMB-4en-PINACA in liquid form. McIntosh then sprayed and soaked the liquid onto copy paper and business envelopes. McIntosh placed those documents into U.S. Priority Mail Express envelopes addressed to inmates at various correctional facilities in New York State. McIntosh disguised the envelopes as legal mail by stamping the names of actual attorneys in the return address portion of the envelopes, without their knowledge or permission, to make it appear is if the parcels were sent by attorneys and contained legitimate legal paperwork instead of a controlled substance. McIntosh used social media to sell the sheets and envelopes soaked in MDMB-4en-PINACA to others. McIntosh’s customers paid her to mail the MDMB-4en-PINACA-soaked papers to inmates at the facilities.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Maya McIntosh endangered the health and safety of hardworking corrections officers and prison staff when she manufactured a synthetic drug and smuggled it into correctional facilities through the U.S. Mail. Now she will spend 8 years behind bars herself. I’m grateful for the collaboration between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Department of Correction Special Investigation Unit, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York that achieved this result.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to combat drug trafficking.  McIntosh’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort to keep contraband out of the U.S. Mail and in this case, out of correctional facilities,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.  “When the U.S. Mail is used to transport illegal drugs, it is taken very seriously. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works diligently to preserve the integrity of the mail by investigating and bringing to justice, those who use it illegally.”

“Maya McIntosh utilized brazen and deceptive methods to ship and smuggle synthetic narcotics into New York State correctional facilities, endangering correctional employees and others exposed to these harmful substances. This sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Buffalo.  “I commend HSI Albany personnel and our partners with the USPIS, the New York City Department of Correction, and the Northern District of New York, for ensuring that Ms. McIntosh faces the consequences of her actions.”  

"Maya McIntosh's sentencing should stand as a warning to anyone seeking to introduce contraband into prisons and jails: we will find you and you will be punished," said NYC Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie. "The violence and loss of life prevented by the vigilance of the dedicated DOC staff who identify and investigate the presence of illegal substances in our jails cannot be understated. I commend these staff, and partners at DOCCS, USDOJ, and the U.S. Postal Service, for this coordinated effort to successfully stem the tide of dangerous substances entering our jails."

Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to follow McIntosh’s term of imprisonment and ordered her to forfeit more than $42,000 of proceeds of the offense.

This case was investigated by USPIS, HSI Buffalo Field Office, and the New York City Department of Correction Special Investigation Unit, with assistance from HSI New York Field Office, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the Albany Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Uqoeon Lawrence, age 29, of Syracuse, was sentenced last week to 180 months in prison for drug trafficking, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and firearms trafficking. 

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement. 

Lawrence previously admitted that he repeatedly sold controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, in the Syracuse area, and that he possessed a shotgun to protect his drug trafficking.  Lawrence was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had a prior felony conviction.  Lawrence also admitted that he had illegally received from another person two semi-automatic pistols that had been purchased in Maine and brought to Syracuse, and that Lawrence then re-sold the firearms to other individuals in Syracuse.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Uqoeon Lawrence peddled toxic drugs in Syracuse, protected his drug business with illegal firearms, and profited by pumping still more illegal guns into our community.  Syracuse is safer with Lawrence behind bars, where he will remain for 15 years.  My office is committed to bringing dangerous drug dealers like Lawrence to justice.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This case reflects our unwavering commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the people of Syracuse. When individuals flood our streets with guns and deadly drugs, we respond as one team — focused on safeguarding our communities and holding offenders accountable. I’m grateful for the strong collaboration between ATF New York Syracuse Field Office, DEA, the Syracuse Police Department Intelligence Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.”

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to follow Lawrence’s term of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by ATF, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Unit (SPD-INTEL). The case was prosecuted by Assistance U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur and retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III organized and led a delegation of federal law enforcement leaders and law enforcement leaders from Canada to visit the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council at the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation near Hogansburg, New York, on June 4. 

United States Attorney Sarcone thanked the Tribal Council for hosting the meeting, which included the Special Agents in Charge and leaders from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, and the New York State Police. 

The meeting focused on collaboration between federal agencies and the Tribal Council to further promote public safety and a sense of community on the Akwesasne Territory.

Acting United States Attorney Sarcone said, “Thank you to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council for their gracious welcome and our robust discussion.  I look forward to continuing my Office’s strong relationship with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, and federal law enforcement and Canadian partners.  We remain committed to working with our Tribal partners to target criminals who exploit the Akwesasne Territory to fuel their greed and to smuggle guns, drugs and people across the U.S.-Canada border.” 

FBI Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Ensuring the safety of our communities can only be accomplished when we collaborate and leverage our tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships. This meeting was an important step forward, and the FBI appreciates the U.S. Attorney bringing everyone together for this impactful discussion. FBI Albany is committed to building these relationships and working together to investigate anyone looking to exploit the Akwesasne Territory through criminal activity that endangers the community.”

HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “I was proud to participate in this historic meeting between members of federal law enforcement and members of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation in which we reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to securing our northern border through the power of collaboration. Our long-standing partnership with Canadian law enforcement, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and our state, local and federal partners on the HSI Massena Homeland Security Task Force exemplifies the strength of collective action in safeguarding our communities and ensuring the safety of our nation. Together, we are building a safer future.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “The DEA was honored to join with our federal partners in meeting Chief Beverly Cook and the leadership of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. We are deeply grateful for the time they extended to us. We value the opportunity to build trust, engage in meaningful dialogue, and strengthen our partnership as we work together to protect all communities from the threat of illicit narcotics and fentanyl.”

Bryan Miller, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division, stated: “ATF New York was honored to join our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in meeting with tribal leaders to discuss shared public safety priorities. Strengthening relationships begins with open dialogue, and we value the opportunity to sit together, listen, and address the issues impacting our communities. Collaboration and mutual respect are essential to keeping all our communities safe.”

Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia stated: “Swanton Sector Border Patrol is committed to maintaining our already remarkable relationship with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services. Our shared mission is to protect the public while preventing transnational criminal organizations from misusing the territory by smuggling humans, illicit goods, and dangerous contraband across the region.”

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., New York Field Office, stated: “It is incredibly important that IRS-CI continue to build relationships with all our federal, state, local and tribal partners for continued collaboration and cooperation.   We look forward to enhancing our financial investigations with more information sharing to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.”

USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “I greatly appreciate the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council for their thoughtful welcome and valuable insights shared of Akwesasne’s history and people. This important meeting reinforces our shared commitment to protecting the communities we serve through strategic collaboration and a shared vision among our tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The United States Postal Inspection Service remains committed to building partnerships and continuing collective efforts in the Akwesasne Territory to protect the U.S. Mail from criminal activity; protect its employees, infrastructure, and customers; and ensure public trust in the mail.”

U.S. Secret Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles Perras stated: “The value of partnerships is a core tenet of the United States Secret Service and as such, would like to express our sincere gratitude to St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police for their hospitality in hosting our federal partners for an insightful and productive meeting on shared public safety and law enforcement concerns.” 

BIA Division of Drug Enforcement Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson stated: “The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement, is honored to have joined the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council for this important dialogue. Opportunities like these strengthen our commitment to collaborative public safety initiatives, and we remain dedicated to building lasting partnerships with all stakeholders involved.”

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commander Karine Gagne, Criminal Operations, Eastern Region, stated: “The RCMP remains committed to working closely with our U.S. law enforcement partners to disrupt cross-border criminal activity while respecting the unique policing environment of the Akwesasne territory. This meeting reflects the strength of our cross-border relationships and our collective dedication to working in partnership with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service to build trust, address public safety challenges and ensure the safety of all communities on both sides of the border.”

From the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council:

On June 4, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council hosted officials from multiple agencies to strengthen relationships between tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations. Attendees included senior officials from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department and Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, United States Attorney's Office – Northern District of New York, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, New York State Police, and Royal Mounted Canadian Police Service.   

Chief Beverly Cook provided the background for the conversation by presenting “Common Ground,” a comprehensive overview of the United States history with Indigenous people and nations, and how it has affected Akwesasne and the Mohawk people. She included intergenerational impacts of past U.S. policies—especially residential schools and the pervasive environmental contamination affecting the Akwesasne people. Chief Cook explained the legacy of trauma affecting our families, noting that recent studies suggest our population experiences higher rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) compared to our counterparts in surrounding communities. The presentation asserted inherent sovereignty while promoting a fuller understanding of Akwesasne’s history and contemporary challenges as they relate to law enforcement activity and interactions with the Akwesasne people.

The historic meeting was the first time federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies gathered at Akwesasne to discuss concerns and opportunities for greater cooperation to ensure the vibrant community of Akwesasne is kept safe and secure, with our Tribal Police and Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service as the lead agencies. The collaboration with outside law enforcement was addressed as an important step toward strengthening relationships to foster respect for our history, culture, and rights as a recognized sovereign entity responsible to govern and safeguard the Akwesasne Mohawk territory.

The Tribal Council extends its gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for coordinating all of our law enforcement partners. Niá:wen to all the agencies for visiting Akwesasne and taking the time to learn about the land, the community, and its People. 

Pictured in alphabetical order:

Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Anderson

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Beverly Conners

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Michael Conners

Lindsay Day, Administrative Support, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

IRS Supervisory Special Agent Mark Deluca

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo

Border Patrol Swanton Sector Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Richard Fortunato

HSI Acting Resident Agent in Charge Emily Francis

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Hanlon

HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeremiah Healey

DEA Public Affairs Specialist Kenneth Heino

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Sub-Chief Benjamin Herne

DEA Deputy Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Sub-Chief Agnes “Sweets” Jacobs

DEA Associate Special Agent in Charge Daniel Kafafian

HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Sub-Chief Derrick King

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Kopita

Plattsburgh RAC Michael Laravia

USPIS Postal Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward

RCMP Staff Sergeant Philiippe Melançon

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shane Nastoff

U.S. Secret Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Charles Perras

Matt Rourke, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief of Police

Border Patrol Massena Station Patrol Agent in Charge Jarrod Sanders

United States Attorney John Sarcone

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino

RCMP Inspector Étienne Thauvette

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Police Lt. DeCota Thompson

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Donald Thompson Jr.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Edward Leon, age 53, of Fultonville, New York, was charged on Tuesday with malicious use of fire to destroy property resulting in death.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

The indictment alleges that on May 2, 2013, Leon used fire to maliciously damage and destroy a rental property at 438 Hulett Street in Schenectady, resulting in the deaths of David Terry and three of his children, Michael Terry, Layah Terry, and Donovan Duell. The fire also seriously injured a fourth child. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Leon was arraigned on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz. A detention hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.

Upon conviction, the charge filed against Leon carries a minimum term of 7 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the death penalty, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department, Schenectady Fire Department, New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control, New York State Police, Rotterdam Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, St. Johnsville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping, Richard D. Bellis, and Mikayla Espinosa are prosecuting the case.

Anyone with knowledge or information about this case is encouraged to contact the ATF Albany Field Office at 518-431-4182.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Sean Christianson, age 45, of Manhattan, New York, pled guilty on Wednesday to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

Christianson admitted that on February 25, 2025, he traveled from the New York City area to Liverpool, New York, with twenty-two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in his vehicle.  Christianson intended to sell the cocaine in the Syracuse area.  Law enforcement apprehended Christianson as he arrived in Liverpool.

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

“Illicit drugs have no place in our communities,” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “DEA New York remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to target those who poison our neighborhoods with dangerous narcotics.” 

At sentencing, Christianson faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sean Patrick, age 46, of Watervliet, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison for dealing firearms without a license.

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

As part of his guilty plea, Patrick admitted that between June 2021 and November 2022, he built and sold four non-serialized, semi-automatic pistols without being licensed to do so, filling out any paperwork, or paying any taxes in connection with the sales.  On November 10, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant on Patrick’s residence in Watervliet, and recovered four more privately manufactured, non-serialized, semi-automatic pistols, another semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, assorted gun kits and fabrication tools, and over a thousand rounds of ammunition of various calibers.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “People need to sell firearms the right way, in accordance with federal law. If you deal firearms without a license, be ready to spend time in federal prison.  We will not tolerate the unlicensed sale of firearms in the Northern District of New York.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Patrick’s decision to bypass federal laws and manufacture and sell illegal weapons has landed him in federal prison. The FBI will continue to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate anyone looking to push illegal firearms into our communities and ensure they are held accountable.”

Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 3-year-term of supervised release, a fine of $7,500, and ordered the forfeiture of multiple firearms and ammunition.

The FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force — which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie and Watervliet Police Departments — investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Terrell Bell, age 28, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison for possessing and intending to distribute fentanyl. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Bell previously admitted that he was on parole in January 2024 when law enforcement searched his home in Schenectady and discovered nearly 1,800 fentanyl pills in his bedroom and more than $90,000 throughout the home.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “Bell didn’t learn his lesson after a prior felony conviction and term of parole, but he should learn it now: Dealing drugs in this District doesn’t pay. My Office will make sure of it.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli stated: “This sentence proves any criminal who chooses to profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable. The FBI remains deeply committed to working with our partners at every level of law enforcement to investigate and bring to justice these individuals trafficking dangerous drugs on our streets.”

Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release. Bell has also consented to forfeiture of the money found in his home. 

FBI investigated this case with the assistance of the Schenectady Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa prosecuted it.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – David Pastorello, age 42, of Ithaca, New York, was arrested Tuesday evening and had his initial appearance on Wednesday on charges of enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The complaint alleges that Pastorello sent text messages to a girl under the age of 12, repeatedly requesting that the child have sex with him. Pastorello also sent the victim indecent images of himself, in addition to two images constituting child pornography under federal law. Later, Pastorello entered the victim’s apartment without permission before fleeing. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Prior to this offense, in May 2025, Pastorello was arraigned in Tompkins County Court for the New York State offense of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old. In July 2025, just a few days prior to the incident that gave rise to the federal charges, Pastorello pled guilty in Cortland County Court to the New York State offense of disseminating indecent material to a minor. The Cortland County case was reset for sentencing. Pastorello was out on bond in both pending state cases.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the quick work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, children have been protected and a dangerous predator has been apprehended. Despite having committed other crimes relating to child sexual abuse, Pastorello was allowed by state authorities to be out of custody. His new crimes demonstrate how dangerously unwise that decision was. Pastorello will be held fully accountable for the federal offenses he has committed.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Pastorello, a repeat offender with an alarming criminal history, is a dangerous predator who is now facing serious federal charges. These charges would not have been possible without the incredible assistance and coordination provided by our partners from the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, Ithaca Police Department, and New York State Police. Our communities should know the FBI is committed to leveraging these strong partnerships to bring the full weight of the federal government down on these disturbing predators looking to harm our children.”

Following the initial appearance, Pastorello was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending further proceedings.

If convicted of enticement of a minor, Pastorello faces a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and for distribution of child pornography, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Pastorello would also be required to register as a sex offender if convicted.

The FBI and New York State Police are conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brent G. Trimbell, age 44, of Delaware County was arrested Sunday evening and had his initial appearance today on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The complaint alleges that Trimbell exchanged sexually explicit messages with a female child victim, including messages persuading her to create and send him videos of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The child created the content Trimbell requested and sent it to him over social media. The complaint also alleges that Trimbell had sexual contact with the victim on at least three occasions and sent the victim videos depicting him masturbating.

Trimbell was first charged by state authorities with state sex offenses related to the foregoing conduct, but late last week he was released on bail.

If convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, Trimbell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, a fine of $250,000, forfeiture of property used to commit the offense, and restitution to the victim. Trimbell also would be required to register as a sex offender.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Trimbell was charged with serious state sex offenses but was released on bail. Now, Trimbell is in federal custody—facing serious federal offenses—which if convicted, will result in a mandatory term of imprisonment of 15 years.  This is how we keep the children in our community safe.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “FBI Albany is incredibly thankful for the swift coordination from our partners at the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office that has now resulted in serious federal charges against Mr. Trimbell. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to coordinate with our state and local partners to share the information and resources needed to ensure anyone hurting our most vulnerable is investigated and brought to justice.”

Following the initial appearance, Trimbell was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending further proceedings.

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

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Terence Butler, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances and money laundering.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

Butler previously admitted to directing multiple people to meet up with a drug distributer in Beverly Hills, California, to obtain drugs to ship back to various Schenectady addresses.  On January 4, 2023, investigators seized a package containing 1.65 kilograms of cocaine that Butler had shipped from California to Schenectady.  On August 3, 2023, investigators seized another Schenectady-bound package containing approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and 5,000 methamphetamine pills before it could be delivered in Schenectady.  Butler also admitted to having two people funnel $35,000 in drug proceeds back to his supplier over a three-week period in December 2022 and January 2023. 

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Terence Butler brought a significant amount of lethal drugs into the Capital District. Now he will be serving a significant amount of prison time for his crimes. Every day, with our law enforcement partners, we work to intercept drugs bound for the Northern District of New York, and to investigate and prosecute those would seek to bring this poison into our communities.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy stated: “Terence Butler orchestrated a bold and dangerous operation, trafficking highly lethal drugs, including fentanyl, into the northeast from across the nation. He has now been held accountable for his reckless disregard for public safety. I commend HSI Newark’s Opioid Border Enforcement Security Task Force and our dedicated law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to protecting the community and prioritizing the public’s wellbeing above all else.”

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 4-year-term of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of $77,427 in drug proceeds. 

HSI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

UTICA, NEW YORK –Erik Burch, age 30, Khalid Richardson, age 30, and Lamar Stanford, age 33, each of Syracuse, have each pled guilty for their respective roles in a firearms trafficking operation. Burch pled guilty last week to the unlawful sale of a firearm to a prohibited person; Richardson pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on June 4, 2025; and Stanford pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on April 30, 2025. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

Richardson admitted that he sold firearms to an individual whom he knew to be a felon on four separate occasions in 2022. He further admitted that he obtained firearms on two of those occasions from his co-defendants, Stanford and Burch. Stanford and Burch each admitted to possessing firearms on the dates of the firearm sales that they engaged in with Richardson. Stanford and Burch were each prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions.

Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone stated, “If you sell firearms to felons, be ready to spend a long time in federal prison. We will not tolerate felons buying, selling, or possessing firearms in the Northern District of New York. We will use all of the tools at our disposal to make sure these people are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This case underscores the serious threat that illegal firearms trafficking pose to our communities. These defendants — including two convicted felons — were involved in trafficking firearms, a crime that puts lives at risk and undermines the safety of our communities. Thanks to the diligent work of ATF NY Syracuse, in coordination with the Syracuse Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, we were able to disrupt this operation and hold these individuals accountable. We remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to stem schemes that fuel violent crime.”

The charges filed against Burch, Richardson, and Stanford carry a maximum term of 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Burch is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2025; Richardson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2025; and Stanford is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2025.  The defendants will appear for sentencing before Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd.

ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department’s Intelligence Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Degrasse, age 59, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, pled guilty on Tuesday to interstate transportation of stolen property. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

Degrasse admitted that in the early morning of April 27, 2023, he sawed into an ATM in a restaurant in Catskill, New York; removed approximately $9,300; and transported that money out of New York.  He also acknowledged that he cut the alarm wires of a convenience store in Hillsdale, New York, and entered the store before abandoning that effort to go to the Catskill restaurant.  Degrasse further admitted he sawed into and stole cash from ATMs in Walden, New York; Pine Plains, New York; Lenox, New York; Concord, Massachusetts; and Bagdad, Kentucky.  Degrasse admitted to stealing a total of more than $55,000 from the ATMs.  As part of his plea, Degrasse has agreed to forfeit the $9,300 from the Catskill theft and pay restitution. 

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “David Degrasse’s multi-state crime spree is over. His arrest and prosecution should put an end to his despicable targeting and burglarizing of small businesses.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Degrasse’s arrest should send a clear message that the FBI will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable any criminal who decides to target our small businesses for their own personal gain.”

NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable who prey on small businesses and violate the safety of our communities. I commend the work of our Troopers and Investigators, along with our federal partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their efforts in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”

At sentencing, Degrasse, who is in custody, faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The FBI and NYSP investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Donald Jenkins, age 37, of Clarksville, Tennessee, pled guilty on Monday to traveling across state lines to the Capital Region with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

Jenkins admitted that in September 2024 he began communicating with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of someone he believed to be an 11-year-old child residing in Clifton Park, New York.  Jenkins ultimately devised a plan to rent a car in Tennessee and drive to Clifton Park in order to sexually abuse the child.  On November 19, 2024, Jenkins was arrested after arriving in Clifton Park at a prearranged meeting location.  He admitted that he obtained a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test earlier in the day and brought numerous pairs of child’s underwear as a gift for the minor. 

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “No matter where you reside, if you try to prey on children in the Northern District of New York, we will find you, arrest you, and seek to convict you and punish you to the fullest extent of the law.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “Donald Jenkins rented a car, obtained child’s underwear and STD testing kits, and traveled across state lines as part of his plan to sexually abuse someone whom he believed was an 11-year-old child. I thank personnel with HSI Albany, the Northern District of New York, and the New York State Police, for consistently taking proactive steps to protect the public from predators.”

Jenkins is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on November 12, 2025.  He faces a maximum term of 30 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.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. 

HSI and the New York State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kristin Keeble, age 54, of Pageland, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 5 months in jail, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release with 6 months of home detention, for transmitting a threat to injure another in interstate commerce.

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

As part of her guilty plea, Keeble admitted that on October 26, 2023, she sent four threatening, profanity-laced and racially derogatory audio messages through Facebook Messenger to a man in Catskill, New York. Keeble threatened to kill the victim by hanging him, along with a woman the victim knew, and the woman’s children, from a tree. Keeble purported to be acting with members of the Ku Klux Klan. Keeble knew, from the victim’s Facebook profile photo, that the victim was Black.

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “No one should ever receive despicable, hateful threats like this. Those who threaten people over the Internet are going to be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “No individual should live in fear because of someone’s intolerance and hatred. Threats of violence, especially borne from hate, will never be tolerated and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners hold the perpetrators accountable for their disturbing actions and bring justice to the victims.”

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Hockersmith, 65, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography and possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his prior guilty plea, Hockersmith admitted that in August of 2022, he began conspiring with his co-defendant, Jack Kelly, about exchanging child sexual abuse material. Hockersmith further admitted that he and Kelly decided to exchange the material by mailing an SD card containing child sexual abuse images and videos back and forth, which each of them did. Hockersmith also admitted that during a search of his residence on September 12, 2024, he still possessed the SD card he and Kelly used to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material via the U.S. mail, which contained the sexually explicit images and videos of children they shared with one another.

In addition to a term of imprisonment, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also sentenced Hockersmith to serve a 10-year term of supervised release to begin after Hockersmith is released from prison. Hockersmith will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “They thought they were being sly—using the mail to trade child pornography—but it didn’t work thanks to the diligent investigative work of the agents and investigators from HSI and the New York State Police. Let this be a lesson, we will find and punish anyone who is involved in the abuse or exploitation of children.”

“The defendant was sentenced for his heinous crime of receiving, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “Together with our partners, HSI Rouses Point will continue to seek justice for victimized children. Any person who believes they have information pertaining to the exploitation of a child is encouraged to contact the HSI tip-line at 866-347-2423.”

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

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Anthony Deyoe, age 45, of Au Sable Forks, New York, pled guilty yesterday to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography announced United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his guilty plea, Deyoe admitted that in June of 2024, he exchanged child sexual abuse material with other users of an online social networking application installed on his cellular telephone. Deyoe also admitted that in December of 2024, during a search conducted by law enforcement, he possessed numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material on the same cellular telephone. Deyoe admitted that he committed these offenses after previous convictions in New York State, one in 2008 for Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, and in 2018 of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child.

U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Protecting children is my top priority.  I am thankful to HSI and the NYSP for their partnership and assistance in bringing this defendant to justice. Every child should feel safe, and my office will do whatever it can to make sure that happens.”

“Through his admitted crimes, Anthony Deyoe placed his own abhorrent desires above the safety of child victims. HSI Rouses Point is committed to working with our partners in pursuit of justice for the innocent minor population who are victimized by online perpetrators," said HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan.

At sentencing, currently scheduled for November 5, 2025, in Utica, New York, Deyoe faces a term of imprisonment between 15 and 40 years for each of the receipt and distribution counts. For the possession count, Deyoe faces a term of imprisonment between 10 and 20 years. Deyoe also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  He will also be required to continue to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from New York State Police and members of the Tri-County Special Response Team which is made up of law enforcement personnel from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Angel Madera, age 30, of Rensselaer, New York, was ordered detained pending trial last week on an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The charges filed against Madera carry a mandatory prison sentence of between 5 and 40 years; a fine of up to $5,000,000; 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 convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “The defendant is charged with bringing significant quantities of dangerous drugs from New York City to be distributed in the Capital District.  Narcotics have been ravaging our society and here in the Northern District of New York, if you are arrested for distributing narcotics or possessing them with the intent to distribute, regardless of the quantity, you will face the highest possible punishment the law provides.”  

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: "As alleged, Mr. Madera trafficked dangerous drugs into the Capital Region with the intention of selling them in our communities. The FBI will continue to do everything we can to stop the sale of illicit narcotics in our streets and keep our communities safe.”

The indictment charges Madera with conspiring with another person, Daval Byrams, to bring cocaine from New York City to the Capital District for further distribution.  On March 11, 2025, three bricks of cocaine, weighing one kilogram each were recovered from Byrams as he and Madera exited a bus together in Schenectady. Byrams pled guilty earlier this month to possessing the three kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Byrams sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2025.

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

The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Damian Quillinan, age 50, of Broadalbin, New York, was sentenced last week to a total of twelve years’ incarceration for possession of a single image of child sexual exploitation material while under post-release supervision for prior child pornography offenses.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone, III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, made the announcement.

“One image is all it takes,” said U.S. Attorney Sarcone.  “We will relentlessly pursue justice against those who exploit children.  We thank the U.S. Probation Office and HSI for catching this sick individual and immediately putting him back where he belongs – in custody.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: "The defendant, a registered sex offender, exploited technology for his own perverse desires and explicit crimes. Together with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York and our law enforcement partners, HSI Albany will ​not stand idly by as child predators seek new ways to target our most vulnerable communities."

This past January, Quillinan pled guilty to possession of child pornography while serving a lifetime of supervised release for prior convictions for receipt and possession of child pornography and admitted to violating the terms of his supervised release by committing the new offense and by possessing unauthorized internet-capable devices.  According to the plea agreement and documents previously filed in the case, Quillinan is a level 2 registered sex offender in the State of New York, stemming from his 2017 convictions in the Northern District of New York for multiple counts of receipt and possession of child pornography. 

In January 2024, shortly after being released from incarceration on those offenses, Quillinan manipulated a video of a prepubescent minor he obtained over the internet to create a lascivious image of the minor’s genitalia, which he then possessed on a tablet until it was seized by law enforcement during a search of his residence in September 2024.  Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Quillinan to 10 years’ incarceration for the new conviction and a consecutive sentence of 2 years’ incarceration for the violation of his supervised release.  Quillinan was also ordered to forfeit the tablet used in connection with the offense, to serve 20 years of supervised release following release from prison and will be required to continue to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by HSI with the assistance of the U.S. Probation Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sean A. Walter, age 31, of Humble, Texas, was sentenced yesterday to eighteen months of imprisonment for stealing business checks out of the U.S. Mail by repeatedly and unlawfully entering a mail sorting facility in Albany.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG)- Northeast Region; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Walter to serve three years of post-imprisonment supervised release, to pay a $5,500 fine, and to pay $181,920.90 in restitution.

In previously pleading guilty, Walter admitted that on six occasions in 2023 and 2024, he unlawfully entered the USPS Albany Processing and Distribution Center (PDC) on Karner Road, to steal mail that he believed contained business checks. For instance, at approximately 12:56 a.m. on January 23, 2024, Walter entered the Albany PDC by forcefully pulling up a retractable overhead door to the facility. Once inside, he went to a large room where USPS employees were sorting mail and then stole a variety of mail. Walter placed the stolen mail in his backpack and exited the Albany PDC at around 2:31 a.m. He then re-entered the Albany PDC two more times that night stealing additional mail each time.

According to the criminal complaint in this case, Walter was arrested on May 14, 2024, after being confronted by security guards inside of the Albany PDC and fleeing to a nearby motel.

The mail that Walter stole included checks drawn on bank accounts belonging to entities in Upstate New York, including a town government, a bank, a volunteer fire department, and several small businesses. Walter sold these stolen checks to others and understood that these checks would then be altered and forged in ways that allowed them to be successfully negotiated by people other than the checks’ intended payees.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone stated: “This sentence holds Sean Walter accountable for repeatedly trespassing onto government property, stealing mailed checks, and causing financial loss to local businesses and governments. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute those who threaten and disrupt the orderly distribution of mail.”

USPS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi stated: “The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is dedicated to protecting the U.S Mail and the U.S. Postal Service. The special agents of the USPS OIG will tirelessly investigate those who choose to steal U.S Mail and defraud the American public. The sentence imposed on the defendant will serve as a reminder that there are severe consequences when individuals commit crimes targeting the U.S Mail. The USPS OIG is thankful for the great longstanding relationships we have developed with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat mail theft.”

USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated: “Yesterday’s sentencing of Mr. Walter stands as a testament to the United States Postal Inspection Service’s dedication to ensuring the sanctity of the U.S. mail and safety and security of postal facilities.  The Inspection Service will continue to work with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York to prosecute anyone guilty of compromising the public’s trust in the mail.”

USPS-OIG and USPIS investigated the case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced today that Centers Healthcare is paying $6,063,500 to resolve allegations that 44 Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) submitted cost reports to Medicare that contained false statements or omitted material information regarding their transactions with related organizations.  The 44 SNFs are related to Centers through common ownership or control and are located in Rhode Island, Kansas, Missouri and New York, including 15 facilities in the Northern District of New York (Albany, Essex, Fulton, Jefferson, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Ulster, Warren, and Washington counties).  

“Taxpayer dollars fund nursing homes” said United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III.  “I expect that nursing homes will truthfully account for how they spend those dollars, which are entrusted to them to care for our elderly and most vulnerable citizens.”

Federal regulations require SNFs to submit cost reports to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)’s Medicare Administrative Contractors about their allowable charges and expenses related to the care of nursing home patients, including information about their dealings with related organizations. A related organization is an entity that is related to the SNF through common ownership or control.  When a SNF does business with a related organization, it is required to calculate and disclose the allowable cost of the services, facilities, or supplies.  The allowable cost is the is the lower of: (1) the actual cost of the supply or service to the provider, or (2) the price in the open market for comparable services, facilities, or supplies.  The reason for these requirements is that when a SNF obtains services or supplies from a related organization they are effectively doing business with themselves.  Centers admitted that the cost reports associated with 44 SNFs contained one or more false statements or material omissions regarding related organization transactions and that Centers management reviewed the cost reports and knew or reasonably should have known of the false statements.

“When nursing home operators knowingly submit false information in cost reports, they undermine the integrity of federal health care programs and misuse taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS/OIG). “HHS-OIG, including our investigators and auditors, will continue working with our DOJ partners to hold bad actors accountable and aggressively pursue those who engage in healthcare fraud.”

The investigation and resolution of this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and HHS-OIG’s Office of Investigation (Kansas City Region) and Office of Audit Services (Kansas City Region).  Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher R. Moran and John D. Hoggan represented the United States.  

WASHINGTON — A dual Canadian American citizen was arrested on Sunday, June 15, for his role in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy that left a family of four, including two children under the age of three, dead in the St. Lawrence River. Oakes was arrested as he attempted to enter the United States via the Massena, New York, Port of Entry.

Timothy Oakes, 34, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR), Canada, was previously arraigned on numerous human smuggling offenses in the Northern District of New York District Court and had his detention hearing earlier today and will remain detained. Oakes was indicted on April 9 for conspiring with others to engage in alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for profit, and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. United States based co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of Akwesasne-Mohawk, New York, and Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, Oct. 8, 2024, and March 6, respectively.

“As alleged, Oakes and his co-conspirators profited from a human smuggling operation with a singular, cold-hearted aim: making money by bringing illegal aliens into the United States, regardless of the danger to human life involved,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their greed resulted in the deaths of a mother, a father, and two small children, as well as one of the defendants’ own brothers. The Criminal Division will continue to disrupt and dismantle these organizations and bring justice to smugglers whose actions result in senseless deaths.”

“This case shows the terrible perils of illegally crossing the border,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “Four family members died because a smuggling network put them in harm’s way. My office is proud to partner with Joint Task Force Alpha to continue to combat dangerous human smuggling and trafficking organizations that operate on our northern border.”

“Oakes’ arrest comes as part of our nearly two-year long investigation into a transnational criminal organization responsible for the large-scale smuggling of aliens from Canada into the United States,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “ICE HSI leverages its full range of authorities to combat and dismantle the heinous networks of greedy criminals who illicitly sell dangerous, sometimes fatal, passage through our nation’s northern border. We are extremely grateful for a multitude of law enforcement agency partners on the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce who join us in this fight to bring smugglers to justice."

“Two toddler aged children and their parents were the tragic victims of an alien smuggling attempt gone horribly wrong,” said Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector. “Their deaths were a direct result of callous smugglers who exploited the vulnerable. Due to unrelenting perseverance and investigative efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, those responsible will be held accountable. Our pursuit of justice persists until justice is served.”

According to court documents, Oakes was a key facilitator in a human smuggling organization (HSO) that smuggled aliens from Canada into northern New York. Oakes, working with the HSO, routinely smuggled aliens into the United States by piloting boats across the St. Lawrence River. Additionally, Oakes used his home as a staging area for aliens before the HSO smuggled them into the United States. Oakes earned approximately $1,000 for every alien whom he smuggled across the St. Lawrence River into the United States.

In March 2023, Oakes housed a Romanian family of four, together with other aliens, for about 24 hours. He then transported the family and a boat to a public boat launch. His brother, Casey Oakes, attempted to use the boat to smuggle the Romanian family into the United States, but the boat capsized, killing all four members of the family, as well as Casey Oakes.    

Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow admitted in their plea agreements that in late March 2023, they were employed to illegally transport a Romanian family of four — a mother, father, one-year-old boy, and two-year-old girl — from Canada into New York. Specifically, Montour admitted that he was aware of the dangerous weather conditions on the day of the tragedy — high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility — yet another co-conspirator still loaded the family of four into the small boat to attempt to cross the St. Lawrence River.

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

The investigation is a result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations and eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating within the Americas that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, including the Northern District of New York. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 380 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 340 U.S. convictions; more than 290 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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

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

Note: View the indictment here and detention letter here.

WASHINGTON — A dual Canadian American citizen was arrested on Sunday, June 15, for his role in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy that left a family of four, including two children under the age of three, dead in the St. Lawrence River. Oakes was arrested as he attempted to enter the United States via the Massena, New York, Port of Entry.

Timothy Oakes, 34, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR), Canada, was previously arraigned on numerous human smuggling offenses in the Northern District of New York District Court and had his detention hearing earlier today and will remain detained. Oakes was indicted on April 9 for conspiring with others to engage in alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for profit, and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. United States based co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of Akwesasne-Mohawk, New York, and Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, Oct. 8, 2024, and March 6, respectively.

“As alleged, Oakes and his co-conspirators profited from a human smuggling operation with a singular, cold-hearted aim: making money by bringing illegal aliens into the United States, regardless of the danger to human life involved,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their greed resulted in the deaths of a mother, a father, and two small children, as well as one of the defendants’ own brothers. The Criminal Division will continue to disrupt and dismantle these organizations and bring justice to smugglers whose actions result in senseless deaths.”

“This case shows the terrible perils of illegally crossing the border,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “Four family members died because a smuggling network put them in harm’s way. My office is proud to partner with Joint Task Force Alpha to continue to combat dangerous human smuggling and trafficking organizations that operate on our northern border.”

“Oakes’ arrest comes as part of our nearly two-year long investigation into a transnational criminal organization responsible for the large-scale smuggling of aliens from Canada into the United States,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “ICE HSI leverages its full range of authorities to combat and dismantle the heinous networks of greedy criminals who illicitly sell dangerous, sometimes fatal, passage through our nation’s northern border. We are extremely grateful for a multitude of law enforcement agency partners on the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce who join us in this fight to bring smugglers to justice."

“Two toddler aged children and their parents were the tragic victims of an alien smuggling attempt gone horribly wrong,” said Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector. “Their deaths were a direct result of callous smugglers who exploited the vulnerable. Due to unrelenting perseverance and investigative efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, those responsible will be held accountable. Our pursuit of justice persists until justice is served.”

According to court documents, Oakes was a key facilitator in a human smuggling organization (HSO) that smuggled aliens from Canada into northern New York. Oakes, working with the HSO, routinely smuggled aliens into the United States by piloting boats across the St. Lawrence River. Additionally, Oakes used his home as a staging area for aliens before the HSO smuggled them into the United States. Oakes earned approximately $1,000 for every alien whom he smuggled across the St. Lawrence River into the United States.

In March 2023, Oakes housed a Romanian family of four, together with other aliens, for about 24 hours. He then transported the family and a boat to a public boat launch. His brother, Casey Oakes, attempted to use the boat to smuggle the Romanian family into the United States, but the boat capsized, killing all four members of the family, as well as Casey Oakes.    

Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow admitted in their plea agreements that in late March 2023, they were employed to illegally transport a Romanian family of four — a mother, father, one-year-old boy, and two-year-old girl — from Canada into New York. Specifically, Montour admitted that he was aware of the dangerous weather conditions on the day of the tragedy — high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility — yet another co-conspirator still loaded the family of four into the small boat to attempt to cross the St. Lawrence River.

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

The investigation is a result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations and eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating within the Americas that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, including the Northern District of New York. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 380 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 340 U.S. convictions; more than 290 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Godlewski, 45, of Altamont, New York pled guilty last week in United States District Court to possession of child pornography.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office made the announcement.

Godlewski, a state convicted sex offender, admitted that he possessed approximately 100 images of child sexual abuse material on his cellular phone and caused approximately 244 videos to be uploaded, or attempted to be uploaded, to a cloud-based storage account associated with his phone.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2025.  Godlewski faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life and will be required to continue to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors

U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “My office has ZERO tolerance for sexual predators. It doesn’t matter if this is the first time or last time they are arrested, my office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Moreover, we will, without exception, seek the longest prison term possible under the law because sexual predators, like Godlewski, have shown that they are not capable of stopping. I’m reminded of what my mother always says, ‘a leopard never changes its spots.’”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said, “This guilty plea is a stark reminder of the ever-present need to protect our children from those who seek to harm them for their own selfish desires. We remain steadfast in our mission to work tirelessly alongside our partners in law enforcement to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our society and will continue to hold accountable anyone who exploits their innocence.”

HSI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Guilderland (N.Y.) Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK –United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced today that Anja Salamack, age 50, of Delray Beach, Florida, pled guilty last week to health care fraud and to distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.  The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.

“Today’s record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown sends a crystal-clear message to criminal actors, both foreign and domestic, intent on preying upon our most vulnerable citizens and stealing from hardworking American taxpayers: we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”

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

Salamack, formerly an Albany resident, was a psychiatric nurse practitioner who resided in Florida but claimed to be practicing in Albany.

Salamack pled guilty to health care fraud for submitting false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs in New York State for health care services that she never provided, e.g. psychotherapy services, and evaluation and management services; she caused $163,639.58 in losses.

Salamack also pled guilty to unlawful drug distribution (also known as drug diversion), for issuing prescriptions for the controlled substance amphetamine (e.g. Adderall) for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of professional practice.  For instance, from November 2018 to May 2023, Salamack regularly prescribed amphetamine in the name of a person who had not been her patient since 2016. Salamack issued these prescriptions (108 in total) at the request of a relative of the former patient.

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

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “It’s sad and shameful for a licensed medical professional to abuse the privilege they have to provide care for people and instead inflict harm on others.   This case shows that no matter where you are conducting illegal activities, if what you do impacts the Northern District of New York, you will be prosecuted and punished here. Thanks to a thorough investigation by the DEA and other law enforcement partners, Anja Salamack is out of business and faces the prospect of spending years in federal prison.” 

“Health care professionals are not above the law and must be held to the highest standards, especially when dealing with controlled substances” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Anja Salamack knowingly chose to put profits above the health and well-being of those lives she took an oath to help when she unlawfully prescribed the controlled substance amphetamine for non-medical purposes. Salamack’s actions were no different from those of any drug trafficker fueling an already deadly and highly addictive opioid crisis.”

“Individuals and entities that participate in government programs are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and ensure the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “The defendant in this case put patients’ wellbeing in jeopardy and exploited vital programs meant to benefit her community.”

At sentencing, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on October 22, 2025, Salamack faces up to 10 years in prison for health care fraud and up to 20 years in prison for drug diversion. She also faces a fine of up to $1 million, as well as at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Salamack has agreed to pay $163,659.68 in restitution for the health care fraud.

Salamack has already surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett is prosecuting the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran represented the United States in the civil matter.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Juan Correa, Jr., age 31, of Syracuse, was sentenced Wednesday to 7 years in federal prison for money laundering and conspiring to possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Correa, Jr. admitted that, from May 2024 through July 2024, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Onondaga County.  He also admitted that as part of the conspiracy he collected proceeds from the cocaine sales and mailed them to his source of supply in Puerto Rico so that they could purchase additional cocaine.

Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Correa, Jr. to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. The remaining co-defendants in this case, Juan Correa, Sr., Ashley Correa and Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This prosecution of a cocaine trafficking and money laundering organization was made possible by the close collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies up and down the East Coast. In this case we tracked down individuals in Florida and Puerto Rico who played key roles in this conspiracy and brought them to justice.”

“The sentencing of Juan Correa Jr., who knowingly distributed cocaine throughout Onondaga County and funneled the proceeds in an effort to flood our streets with even more poison, is a result of the collaborative efforts DEA New York and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals pushing this poison into our communities” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Tarentino. “Anytime illicit narcotics are removed from our streets, lives are saved. The DEA remains committed to doing everything in our power to protect our neighborhoods and keep them safe.”

Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation New York, stated: “Mr. Correa brought a highly addictive drug to be moved through towns from here to Puerto Rico, with little regard to the effects of his criminal behavior.  IRS-CI New York remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners in taking down any criminal seeking to poison the communities in which we live.”

Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, stated: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to protecting the mail from criminal misuse.  The successful prosecution of this case should serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to exploit the mail.  We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to stop the distribution of harmful narcotics.”

Joseph L. Cecile, Chief of the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) stated: “This conviction is another prime example of the outstanding collaboration we have between local, state and federal partners.  We couldn't be prouder of the difficult and uncompromising work our narcotics detectives and law enforcement partners put in every day to rid Syracuse of those who decide to peddle their poisons on our streets.”

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

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Oluwaseun Adekoya, a/k/a “Ace G.,” a/k/a “BRODA,” a/k/a “Legendary, a/k/a “SANTA,” a/k/a “SANTANA,” a/k/a “Sammy LaBanco,” a/k/a/ “Sean Maison,” a/k/a ”Kiing_maison,”,” age 39, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, was convicted by a jury of bank fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft for his role as the mastermind of a nationwide conspiracy to steal identities and impersonate customers at banks and credit unions throughout the United States.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

“With the last set of pleas in this case, I said, ‘and then there was one;’ now, there are none,” United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said.  “I commend the work of the FBI Albany, local law enforcement agencies and credit unions across the country, and Broadview Federal Credit Union here in Albany for bringing this relentless scammer to justice.”  

Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli said, “Mr. Adekoya was the mastermind of a complex web of deception, but he couldn’t escape the reach of the FBI and our partners. We are incredibly grateful to the numerous state and local law enforcement and banking institution partners who helped bring this investigation to a successful conviction. Our communities should rest assured the FBI will continue to use every investigative tool we have to bring to justice anyone looking to line their pockets at the expense of hard-working Americans.”

The government called over 60 witnesses at trial, which lasted two and a half weeks.  Proof at trial established that from the comfort of his luxury apartment in New Jersey, Adekoya, a career fraudster, obtained publicly available information regarding people’s home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) at localized credit unions throughout the United States, shifting his focus over time to different parts of the country to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.  He then utilized encrypted messaging platforms, like Telegram, to obtain Social Security numbers, account numbers, mother’s maiden names, and other personal identifying information (“PII”) for individuals he had identified as having substantial amounts of equity available in their HELOCs.  Adekoya then recruited a vast web of managers located all over the country, who he supplied this information to, along with fake driver’s licenses for lower-level workers to use to impersonate the HELOC customers and conduct withdrawal transactions on their accounts.  To insulate himself from detection, Adekoya utilized a web of “burner” phones and encrypted messaging applications and laundered his substantial share of the proceeds through bank accounts in other people’s names.  Adekoya also reinvested some of the proceeds into continuing the fraud scheme by purchasing air and bus travel for coconspirators, fake driver’s licenses, and rental cars used to drive workers to credit unions.

As set forth in pretrial pleadings, Adekoya – who was admitted to the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident in 2000 – has been convicted of numerous increasingly sophisticated identity-fraud related felonies since he was 23 years old in 2008.  He has never been removed from the country.

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

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

Adekoya’s sentencing is scheduled for October 30, 2025, before the Honorable Mae A. D’Agostino, U.S. District Judge. He faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years’ incarceration, a maximum of 32 years’ incarceration, restitution, forfeiture of the fruits of his offenses, up to five years of supervised release, and is subject to removal and deportation following his sentence.

The following defendants previously pled guilty in connection with the conspiracies and all face sentencing later this year: 

• David Daniyan, a/k/a “Bamikole Laniyan,” a/k/a “David Enfield,” a/k/a “Africa,” age 61, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of aggravated identity theft;
• Kani Bassie, a/k/a “$,” age 36, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of aggravated identity theft;
• Davon Hunter, a/k/a “Scams,” age 27, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft;
• Christian Quivers, a/k/a “Denzel Carter,” a/k/a “E,” of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft;
• Jermon Brooks, a/k/a “JayB,” a/k/a “beezy,” age 20, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft;
• Akeem Balogun, 56, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
• Victor Barriera, 64, of Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
• Danielle Cappetti, 46, of Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
• Jerjuan Joyner, 50, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
• Gaysha Kennedy, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
• Crystal Kurschner, 44, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud;
• Leslie Lucchese, 53, of Manhattan, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud; and
• Sherry Ozmore, 56, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

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

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Henry Garcia, age 63, of Vero Beach, Florida, has been indicted for mailing a letter containing a hoax white powder that was reasonably believed to contain a biological weapon. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As alleged in the indictment, on February 22, 2024, Garcia mailed a threatening letter that contained a suspicious white powder to the New York State Attorney General’s Office in Albany. The white powder was not hazardous but was intended to appear as a biological weapon and to threaten the recipient, New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

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

United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “As alleged, the defendant mailed a white powder to Attorney General Letitia James here in Albany. No public servant, regardless of political affiliation, should be subjected to this kind of despicable, abhorrent conduct, which is clearly meant to intimidate and threaten public officials in the exercise of their official duties. Anyone engaging in this type of behavior – targeting New York State officials in Albany – should expect to be prosecuted in the Northern District of New York to the fullest extent of the law and no plea bargain will be offered for this conduct.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “No public official should live in fear simply for showing up and doing the job they were elected to do. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force stands ready to aggressively investigate and bring to justice any individual looking to disturb the important work of our government leaders with dangerous threats of violence.”

The charge filed against Garcia carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

Garcia made an initial appearance yesterday in Fort Pierce, Florida, and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police, New York State Department of Health, New York State Attorney General's Office, United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Indian River County (Fl.) Sheriff’s Office, and the Martin County (Fl.) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Willie Green, age 42, of Albany, was sentenced on Monday to 63 months in prison following his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

In previously pleading guilty, Green admitted that on January 1, 2022, he possessed a loaded pistol in Albany. A prior felony conviction prohibited him from possessing the pistol. Green has an extensive criminal history that includes a 2024 murder conviction, which was secured by the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. The sentence in this case will run consecutive to the 25 years-to-life term he is serving on his state murder conviction.

United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Willie Green cannot serve enough prison time for the crimes he’s committed. He should never get out, and if he is granted parole by New York State, he will be immediately taken to federal prison to start serving his term of imprisonment in this case. Albany is safer if this murderer stays locked up for good.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This sentence reflects our unwavering commitment to holding violent offenders accountable—especially those who continue to possess firearms despite felony convictions. This individual not only admitted to carrying a loaded firearm illegally, but he is also serving a 25-to-life sentence for murder. His actions represent the very threat to public safety that ATF and our law enforcement partners work tirelessly to prevent. Thank you to our partners at Albany PD and U.S. Attorney’s Office NDNY for their efforts.”

Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to begin when Green is released from federal prison.

ATF investigated this case with the assistance of the Albany Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Garrow, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty on June 9 to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

Garrow admitted to trafficking drugs for several months in 2024. In May 2024, officers arrested Garrow on unrelated state arrest warrants and discovered cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and a revolver in his backpack.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Gun-toting drug dealers should be afraid – not just of dying in the streets as a result of their chosen profession, but of swift and decisive federal prosecution that will put them behind bars for many years. Schenectady County will be safer with this criminal off the streets.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “Protecting the public from violent crime remains one of our highest priorities. This case reflects how illegal firearms and drug trafficking often go hand in hand, creating serious threats to our communities. Strong partnerships with local law enforcement are essential to disrupting these dangerous networks and holding offenders accountable. ATF New York thanks our partners from the Schenectady PD, the Schenectady County DA’s Office & U.S. Attorney’s Office of Northern District of NY for their continued dedication to public safety and collaboration in pursuit of justice.”

Schenectady County District Attorney Robert M. Carney stated: “We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its successful prosecution of Mr. Garrow, who did present a real danger to our community.  I know that Assistant District Attorney James Faucher from our Major Crimes Bureau worked closely with federal authorities to help shape this case for federal prosecution based on his knowledge of Mr. Garrow’s activities from other matters. We have over my tenure as DA often referred gun cases to federal prosecutors and I thank Mr. Sarcone for continuing that association.”

At sentencing, Garrow faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department and the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Austin, age 46, of Frankfort, New York, pleaded guilty last week to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possessing two firearms as a felon. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

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

U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “This conviction is a major win for public safety.  The defendant was pumping deadly drugs and firearms into our streets which only fuels violence and destroys lives.  Thanks to the relentless work of our law enforcement partners, we’ve shut down a serious threat to our community.  Let this serve as a warning: if you traffic in drugs and guns, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will bring you to justice.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller said: “The illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons, especially when paired with drug trafficking, is a dangerous combination that fuels violence and puts lives at risk. Bringing guns and poison into our communities creates fear and instability—and the consequences are real. We’re proud of ATF in Syracuse, NY and to work alongside our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York State Police (NYSP), U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York, and the New Hartford Police Department.

At sentencing, currently scheduled for October 15, 2025, Austin faces a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment on the drug charge and 15 years’ imprisonment for the firearm offense, a fine of up to $2 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 6 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.

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

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thirteen people have been charged and arrested for their roles in a New York City-based drug trafficking ring, with federal agents seizing nearly 500 kilos of cocaine.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, New York Division, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Craig A. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge, Albany Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Steven G. James, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP). 

On June 12, law enforcement officers, including from the NYSP, DEA and FBI, conducted searches at 24 locations in New York and New Jersey as part of an operation to break up a drug trafficking network that shipped drugs from California to New York City and then Upstate New York.  The searches resulted in the seizure of almost 250 kilos of cocaine, fentanyl pills, other drugs and paraphernalia, a firearm and more than $1 million in cash.  Law enforcement also made arrests in Georgia and Pennsylvania. 

The searches and arrests on June 12 followed an 18-month-long investigation in which law enforcement seized more than 240 kilos of cocaine, 185 pounds of methamphetamine, and almost 700 pounds of marijuana. 

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Using an all-hands-on-deck approach, we have smashed a sophisticated, New York City-based drug trafficking organization that was pumping poison into our Upstate New York communities. This case demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to taking back our communities from the criminal organizations that have proliferated in recent years thanks to weak state laws and even weaker state legislators from New York City.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “Over the past year and a half, our DEA team, working alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, have successfully targeted the Abdelhak drug trafficking organization which has plagued and poisoned our communities here in New York and across the Northeastern corridor with illicit narcotics. While these operations have made a significant impact dismantling this drug trafficking network’s criminal enterprise, the DEA’s mission is far from over. The DEA remains steadfast in our commitment to saving lives, and we will continue to pursue the drug cartels and those individuals responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with these poisonous drugs.” 

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli said: “This network’s reach was expansive – moving drugs from California to sell in communities within the Capital Region, North Country, Central New York, Western New York, and New York City. But the reach of our federal task forces is deeper, and these 13 individuals learned the hard way that the FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will not stand idly by while criminals pedal drugs on our streets.” 

NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James said: “This investigation and the arrests that followed reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting the public from the violence and devastation drug trafficking brings to our communities. These individuals were responsible for flooding our streets with lethal narcotics, putting countless lives at risk. By taking down this network, we have removed a serious threat to the safety of neighborhoods across New York. I thank our Troopers and all of our law enforcement partners for their tireless work to safeguard our state.”

According to a criminal complaint, the following people are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances:

• Samer Abdelhak, aka “Semi,” age 35, of Fresh Meadows, New York;
• Leon Chen, aka “Don Eladio,” 29, of Long Island City, New York;
• Michael Harper, aka “Miz,” 38, of Corning, New York;
• Anthony Medina, aka “Tank” and “Fatboy,” 28, of Painted Post, New York;
• Broslloyd Campbell, 42, of Hewlett, New York;
• Anthony Dixon Jr., 41, of Jackson, New Jersey;
• Chaquill Foster, aka “Lo” and “Gucci,” 31, of Schenectady, New York;
• Christopher Smith, aka “Boot,” 39, of Fresh Meadows, New York;
• Jason Hogue, aka “Whispers,” 44, of Lake Placid, New York;
• Christopher Christman, aka “Free,” “Fremont,” and “Puffy,” 42, of Fresh Meadows, New York;
• Cesar Ariel Castro-Sanchez, aka “Dom R,” 31, of Palisades Park, New Jersey;
• Jocelyn Foster, aka “Jozzy,” 29, of Amsterdam, New York; and
• Mikell Butler, 34, of Schenectady, New York.

Nearly all of the defendants have been charged with offenses that carry a minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

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

The NYSP, the DEA’s Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force are investigating this case, with assistance from Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Offices in Fulton and Montgomery Counties, and the Police Departments in Colonie, Elmira, Gloversville, Johnstown, Niskayuna, Schenectady, and Amsterdam.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck, Katherine Kopita and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andre Decker, age 45, of Newburgh, New York, was convicted on Friday of possessing a firearm as a felon following a 4-day jury trial.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and United States Marshal David McNulty made the announcement.

The trial proof established that Decker, who was previously convicted of a violent felony involving a firearm, absconded from federal probation supervision and was the subject of an arrest warrant. On November 27, 2023, when Deputy United States Marshals attempted to apprehend Decker, he fled the apartment he shared with his girlfriend and led law enforcement on a foot chase wearing only his underwear. Decker broke into a neighboring apartment and hid in a closet where he was quickly located and arrested. The defendant possessed two loaded firearms in his apartment. 

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Andre Decker couldn’t hide from the U.S. Marshals, and he couldn’t escape this trial conviction, either. Decker’s extensive criminal history and utter disregard for the law warranted zealous prosecution for his conduct in this case, and that’s just what he got. I thank the U.S. Marshals and Albany Police Department for their work in apprehending the defendant and keeping him off the streets.”

U.S. Marshal David McNulty stated: “Mr. Decker is a danger to our community.  We are proud to have secured his capture and wish to thank both the community, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all our fellow law enforcement agencies whose cooperation was so important in this case.”

Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2025, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.  Decker faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The United States Marshal Service and Albany Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted the case.

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

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert Rahrle, age 35, formerly of Florida and now residing in the Northern District of New York, was sentenced last week to 100 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for wire fraud and tax evasion. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Harry T. Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Rahrle admitted that from 2017 through 2024, he ran a fraudulent online gift basket website called iCare Gifting Solutions LLC.  iCare purported to cater to families of incarcerated individuals, promising to send care packages into prisons.  iCare charged hundreds of customers approximately $50 per gift basket but never sent the gift packages.

In addition to defrauding iCare’s customers, Rahrle evaded his federal taxes. He self-prepared and filed tax returns for tax years 2017 and 2018 that falsely reported business losses and failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars of gross receipts.

Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Rahrle to pay a $2,000,000 money judgment and $178,651 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service with restitution to the individual victims of Rahrle’s fraud offense to be determined at a later date.

U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Driven by greed, Rahrle operated a years’ long fraud scheme scamming people out of millions of dollars.  For that he will pay a high price a spend the next 8 years in federal prison.  My office will vigorously pursue consumer scam artists like the defendant to protect the public and the public fisc.”

“Mr. Rahrle took advantage of those who wanted to help others and literally did not deliver what was promised.  While care packages were left unsent, he pocketed the money with little regard of the consequences.  This sentence sees to it that Mr. Rahrle will spend a lot of time behind bars, and perhaps he’ll learn firsthand the potential value of a legitimate care package business,” said Harry T. Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York.

This case was investigated by IRS-CI, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kris Roglieri, age 45, of Queensbury, New York, was indicted yesterday on a wire fraud conspiracy charge in connection with the operation and collapse of his purported commercial lending business, Prime Capital Ventures, LLC. Roglieri had been previously indicted on five counts of wire fraud, and yesterday’s superseding indictment added a wire fraud conspiracy charge and seeks the forfeiture of millions of dollars’ worth of vehicles, watches and real estate that Roglieri purchased as part of his fraudulent scheme.

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

According to the superseding indictment, Roglieri operated Prime Capital Ventures, LLC (“Prime Capital”) and, between March 2022 and January 2024, conspired with others to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars from Prime Capital’s clients. The indictment alleges that Roglieri and his co-conspirators fraudulently promoted Prime Capital as a lending business capable of making large commercial loans, and deceived clients into sending Prime Capital “Interest Credit Account” (or “ICA”) payments based on false promises that these payments would allow Prime Capital to make these large loans and that the ICA payments would be refunded if those loans did not materialize.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “As alleged, Kris Roglieri perpetrated a massive fraudulent scheme against clients across the country that came to Prime Capital Ventures for loans to fund their business projects. Instead of giving these clients legitimate loans, Roglieri gave them lies, and spent millions of dollars on his made-for-Instagram extravagant lifestyle. He spent millions on exotic vehicles and watches, and on private international jet travel, including a vacation to Anguilla that he took as Prime Capital was in bankruptcy proceedings and with the company’s creditors beset with confusion, anger and grief. But today’s indictment shows that these crimes ultimately did not pay for Roglieri, as he now faces the prospect of many years in prison.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Today’s indictment illustrates the staggering depth of the alleged fraud committed by Mr. Roglieri. The FBI takes very seriously our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud for personal gain. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use illegal means and criminal behavior to take advantage of others.”

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

The superseding indictment alleges that Prime Capital held itself out as a commercial lending business, but never had the ability to legitimately fund loans. As part of contractual arrangements with its borrower clients situated across the country, Prime Capital obtained upfront interest payments from prospective borrowers while it sought to secure loans for those borrowers; these upfront interest payments were characterized by Prime Capital as the “Interest Credit Account” payment, or “ICA” payment for short. ICA payments did not represent fees to Prime Capital. Instead, each borrower’s upfront ICA payment would be debited over time as the loan was funded and accrued more interest. An ICA payment would also be refundable if Prime Capital failed to secure a loan for the borrower client. Depending on the size of the loan that Prime Capital promised, an ICA payment could be in the millions of dollars.  Prime Capital obtained ICA payments as large as $20 million.

The indictment alleges that because Prime Capital never had a source of loan funding, Roglieri used ICA payments from newer borrower clients to partially fund loans to, and to refund ICA payments to, older borrower clients, contrary to promises that each ICA payment would be kept in a pledged account and would be used only for the benefit of the client that made the ICA payment.  Roglieri also drew on ICA payments to pay his debts and buy the following, all of which the Government has since seized or secured, and is now seeking to forfeit:

• A Ferrari LaFerrari F150, a Ferrari Enzo, a Ferrari 812 Competizione, and a Ferrari engine table (this is a table with a Ferrari engine as its base);
• Eight Mercedes Benzes including a Mercedez Benz SLR McLaren;
• A Porsche Carrera;
• A Maserati MC 12 Corse;
• Two Richard Mille watches;
• Six Rolex watches;
• A multi-million-dollar residential property in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and
• $764,000.83 seized from bank accounts.

Roglieri has been in custody since his arrest on a criminal complaint on May 31, 2024. United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino has set a firm trial date of January 5, 2026.

If convicted of wire fraud or wire fraud conspiracy, Roglieri faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The Government is also seeking an asset forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $183,818,821.82.

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

The FBI is conducting this ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Michael Barnett are prosecuting this case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Bradley, age 36, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to 14 months in prison following his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Bradley admitted that, on September 9, 2024, he possessed a loaded assault rifle in his vehicle, which was parked at a gas station in East Syracuse. Bradley inadvertently fired the rifle several times, but did not strike anyone. As a result of his prior felony conviction for criminal mischief, Bradley could not lawfully possess a firearm.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to begin following the term of imprisonment and ordered Bradley to forfeit the rifle he possessed.

U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “When Bradley fired the rifle in the parking lot, he put the lives of everyone at that gas station in danger. Thanks to the quick thinking of the gas station employees and the fast response by law enforcement, no one was harmed.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller said, “This case is a powerful reminder of the danger posed when illegal firearms end up in the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them. We thank our partners at the Manlius Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York for their work in holding this individual accountable. This shows the impact of Project Safe Neighborhoods and our collective commitment to reducing violent crime.”

ATF and the Manlius Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jose Carrero, age 36, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

On November 4, 2024, DEA agents arrested Carrero after observing him place three kilograms of cocaine into the trunk of his car.  He had $1,704 in cash on his person, and a search of his home led to the recovery of an additional 296 grams of cocaine and $70,000 in drug proceeds. 

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, Amsterdam will be free of this major drug dealer for years.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “Today’s sentencing reflects the hard work and commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those individuals poisoning our communities. We will continue to target those individuals responsible for pushing illicit narcotics into our communities.”

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Carrero to serve 4 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  Carrero administratively forfeited the $70,000 in drug money in his apartment as well as the $1,704 found on his person.

The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dustin Smith, age 31, of Utica, New York, was sentenced last week to 20 years in prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and Steven G. James, New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Smith admitted that he had a 2013 conviction for sexual abuse in the first degree and that in 2022, while under parole supervision for that conviction, he possessed a cell phone which he used to send, receive, and possess thousands of images and videos of child pornography.  Specifically, Smith admitted that he used the cell phone to exchange videos of child pornography with at least two identified minor children.

In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, to begin after Smith’s prison sentence is complete. Additionally, Smith must pay $102,000 in restitution to the victims of his offenses, forfeit the device he used to commit the crimes, and register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “While under parole supervision, Smith distributed child pornography to a minor, demonstrating that he cannot be at liberty without harming children.  With this 20-year sentence, our children are safer.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said, “Northern New York is undoubtedly a safer place with Dustin Smith behind bars. This sex offender has an admitted history of abhorrent crimes against children. HSI Syracuse stands in lockstep with our law enforcement partners in our shared commitment toward justice on behalf of our communities.”

HSI investigated this case with assistance from the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit, New York State Parole, and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher McCarty, age 33, of Manhattan, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for mailing a letter that contained a threat to kill two New York State judges.

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

As part of his prior guilty plea, McCarty admitted that between May and June 2023, he was incarcerated at the Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, New York.  McCarty further admitted that on or about May 31, 2023, he mailed a letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.  In the letter, McCarty wrote that when he was released from prison, he was going to kill two New York State judges who had presided over his case leading to his incarceration at Auburn Correctional Facility.  

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “When someone threatens a judge, they threaten our system of justice. Those who threaten judges for doing their jobs are going to be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “The FBI will not tolerate threats of violence to any member of our community, but especially those who work hard to safeguard our democratic process. No judge should have to fear their rulings might provoke such a violent response. Mr. McCarty’s actions were dangerous and unacceptable, and today’s sentence ensures he will remain behind bars.”

FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Edward McKeraghan, 59, of Syracuse, New York pled guilty last week in United States District Court to possession of child pornography, and also admitted violating conditions of his federal supervised release.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement. 

McKeraghan, a federally convicted sex offender on supervised release for a prior child pornography offense, admitted that he possessed child sexual abuse material on an unreported and unmonitored internet-capable phone that he obtained in violation of his conditions of federal supervision.  The phone was discovered by the United States Probation Office during a routine home visit.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2025.  For the child pornography offense, McKeraghan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  He also faces up to an additional 2 years for violating the terms of his supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Repeat sex offenders pose a grave threat to society, particularly to our children.  My office will continue to vigorously prosecute all child exploitation offenses in the Northern District of New York.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “Mr. McKeraghan’s actions are especially disturbing, given he is a convicted predator on supervised release. Our children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to working together to protect them any way we can.

The FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Probation Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – On May 28, 2025, Floyd Wood, 57, of DeRuyter, New York pled guilty in United States District Court to failure to register an email account in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and also admitted violating conditions of his federal supervised release.   United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and United States Marshal David McNulty made the announcement. 

Wood, a federally convicted sex offender, admitted that he created and maintained an email account without reporting it to the Sex Offender Registry, as required by law.  He also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release by not reporting the email account, and falsifying reports about it, to the United States Probation Office.  Wood also admitted that he violated conditions of supervised release by possessing an unreported and unmonitored internet-capable phone, on which the email was discovered.

The failure to register offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 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.  Wood also faces up to an additional 5 years for violating the terms of his supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Sex offenders who surreptitiously use the internet in violation of law, and in violation of court-imposed conditions of supervision designed to mitigate their threat to society, will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law.”

The United States Marshals Service is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Probation Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Steven Gomez, age 23, of Bayside, New York, was sentenced today to 3 years of probation, including 50 hours of community service, for possessing a handgun with an obliterated serial number.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Those who unlawfully possess firearms endanger the public and will face criminal consequences. While the Second Amendment is no longer a second-class right, my office will vigorously enforce federal laws criminalizing the possession of certain firearms and the unlawful possession of firearms by prohibited people, to make our communities safer.”

HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “The possession of a handgun with an obliterated serial number is not just a violation of the law; it poses a significant threat to the safety of our citizens. We remain committed to working tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in such reckless behavior are held accountable. Together, HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York will strive to create a safer environment for all citizens of Northern New York.”

As part of his prior guilty plea, Gomez admitted that on September 8, 2022, in a parking lot of a shopping mall in Albany County, he unlawfully possessed a Glock 17 handgun with an obliterated serial number. 

HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted the case.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Ionel Tomescu Baldovin, age 28, a Romanian national, was sentenced Thursday, May 22, 2025, to 33 months in prison for his role in a bank fraud conspiracy impacting two Northern District of New York financial institutions and least five additional financial institutions across the United States. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. 

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Baldovin admitted that he conspired with others to place skimming devices and cameras at ATMs at financial institutions, including two financial institutions in the Northern District of New York.  Once installed, the devices and cameras captured ATM customers’ account information and personal identification numbers (“PINs”).  Members of the conspiracy subsequently created fraudulent debit cards from the captured information, which they used to withdraw currency from customers’ accounts.  Baldovin admitted involvement in the conspiracy from October 2017 to April 2018, with losses of over $450,0000 to financial institutions, including losses of over $20,000 from a Northern District of New York financial institution.  Baldovin was the only defendant charged in this conspiracy. 

United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Baldovin to pay $454,447 in restitution, and to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.

In 2019, four Romanian nationals conspired to commit a similar bank fraud skimming scheme. In that conspiracy, skimming devices were placed on ATMs at a financial institution in the Northern District of New York, and fraudulent debit cards were created from the information captured, allowing the defendants access to information from over 500 compromised accounts. 

Each Romanian national pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and multiple counts of aggravated identity theft.  They were each sentenced as follows:

• Laurentiu Florian Iancu was sentenced December 11, 2024, to 48 months incarceration, three (3) years’ supervised release, and an order of restitution of $169,075.
• Florin Nicolae Mares was sentenced January 18, 2023, to 51 months incarceration, two (2) years’ supervised release, and an order of restitution of $169,075.
• Liviu Samuel Anca was sentenced September 20, 2024, to 40 months incarceration, three (3) years’ supervised release, and an order of restitution of $169,075.
• Teodor Claudiu Stan was sentenced December 19, 2023, to 81 months incarceration, four (4) years’ supervised release, and an order of restitution of over $675,000. During his plea, Stan admitted his involvement in the 2019 Northern District of New York conspiracy with Baldovin, as well as a broader conspiracy through 2022 where he and his co-conspirators made, modified, placed or assisted in placing skimming devices at eight (8) additional financial institutions across the United States.   

U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “We commend our federal and local partners for their diligent work in developing these important investigations into strong cases that held multiple defendants accountable for their conduct in the Northern District of New York and beyond.” 

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated, “This sentence is the direct result of the commitment by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue and charge those who willingly defraud our citizens and financial institutions. The FBI will continue to investigate and bring to justice these callous criminals to ensure they pay the price, instead of their victims.”

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),  Homeland  Security Investigations (HSI), the New York State Police, the Endicott Police and various local police departments outside the Northern District of New York.  These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Grabowski.  

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daval Byrams, age 22, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to possessing three kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute them.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Byrams admitted that on March 11, 2025, he traveled from the Capital Region to New York City to pick up cocaine, and that when he returned home that evening, he was carrying a bag containing three one-kilogram bricks of cocaine.  Law enforcement arrested Byrams as he departed from a bus in Schenectady, New York. 

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “When a defendant traffics this volume of cocaine to the Northern District of New York, he should expect that my office and our law enforcement partners will find him, seize his drugs, and send him to prison.  It’s that simple.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Narcotics trafficking continues to have a devastating impact on our local communities. The FBI will continue to work in concert with our partners on the Safe Streets Task Force to identify, investigate, and apprehend traffickers whose actions wreak havoc on our communities through the sale of illegal drugs.”

At sentencing, Byrams faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force – which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies – investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Cardwell, age 40, of Rensselaer County, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison, to be followed by 25 years of supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Cardwell admitted that he sexually abused an approximately 7-year-old girl over a period of months in 2023 and early 2024, and created sexually explicit images of that victim. Cardwell also acknowledged that he had a collection of approximately 1,000 CSAM files that he obtained on the internet, including pictures of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity.

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also ordered $30,000 in restitution to victims and forfeiture of the property used to commit the offenses. Cardwell will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “The sentence today reflects the egregiousness of Cardwell’s conduct and ensures the public will be protected against future crimes by him for decades to come. I appreciate the hard work of the FBI and our state and local partners on this important prosecution.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli stated: “This sentence reinforces the message that the victimization of innocent children will not be tolerated by law enforcement. The FBI will continue to meticulously investigate these crimes, which cause irreparable harm and trauma to the victims.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the New York State Police, and the Troy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.