Northern District of New York

Richard S. Hartunian, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of Brian Lamont Roberts, 54, of Syracuse, New York. Roberts pled guilty in federal district court before the Honorable Judge Norman Mordue, to a one count indictment that charged him with committing robbery at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Syracuse, NY on February 2, 2012. The robbery charge carries a maximum possible penalty of 15 years in prison.

During his plea colloquy, Roberts admitted he robbed a delivery truck driver of a can of soda at knife point, while threatening the driver with bodily injury. He further admitted that he committed the offense while high on crack cocaine and alcohol, and that he suffers from addiction to both substances. Roberts has been in prison and drug and alcohol treatment for nearly a year since the robbery. Judge Mordue ordered that such treatment continue. Sentencing has been set for May 13, 2013 at 10 a.m.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Veteran’s Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig A. Benedict. Questions may be directed to AUSA Benedict at 315-448-0672.

[Plattsburgh, New York]—United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announces that DARRYL FIGUEROA, age 29, pled guilty on January 3, 2013 to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 280 grams of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. On July 25, 2012 co-defendant DESHAWN WHITE, age 27, pled guilty to the same offense. FIGUEROA and WHITE pled guilty before Chief United States District Court Judge Gary L. Sharpe in Albany, New York. WHITE is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2013 in Albany, New York and FIGUEROA is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2013, in Albany, New York. Both FIGUEROA and WHITE have prior drug felony convictions and, as a result, are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life, and a fine up to $20,0000,000. Judge Sharpe has ordered that the defendants remain detained pending sentencing.

FIGUEROA, also known as “Mike,” and WHITE, also known as “Jay,” are both residents of Brooklyn, New York. Since approximately 2007 until January 2012, both FIGUEROA and WHITE were involved in a scheme to transport large quantities of cocaine base, “crack,” from Brooklyn, New York to Plattsburgh, New York and then distribute the crack in Plattsburgh. FIGUEROA and WHITE recruited local crack dealers and users to sell the drugs on their behalf.

The investigation was conducted by the Adirondack Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Plattsburgh Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.

Any questions may be directed to Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney John G. Duncan in Syracuse, New York at (315) 448-0672 or Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Gardner in Plattsburgh, New York at 518-314-7800.