Western District of New York

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James M. Lajoie, 31, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under New York law relating to sexual abuse, was sentenced to serve 139 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

In June 2016, Lajoie was convicted of Attempted Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree and sentenced to serve three years in prison and 10 years post release supervision. In August 2023, a New York Parole Officer conducted a home inspection at Lajoie’s residence and found an unauthorized cellular telephone in his possession. A review recovered approximately 54 images and four videos of child pornography stored on the device. Lajoie obtained these images and videos of child pornography over the internet. Some of images depicted prepubescent minors and violence against children. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Corey Flatau, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello. 

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stephen Odiboh, 53, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. He was also ordered to pay $196,500 in restitution.

Between 2023 and March 2025, Odiboh conspired with co-conspirators to defraud four victims. The total loss and attempted loss were $356,500. 

• In 2023, Odiboh contacted Victim 1, a 77-year-old woman in the Western District of New York, on Facebook. Posing as “Oliver Wilson,” he falsely represented that he was a United States Citizen, a widower, and currently living in Norway. Over the course of approximately a year and a half, “Wilson” fostered a romantic, online relationship, stating that he needed gift cards to “stay online” and continue talking. As a result, Victim 1 sent “Wilson” approximately 30 $500 gift cards, totaling approximately $15,000. In addition, between January and July of 2024, “Wilson” induced Victim 1 to mail eight checks totaling over $162,000.00 to specific individuals and entities, including two checks to Stephen Odiboh. In December 2024, “Wilson” stated that he was being held by customs authorities in Norway and needed to pay a fine of $158,000. He directed Victim 1 to mail two checks totaling $158,000.00 but Victim 1’s bank detected fraud and stopped payment of the checks before they could be cashed.
• In April 2024, a co-conspirator contacted Victim 2, a caterer, claiming to be “Alex Alberto,” and in need of catering services. Victim 2 requested a deposit of $800. To pay the purported deposit, “Alberto” sent Victim 2 a check for $2,800, and instructed Victim 2 to cash the check and send the extra $2,000 to the defendant via Zelle. Victim 2 realized he was being defrauded and did not deposit the check.
• In 2024, a co-conspirator, claiming to be “William Rivera,” contacted Victim 3 through an online dating website. After gaining Victim 3’s trust, “Rivera” convinced Victim 3 to send $2,000 to Odiboh via CashApp, which Victim 3 did on August 14, 2024.
• In March 2025, a co-conspirator, claiming to be “Alec Jonas,” contacted Victim 4 on a dating website, leading Victim 4 to believe that they were starting a romantic relationship. Once he gained her trust, “Jonas” stated that he was working in Bahrain and needed money to ship goods from Bahrain to Texas, prompting Victim 4 to wire $17,525 to a bank account he controlled. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gary Fuller, 31, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine. 

Between 2021 and January 17, 2024, in Monroe County, Fuller conspired with Timothy Jackson, Jr., Shawnle McClary, Felicia Collins, Shamar Anderson, and others to sell cocaine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. Fuller packaged narcotics for sale, coordinated drop offs of narcotics and pickups of proceeds from the workers at sale locations on Angle Street, and directed the payment of salaries to workers. Fuller and his co-conspirators possessed firearms at their residences and/or drug sale locations on Angle Street to protect themselves, their narcotics and the proceeds of narcotics sales. On January 17, 2024, investigators executed search warrants at numerous locations utilized by Fuller and his co-conspirators to store, process, package, and sell cocaine and fentanyl. During the searches they seized:

• 12 firearms
• approximately$31,800 cash
• 210 grams of fentanyl
• 919 grams of cocaine 
• 109 grams of crack cocaine
• 1300 capsules of crack cocaine 
• 933 capsules of fentanyl
• drug paraphernalia
• numerous cell phones
• a Rolex watch
• money counter 
• 2017 Chevy Tahoe 

This investigation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the DEA, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2027, before Judge Geraci. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Welded Tube USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $1,500,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which it was not eligible to receive. This action is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

The PPP loan program, enacted in March 2020, provided emergency financial assistance to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program allowed eligible small businesses to receive loans guaranteed by the federal government. Regulations provided various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the applicants’ number of employees, including employees of the applicants’ foreign affiliates. Specifically, applicants for second draw PPP loans were required, generally, to have 300 or fewer employees.

The United States contends that Welded Tube obtained a forgiven PPP loan that it was not eligible for because it exceeded the size restrictions for a second draw PPP loan. In 2021, when Welded Tube obtained a second draw PPP loan, it was a wholly owned subsidiary of Welded Tube of Canada Corp., a Canadian company. Welded Tube of Canada Corp. and its affiliates collectively had over 300 employees at the time of Welded Tube’s PPP loan.

“We continue to work tirelessly to recover taxpayer dollars that were improperly obtained by ineligible entities,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Through our affirmative civil enforcement efforts, we recovered over $10 million during the 2026 fiscal year related to PPP fraud.” 

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Ferris and Investigator Margaret McFarland.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability. 

Read the settlement agreement here:

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Carwin D. Lidge, 27, of Amherst, NY, Jenny B. Alemany, 40, and Richard Law, 29, both of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

According to the criminal complaint, in October 2025, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service launched multiple investigations into the robberies of nine letter carriers in Erie and Niagara Counties for their specialized postal keys, which are used to access blue mail collection boxes. 

On December 5, 2025, Niagara Falls Police officers and Postal Inspectors responded to the scene of a letter carrier who was robbed of her postal key on Forest Avenue. The letter carrier was approached by an unknown black male wearing a neck warmer pulled up to mask much of his face. The man had his hands in his front hoodie pocket and pointed the pocket toward the letter carrier, causing her to believe the individual had a weapon pointed at her. The man demanded, “give me that gold key,” which she understood to mean her postal key. She gave the man her key, and he then ran off. The stolen key could be used to gain access to all blue collection boxes located in the Niagara Falls area.

In the early morning hours of October 5, 2026, investigators were conducting surveillance of the La Salle Post Office in Niagara Falls, when inspectors received notification that the collection box outside the Main Street Post Office in Niagara Falls had been accessed. At approximately 2:35 a.m., law enforcement observed a silver-colored vehicle, with a burned-out driver side taillight, park near the La Salle Post Office. Two suspects exited the vehicle with a large black bag. Security surveillance video showed a third suspect seated in the front passenger seat. The first two suspects approached the collection box outside the La Salle Post Office, one suspect held back, appearing to act as a lookout, while the other suspect accessed the drive-up collection box. Security surveillance video captured the suspect as he appeared to use a key to open the lower employee access panel to the box and remove all of the mail from the white flat tub contained in the bottom of the box, loading all of the mail into a backpack. As the two suspects started heading back to their vehicle, Inspectors and Niagara Falls Police officers quickly moved in with vehicles and on foot. The two suspects briefly attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended along with the third suspect. La enforcement recovered the backpack full of mail and the postal key, which had been stolen from the postal carrier in December 2025.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page, Boston Division and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Nick Ligammari.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Thomas D. O’Brien, 65, of Henrietta, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the production and possession of child pornography. Because of a prior conviction involving the sexual abuse of a minor, the charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, in April 2026, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offense Coordinator contacted Homeland Security Investigations regarding O’Brien, who is a level two registered sex offender in New York State following his 1991 conviction for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, which involved the sexual abuse of a nine-year-old male victim. As part of his sex offender registration requirements, O’Brien is required to submit change of address forms to the Sheriff’s Office each time he moves to a new residence, as well as information regarding his phone number, internet accounts and online identifiers. O’Brien completed a change of address form in October 2025, changing his address from Henrietta to Vietnam. In June 2026, O’Brien completed another form, changing his address from Vietnam back to Henrietta, as well as listing his Instagram and X accounts. According to the coordinator, O’Brien has engaged in a similar pattern of travel to Vietnam for several years.

In January, 2026, the National center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from Instagram stating that child pornography had been exchanged in a messenger chat room named “Tom & You Gay,” and that a user uploaded a file including child pornography to the “Tom & You Gay” chat. According to Instagram, the files were received by O’Brien’s Instagram account “bom4bym.” The Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on the files received by O’Brien and recovered an image and a video that included child pornography.

Another search warrant was executed by investigators on another Instagram account registered to O’Brien, which goes by the name “Tom & Jerry.” The search recovered nude images of O’Brien, images of a minor in a bathtub, and sexually suggestive images of minor boys. A chat conversation was also recovered indicating that O’Brien has a sexual interest in minor Vietnamese boys.

On June 4, 2026, on his return trip from Vietnam, HSI agents conducted a border search of O’Brien’s electronic devices at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, including a laptop and two cell phones, recovering nude images of minors. A subsequent forensic examination revealed that three of the four devices contained child pornography. On September 15, 2026, HSI and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at O’Brien’s Henrietta residence and located photo albums containing hundreds of printed photographs, from approximately 2013, depicting apparent minors in various stages of undress, and nude minors, most of whom were of Asian descent. 

Anyone with information regarding this defendant or this case is asked to contact the HSI Tipline at 1-866-347-2423.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Julius M. Hatten, 36, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. 

On September 25, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants at an Eckhert Street residence, on the person of Julius Hatten, and on Hatten’s vehicle, seizing quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, ammunition, $21,740 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II. 

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal jury has convicted Akram Marseet, 42, a native of Libya living in Golden, Colorodo, with threatening to murder two Rochester Federal judges while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties. The conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

“Today’s verdict reinforces a fundamental principle: threats against members of our judiciary will never be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Judges deserve to carry out their work free from intimidation and threats of violence.”

According to testimony presented by the Government, Marseet was the plaintiff in a civil case in United States District Court for the Western District of New York. In January 2024, a federal judge dismissed Marseet’s case.  

On January 10, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service received a report that a direct threat was conveyed via a telephone call to the Clerks’ Office for the Western District of New York and included individuals protected by the Marshals Service. The caller identified himself as Akram Marseet, who stated a pending case number and began to discuss the details of his civil case. The clerk who took the call had spoken to Marseet several times in the past and recognized his voice. Prior to the phone call, Marseet also visited the clerk’s office on multiple occasions. 

Marseet became very agitated during the phone conversation because his case was dismissed. He made several statements regarding two judges as being “dirty sons of (expletive)” and criminals. Marseet stated, “If I ever come across any of you, you will be dead sons of (expletive).”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everardo A. Rodriguez and Katelyn M. Hartford. The verdict is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 1, 2027, before Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes of the Northern District of New York, who presided over the trial of the case. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dustin Coffelt, 37, of Depew, NY, who was convicted of production and possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. 

In July 2022, the Depew Police Department received a report that Coffelt sexually abused a 13-year-old girl (minor victim). Subsequent investigation determined that the alleged abuse may have been ongoing for several years and included communication over various social media applications and text messaging. On July 29, 2022, Coffelt provided a voluntary statement to detectives from the Depew and Cheektowaga Police Departments admitting to the sexual abuse and producing sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim. Coffelt also voluntarily provided his phone to the detectives and subsequent extraction of the device revealed numerous sexually explicit images of the minor victim, which constitute child pornography. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation subsequently arrested Coffelt on August 11, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Sasha Mascarenhas. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief James McNamara, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Perez, 42, of Celoron, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison and 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

On December 15, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Perez’s residence after he uploaded a child pornography file to Dropbox, an electronic service provider that offers internet-based file storage services. During the search, Perez’s cell phone was seized. A subsequent examination of the phone revealed approximately three images and one video of child pornography. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors less than 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Perez admits that, on two or more occasions, he engaged in the sexual abuse, exploitation, and attempted sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster. 

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Bradley R. Orlopp, 38, of Seneca Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the production and possession of child pornography. Because of a prior conviction involving the sexual abuse of a minor, the charges carry a minimum of 25 years in prison, a maximum of 50 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, in March 2026, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL) sent an investigative lead to the New York State Police (NYSP) identifying Orlopp as a member of an internet chat group devoted to the rape and sexual assault of incapacitated women. Based on information contained in the chat, EUROPOL determined that Orlopp was a resident of New York State. Through their investigation, the NYSP confirmed that Orlopp was a participant in the chat, and identified an adult victim, a resident of Geneva, NY, to be one of Orlopp’s victims. Investigators determined that Orlopp subjected the victim to sexual activity without her consent on more than one occasion and arrested him, charging Orlopp with Rape in the First Degree. 

Subsequent investigation resulted in the execution of search warrants on Orlopp’s social media accounts and devices, which led to the discovery of images and videos of child pornography that Orlopp also produced. The videos depict Orlopp sexually abusing a nine-year-old female in Seneca County, NY.

Orlopp made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was detained.  

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Adham Abughanem, 29, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted following a federal jury trial of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country and kidnapping conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. 

On September 8, 2021, Adham Abughanem and his father, Khaled Abughanem, flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to kidnap Victim 1, who is the daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, the defendants conspired to transport Victim 1 from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen, where they confined Victim 1 for approximately 16 months with the purpose of marrying her to a man not of her choosing. In addition, on March 14, 2023, defendant Khaled Abughanem threatened to “slaughter[]” Victim 1 in retaliation for information given by Victim 1 to a law enforcement officer relating to the commission of a federal offense.

Khaled Abughanem, who was also convicted of threatening to retaliate against a victim, was previously sentenced to serve 17 years in prison.

“These sentences send a clear message: kidnapping, coercion, and threats of violence—whether committed here or abroad—will be met with unwavering federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Today’s outcome reflects our commitment to protecting victims and holding offenders accountable.”

“Today’s sentencing brings a measure of justice to the victim and holds Adham Abughanem accountable for his actions,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Abughanem conspired to take away his own sister’s freedom and force her into a life she did not choose. The FBI will relentlessly pursue those who use violence or coercion to deprive others of their freedom, whether their crimes are committed here in the United States or thousands of miles away.”

“The Diplomatic Security Service welcomes today’s sentencing of Adham Abughanem for conspiring to kidnap his sister and force her to marry in Yemen,” said DSS Deputy Assistant Director for Protective Intelligence Investigations David Bright. “Justice was served thanks to the extraordinary courage of the victim and the close collaboration among DSS, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Lackawanna Police Department.”

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and Director of the Diplomatic Security Service Nicholas Collura.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dilbar Gul Dilbar a/k/a Dilbar Gul Taj Ali Khan, a citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to Visa fraud. He was then sentenced to serve six months in prison. 

Dilbar is a citizen and national of Afghanistan. In November 2017, he paid someone to compile and submit an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Application to the United States on his behalf. Dilbar was aware that the person he had paid submitted a false and fraudulent approval letter from the Chief of Mission in the US Embassy Kabul, but he swore and affirmed that the evidence submitted was true and correct.

In October 2021, Dilbar paid another individual to compile and submit a second Special Immigrant Visa Application to the United States. Once again, Dilbar swore and affirmed that the evidence submitted was true and correct when, in fact, he was aware of a high probability that the evidence submitted contained at least one false representation. As a result of the false representations, in April 2024, Dilbar was granted a Special Immigrant Visa, admitted to the United States, issued lawful permanent residency status, and permitted to reside in the Western District of New York. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Leone, 23, of Holland, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with maliciously conveying a false threat to use an explosive device on a building, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

On April 26, 2026, Georgia Power (GA Power), which operates nuclear power plants in the State of Georgia, received a private message on its publicly available Instagram account (ga_power) stating the following: “I am active employee at GA Power. I have planted a detonation device inside your office headquarters. You have until Friday 5pm ON THE DOT to figure out a way to make things right to the citizens of Little Neck Rd in Savannah, where you cut down their 300 year old oak.” The message was sent from an Instagram account with the username “joe_1eone.” 

GA Power alerted law enforcement, which resulted in significant responses from federal, state, and local resources, as well as fire department resources for an extended period of time. The threat also halted work and led to evacuation and lock down at two headquarters facilities, one in Atlanta, Georgia, and one in Savannah, Georgia. Bomb squads, supported by police and fire resources, swept the facilities for explosive devices. The lockdown had significant operational and financial implications for both facilities and created a massive fear implication for Georgia Power. Ultimately, no explosive device was located.

Subsequent investigation traced the username “joe_leone” to the defendant. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The complaint is the result of an investigation by FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Basheer Saleh, 42, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

In July 2025, law enforcement began an investigation into Basheer’s drug trafficking activities. In July and August 2025, investigators conducted four controlled purchases of cocaine, totaling approximately 532 grams, at Basheer’s store, Sweet Puff's Smoke Shop, on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. On September 2, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants at several locations, including the smoke shop, a vacant store next door owned by Basheer, and his Delaware Avenue residence. Investigators seized approximately 5,000 grams of cocaine, a quantity of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt I. Kass and Monica Benjovsky. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Hassian Humphrey, 24, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit firearms offenses, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. In addition, co-defendant Keishawn Turner, 25, of Kannapolis, NC, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in the firearms business without a license, which also carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  

Between May 2022, and June 24, 2025, Humphrey and Turner conspired with Jylin Woods, Benjamin Martin a/k/a Benji a/k/a Ben10 a/k/a Gun Man, and Jerry Antonio Baine a/k/a Bank 3x, to illegally sell firearms. 

During the course of the conspiracy, Humphrey and Turner exchanged several photographs and/or videos of firearms and negotiated the price of various firearms with Humphrey indicating he was soliciting buyers for the firearms. In October 2023, Humphrey and Turner transported five firearms, including a ghost gun, from North Carolina into the Western District of New York to be sold. Two of those firearms were recovered during the execution of search warrants in Buffalo in December 2023.

In addition, in May 2022, Humphrey and Jylin Woods attempted to transport two firearms from North Carolina to Buffalo. However, their vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Oak Hill, West Virginia, and the two firearms were seized. During the course of the conspiracy, Humphrey and Woods shared photographs of firearms they possessed, updated each other regarding the solicitation of buyers, and on at least two occasions, they successfully transported North Carolina-purchased firearms to Buffalo to be resold. Humphrey also communicated with Jerry Antonio Baine regarding firearms transactions, with Baine sending photographs of approximately 19 firearms to Humphrey, including several privately manufactured firearms bearing no serial number, indicating that they were for sale. Humphrey and Baine would then discuss potential sale prices for the firearms. Baine also purchased multiple firearms from retail establishments in North Carolina that were ultimately sold to Humphrey. One of those firearms was recovered in Buffalo, in July 2024, in a separate criminal investigation. 

None of the defendants involved in the conspiracy were licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors of firearms. 

Charges remain pending against Jylin Woods, Benjamin Martin and Jerry Antonio Baine. 

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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis A. Testani and Monica Benjovsky. The pleas are the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Police Commissioner Erika Shields and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Timothee Tidwell, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Between October 9 and October 14, 2024, Tidwell conspired with co-defendant Alexandria Duncan to steal mail from receptacles in Hamburg, NY, and take articles from inside the letters and envelopes that were stolen. For instance, in the early morning hours of October 14, 2024, Duncan drove a vehicle to Camp Road with Tidwell, who exited the vehicle and approached a row of mailboxes outside the post office on Camp Road with a postal arrow key he was not legally entitled to possess. That same day, law enforcement recovered opened and unopened mail addressed to other people from the vehicle Tidwell and Duncan drove in to commit the mail thefts. The opened mail included checks from various individuals and businesses and totaled approximately $369,104.92.

Duncan previously convicted and sentenced.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Village of Hamburg Police, under the direction of Chief Richard Schara, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page, Boston Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 23, 2026, before Judge Arcara.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Bernard J. Keller, 28, of Lakeview, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under New York law relating to possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. 

In August 2022, Keller was convicted of Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court and sentenced to serve 10 years’ probation. In May 2025, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at his residence after he distributed child pornography to other individuals using the Kik application. During the search, Keller’s cellular telephone was seized and found to contain approximately 96 images and 248 videos of child pornography. Some of the child pornography involved a prepubescent minor, the sexual abuse of an infant or toddler, and depictions of violence against children.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and Hamburg Police, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before Judge Sinatra.   

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jaquan Greene, 20, of Buffalo, with conspiracy to commit mail theft, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. 

According to the indictment, between February 18 and April 23, 2026, Greene conspired with others to unlawfully obtain keys used by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to unlock mail collection boxes. Greene and others used the keys to unlock collection boxes and steal mail, including checks, which they deposited into bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy. Greene and the others then withdrew or transferred the funds for their benefit. During the conspiracy, Greene possessed checks stolen from collection boxes on Cayuga Road in Cheektowaga, NY, which were then deposited into an account at Citizens Bank controlled by members of the conspiracy. 

On April 23, 2026, Greene and two other members of the conspiracy drove to the USPS mail collection box on Cayuga Road with a stolen key, which they used to open the box and remove the collection basket containing letters, packages, and mail. As law enforcement arrived at the scene, Greene and the others fled in their vehicle, and then on foot and were taken into custody a short time later. 

Greene made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sasha Mascarenhas and Paul E. Bonanno. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Chun Yan, 42, a native and citizen of China, who entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2023, has been denied a bond hearing as he awaits removal by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to court documents, on February 24, 2026, Yan traveled six hours from Brooklyn, NY, to the home of an elderly woman in Ogdensburg, NY, in the Western District of New York. The woman was falsely told that a federal agent was going to freeze her assets if she didn’t pay the Federal Trade Commission, so she handed over $53,000 in cash to Yan, who returned less than a month later in an attempt to take another $50,000 from the victim. On March 19, 2026, Yan was arrested by the Ogdensburg Police Department and charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree. After being released by local law enforcement the next day, Yan was arrested and detained by ICE and remains in ICE custody until he is removed from the United States. 

In an attempt to obtain release, Yan filed an immigration habeas petition, stating that he “was randomly arrested by ICE.” U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca denied his petition, citing the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention for those arrested or charged with an applicable crime at the time of their immigration detention. 

The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel B. Moar.

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Angela Kellogg, 35, of Dunkirk, NY, who was convicted of theft of government money, was sentenced to serve three years’ probation by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. 

In July 2020, Kellogg provided her identification information and social security number to a co-conspirator, knowing that it would be used to obtain money she was not entitled to. After she provided her personal information, Kellogg received a check totaling $11,586 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. The money used to fund the check belonged to the United States as it was issued through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Kellogg did not reside or work in Puerto Rico and was therefore legally ineligible to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. In September 2020, Kellogg deposited the check into a checking account at an Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union bank in Westfield, NY. She then withdrew some of the funds, which she provided to her co-defendants as part of the scheme. Kellogg kept $5,000 of illegally obtained federal funds for her own benefit. The Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources lost a total of $67,524 as a result of the scheme.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jesus Collins, 26, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

In November 2025, the FBI executed a search warrant at Collins’ residence, during which multiple electronic devices were seized, including his cellphone. A review of the cell phone recovered approximately 20 images and 55 videos depicting child pornography.  The phone also contained messaging applications such as Signal, SimpleX, Telegram, and Teleguard, which Collins used to distribute and receive child pornography. 

On Collins’ Telegram account, investigators discovered that he exchanged child pornography with other users, often offering or agreeing to “trade” child pornography in exchange for images and videos that they had. Over approximately 2,500 unique video files and approximately 600 unique images files constituting child pornography were found in Collins’ Telegram chats, some of which depicted infants and the use of restraints on minor victims. In addition, Collins used Telegram to communicate with minors. These communications included sexually explicit conversations, during which Collins solicited the minors to send him images and videos of themselves engaging in various sexual acts, many constituting child pornography. Collins also sent the minors videos of himself engaged in sexual acts. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose. The plea is the result of an investigation by the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Earl Stone, 34, of Buffalo, NY, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. 

According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, late in the evening on April 12, 2026, Buffalo Police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Route 33 Expressway. During the stop, officers detected the smell of alcohol and asked the driver to step out of the vehicle to conduct a standard field sobriety test. Officers then asked the passengers for a New York State Drivers’ License so someone could move the vehicle to a safe location. All passengers refused, including Stone, who got out of the vehicle and sat on ground of the 33 Expressway. Officers noticed what appeared to be the outline of a slide of a firearm by the right shin of his pantleg. As he stood up at the request of officers, a loaded .40 caliber firearm fell out of his pant leg. Stone was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon- 2nd Degree: Loaded Firearm and Criminal Possession of a Weapon-3rd Degree: Large Capacity Feeding Device. In December 2013, Stone was convicted of a felony in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Stone was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric Hagen, 57, of Fort Erie, Canada, who was convicted of importation of controlled substances, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. 

In June 2024, Hagen was convicted of possessing child pornography in St. Catharines, Ontario. On the morning of August 1, 2025, Customs and Border Protection encountered Hagen at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, and he was referred for a secondary inspection. During Hagen’s secondary screening, CBP found multiple cellular telephones, hard drives, a laptop, and a baby monitor, as well as two plastic containers, which contained methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Sasha Mascarenhas. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Aden Ibrahim, 30, of Buffalo, NY, with being a felon in possession of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, and maintaining a drug involved premises, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

According to the superseding indictment and a previously filed complaint, on the morning of July 9, 2025, Buffalo Police responded to a Woodette Place residence for a report of an “Unwelcomed Guest.” Upon arrival, the complainant told officers that an individual known as “Beano” refused to leave the residence. The complainant also stated that “Beano” was in possession of crack cocaine and a firearm. Officers later observed “Beano,” exit the residence and attempt to flee on foot. He was in possession of a U.S. Permanent Resident Card identifying him as Aden Ibrahim. Detectives were then called to the residence, where they observed in plain view a revolver with tape on the handle lying on the floor in a bedroom. The complainant stated that “Beano” was staying in the room and that all the contents in the bedroom belonged to him.

Detectives subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing a revolver, ammunition, approximately 26 grams of suspected crack cocaine base, and drug paraphernalia. Ibrahim was convicted of felonies in March 2022 and January 2024 and is legally prohibited from possessing ammunition.

Ibrahim was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Romer and was detained.

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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys MacCaelin A. Sedita and Joshua A. Violanti. The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael J. Hale, 65, of Lockport, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to making a materially false statement, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

In December 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) executed a search warrant at 3800 Highland Avenue in Niagara Falls, involving an investigation into the improper storage and disposal of hand sanitizer. The investigation began following a tip from a community member in October 2023 that a large quantity of hand sanitizer had been dumped outside. During the search, the EPA documented the presence of expired hand sanitizer that had been dumped on the property outside in a pile measuring 73 feet long, by 24 feet wide, by five feet high. Samples were taken of the hand sanitizer and determined to be ignitable according to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), meaning, the hand sanitizer was considered a hazardous waste.

At the time, Hale was Vice President of Regional Logistics Group LLC, a warehousing business that was a tenant at 3800 Highland Avenue. Investigators called Hale during the search and asked how the hand sanitizer got on the property, to which he replied that he had no idea and didn’t know when the hand sanitizer had been brought to Highland Avenue. However, Hale knew and was aware that the hand sanitizer had been dumped outside 3800 Highland Avenue and had been originally brought to Highland Avenue between January and May of 2022.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Environmental Protect Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Charles Carfagno, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, under the direction of Commissioner Amanda Lefton.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 22, 2026, before Judge Arcara.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Leeladhar H. Tandel, 45, a native of India living of Mobile, AL, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, was sentenced to time served (approximately 14 months) by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Tandel was then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Between July 2024 March 2025, Tandel conspired with others to sell Tapentadol, Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Carisoprodol, and Zolpidem. During the conspiracy, MEDDZONLINE.COM, PHARMACYSTORESONLINE.com, and related websites were part of a larger organized drug trafficking organization operating domestically and internationally using similar versions of the same website under different domain names. After orders were received, the organization sent bulk shipments of drugs via international mail to a US based bulk re-shipper. The drugs were then sent to smaller re-shippers, who were paid for each package they mailed out to customers.

Tandel was a smaller re-shipper. In June 2024, the DEA Buffalo District Office became aware of Tandel operating in the Mobile, Alabama region. On June 6, 2024, DEA Buffalo conducted an undercover purchase of 60 Zolpidem pills at a cost of $489.60 on PHARMACYSTORESONLINE.com. In May 2025, law enforcement recovered 40 packages that had originated in Summerdale, AL, which had previously been mailed out by Tandel. The packages included nine parcels containing 1,620 suspected Tramadol pills; 14 parcels containing 2,100 suspected Zolpidem pills; 13 parcels containing 2,100 suspected Alprazolam pills; and four parcels containing 1,080 suspected Tapentadol pills. The packaging was indicative of shipments being mailed out to customers of the online websites. Labels showed the scope of customers spanning the entire country and individuals such as Tandel played a key role in aiding the online websites to provide controlled substances to their customers in the USA.

This investigation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the DEA, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Offices in St. Louis, MO, Atlanta, GA, and Mobile, AL. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Alexey Aleksandrovich Moskalyuk, 27, of Brooklyn, NY, with production and distribution of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. 

According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, law enforcement was alerted on August 3, 2026, to a report involving a missing minor. Investigators examined electronic devices provided by the minor’s parent, which revealed communications between the minor and Moskalyuk on social media.

The minor was located the following day in Niagara Falls, NY, accompanied by Moskalyuk, who had traveled from Brooklyn, NY. The investigation recovered evidence of sexually explicit communications and recordings involving the minor and Moskalyuk, as well as Moskalyuk’s participation in an online group that facilitated harmful interactions between adults and minors. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the FBI Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the Albion Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Mogle. Additional assistance was provided by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the Honolulu FBI Office.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James McClain a/k/a Jungle, 42, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

According to the complaint, in July 2026, investigators conducted an undercover purchase of approximately 12 grams of suspected fentanyl from McClain, which later tested positive for fentanyl. In August 2026, investigators conducted a second controlled purchase of suspected fentanyl from McClain. The purchase involved approximately 50 grams, which again later tested positive for fentanyl. 

McClain made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney MacCaelin A. Sedita. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Koran Leeper, 54, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. 

According to the complaint, on April 30, 2026, Jamestown Police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Leeper was riding in. During the stop, the officers observed an unusual amount of a crystal-like substance on Leeper’s chest and legs. When questioned about it by one of the officers, Leeper stated it was cigarette ash. However, the officer did not believe that the substance was fully cigarette ash, but instead an illegal drug. Officers attempted to search the vehicle, but the driver declined. Officers did observe what they believed to be loose crack cocaine on the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat in plain view. Officers also observed the corner of a ripped off baggie containing a white powdery residue. Believing that the driver and Leeper were in possession of controlled substances, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a clear container with the residue of a white powdery substance, as well as a glass smoking device. The driver and Leeper were taken into custody. Officers then located a plastic bag containing a large amount of a crystal-like substance in Leeper’s left pocket and a plastic bag containing a white powder-like substance in his right pocket. 

Leeper made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.

This investigation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the DEA, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nahtahna Castner, 46, of Dansville, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison pleaded guilty by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Between July 2020, and February 2023, Castner and another individual (co-conspirator) conspired to defraud an elderly victim. In July 2020, Castner had the trust of an elderly and vulnerable neighbor, who was over 90 years old. Using Castner’s position of trust, the co-conspirator gained access to the victim banking information. Castner and the co-conspirator then began withdrawing large sums of cash from ATMs, initiating wire transfers to Castner’s personal bank account, and making purchases using the victim’s debit card. Castner and the co-conspirator executed approximately $252,672.97 worth of unauthorized transactions. Over the course of the fraud, the victim bank account savings went from approximately $283,954.95 to $99.59. In addition, Castner and the co-conspirator also used the victim’s personal identifying information to apply for three credit cards in the victim’s name. They then used the credit cards to make purchases resulting in fraud against three financial institutions in the amount of $2,039.04, $819.33, and $809.74.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow.

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BUFFALO, NY--The Western District of New York today announced the sentencing of an Oklahoma woman as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). WDNY was a key participant in this surge effort. 

From June 12 to September 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers.

“The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to act as a safety net for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by helping them maintain payroll and cover essential expenses,” stated Michael DiGiacomo, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. “This defendant abused the program and defrauded the American taxpayer to the tune of more than $30-million dollars. While the COVID epidemic is behind us, my office remains focused on pursuing those individuals who defraud any government program.” 

“Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”

“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”

“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”

In the WDNY, U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo announced that Amanda J. Gloria, 49, of Altus, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 98 months in prison for attempting to defraud the PPP Program of over $43 million in COVID-19 relief loans. Gloria admitted that she conspired to submit at least 153 fraudulent PPP applications seeking a total of approximately $43 million on behalf of at least 111 entities between approximately May 2020 and June 2021. Gloria admitted that she falsified or aided and assisted with falsifying various information on these loan applications, including the number of employees, payroll expenses and documentation, and federal tax filings. Gloria then submitted or aided and assisted with the submission of the fraudulent PPP applications to financial institutions. In total, the recipient entities unlawfully obtained approximately $31 million in PPP funds. From those fraudulently obtained funds, Gloria personally received at least approximately $1.7 million.

In April 2022, Gloria pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived proceeds.  At sentencing, Gloria was ordered to pay more than $30 million in restitution and to forfeit more than $523,661. 

Trial Attorney Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly for the Western District of New York prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page, and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, Boston New York Field Division. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Garrett, 56, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, Garrett was sentenced to time served and six years supervised release after being convicted on a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In August 2026, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and DEA began conducting a joint investigation targeting the shipment of narcotics to the Buffalo area. On September 6, 2026, the USPIS was alerted to a Postal Service parcel being shipped from Puerto Rico to Garrett in Buffalo. On September 9, 2026, investigators executed the search warrant on the parcel and found approximately two kilograms of suspected cocaine inside the parcel concealed inside a white box decorated with pink flowers. On September 11, 2026, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel, which was replaced with sham, to Garrett’s Sycamore Street residence. After the delivery, Garrett left the residence with the parcel and was arrested a short time later following a traffic stop. 

Garrett made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page, and the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Guy Deland a/k/a Mark a/k/a Security Prime, 68, and Charan Singh, 56, both from Quebec, Canada, pleaded guilty before U.S. District judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Between November 2016 and April 2017, Deland and Singh conspired with others, including Aydan Sin, to export defense articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) in violation of United States law.

In November 2016, Singh began communicating with an undercover law enforcement agent (UCA), inquiring about whether the UCA could export firearms from the United States to the United Arab Emirates. During the communications, Singh, Deland, and Sin were advised by the UCA that a license was required from the United States Department of State in order to legally export the firearms. The defendants acknowledged the illegality of the attempted exports, provided an encrypted Blackberry device to the UCA for the purpose of secure, covert communications, and wired approximately $70,000 USD from Canada to the United States as a 50% down payment for the export of the goods.

On December 7, 2016, Sin, through telephone and email, requested the gun order include 9mm handguns and Uzi machine guns. On December 9, 2016, Sin told the UCA that rather than get an export license, he wanted the UCA to export the firearms “the wrong way.”

Subsequently, on January 10, 2017, the UCA emailed two revised invoices to Deland and Sin. One invoice was for the export to Dubai of three new Glock 9mm firearms, six magazines, two used Mini Uzi submachine guns, two suppressors, and 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition for the firearms, for a total cost of $20,575. The second invoice was for the export to Colombia (thru Panama) of 37 new Glock 9mm firearms, 74 magazines, 13 used Mini Uzi submachine guns, 13 suppressors, and 3,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition for the firearms, for a total cost of $121,175. Both invoices contained language stating that exporting these products was prohibited by law without an export license. On February 6 and 7, 2017, an undercover bank account, located in the Western District of New York, received two bank wire transfers from a bank account in Canada, each in the amount of $34,990 USD, representing 50% of the total purchase price of the firearms, suppressors, and ammunition.

On March 10, 2017, Sin contacted the UCA and asked if the shipment of guns to Columbia would occur in a few days. On March 20, 2017, the UCA used existing sea freight shipment tracking numbers and told Sin and Deland that the firearms, suppressors, and ammunition were shipped to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, and the shipment of guns to Columbia would occur on March 29, 2017. The UCA also provided them with tracking information.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango and Trial Attorney Beaudre Barnes from the Counterintelligence & Export Control Section of the National Security Division at the Department of Justice. The pleas are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone. Additional assistance was provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

Deland is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Singh on January 16, 2027, at 11:00 a.m., both before Judge Arcara.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Esli Osman Diaz-Bejarano, 28, a native of Honduras, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

On September 2, 2026, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol agents encountered Diaz on St. Joseph Road in Niagara Falls, NY, during an immigration enforcement action. As agents attempted to interview Diaz, he fled on foot. Agents then attempted to apprehend Diaz, who resisted their efforts to restrain him. He was brought to the ground after repeatedly pulling his arms away. During the struggle, Diaz bit the left wrist of an agent, causing a bleeding laceration. The agent was treated at DeGraff Memorial Hospital for the bite injury. 

Diaz made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal jury has convicted Simon Gogolack a/k/a Greek, 42, of Wellsville, NY, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, which resulted in a death, narcotics conspiracy, maintaining a drug involved premises, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and witness tampering. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum of life.

According to testimony presented by the Government, between July 2 and October 17, 2023, Gogolack conspired with others to sell fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, Xanax, and Adderall. Between July 31 and August 1, 2023, Gogolack distributed fentanyl, which resulted in the death of Crystal Quinn. During the course of the conspiracy, Gogolack used a Scott Avenue residence in Wellsville to conduct his drug trafficking activities. In addition, Gogolack possessed firearms during the conspiracy. He was previously convicted of a felony in 2007 and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Gogolack was also convicted of kidnapping and threatening an individual and threatening a second individual to prevent them from cooperating with investigators.

“Today’s verdict ensures that Simon Gogolack is being held accountable for the violence and devastation his drug trafficking brought into our community and reflects the commitment by my office to pursue and prosecute those that engage in such conduct” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo.

The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper, Casey L. Chalbeck, and Katerina Powers. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II. 

Sentencing is scheduled for February 9, 2027, before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial of the case. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamie Anderson, 27, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to the possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and 40 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

In January 2022, Anderson was convicted of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court. In December 2024, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Anderson’s Buffalo residence, after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that he uploaded files containing child pornography to Kik. During the search, law enforcement seized a tablet, which contained at least 10 images of child pornography. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andrew Yannello, 30, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under New York law relating to sexual abuse, was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison and 35 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. 

In September 2014, Yannello was convicted of Attempted Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree in New York State Court and sentenced to serve 10 years’ probation. In November 2017, following a probation violation, Yannello was sentenced to serve 1 1/3 to 3 years in prison. On August 23, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Yannello’s residence after it was discovered that he uploaded files of child pornography to Facebook and distributed the images to other Facebook users. During the search, a cell phone, laptop computer and desktop computer were seized, and all were found to contain images and videos of child pornography child pornography. Some of the images contained prepubescent minors as well as the sexual abuse of an infant or toddler, and depictions of violence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Corey Flatau, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.   

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Guodeng Chen, and Didi Huang, both of Pittsford, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr to transportation of stolen goods in interstate commerce, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. 

On April 8, 2022, Chen and Huang caused 45,000 pounds of stolen, used cooking oil to be shipped from the Western District of New York to a refinery located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Chen and Huang received $29,433.60 for this shipment. On April 28, 2022, Chen and Huang caused another 45,000 pounds of stolen used cooking oil to be shipped from the Western District of New York to a refinery located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Chen and Huang received $30,618.00 for this shipment. The defendants knew there was a high probability that the cooking oil was stolen.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Anthony Licari, Special Agent-In-Charge, Midwestern Region.  

Sentencing for defendant Chen is scheduled on December 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and sentencing for defendant Huang is scheduled for December 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., both before Judge Geraci. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Martino Carter, 39, of Sloan, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, which carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

On June 5, 2025, the Buffalo Police Department, ATF and FBI executed a search warrant at Carter’s Jackson Avenue residence in Sloan, during which they seized two loaded pistols and approximately 25 pounds of suspected marijuana. Carter was convicted of felony charges in January 2010, in Erie County Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Police Commissioner Erika Shields, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2027, before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Bryan Gutierrez, 27, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 80 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Between December 2024 and April 2025, Gutierrez conspired with co-defendant Antonio Rivera-Perez and others to sell fentanyl. In February, March, and April of 2025, investigators conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Gutierrez. On April 22, 2025, a search warrant was executed at the Langfield Drive residence of co-defendant Rivera-Perez, during which law enforcement seized approximately 1,072 grams of powder cocaine, 198 grams of crack cocaine, and 190 grams of fentanyl, a firearm, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $3,500 in cash. 

Antonio Rivera-Perez was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 60 months in prison. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett Fitzsimmons and Katerina Powers. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jacob D. Ortiz, 34, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of assaulting a federal employee resulting in bodily injury, was sentenced to time served and three years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.  

On September 9, 2025, a United States Postal Service (USPS) Letter Carrier approached the mailbox of a residence on Columbus Avenue in South Buffalo and observed Ortiz on the front porch of the house. Without any warning or provocation, Ortiz descended the front steps and lunged toward and tackled the letter carrier (victim) to the ground. Ortiz then began punching the victim repeatedly with his fists, forcing the victim to use their hands to protect their face as Ortiz delivered punches to the victim’s face, head, and midsection. Ortiz temporarily stopped, but then charged a second time, forcing the victim to flee the scene for their own safety. Ortiz gave chase but was unable to catch up, allowing the victim to get to safety. As a result, the victim sustained bodily injury, including a bump on the back of the head, several contusions to other parts of the head and face, and bruises and scrapes to their elbows and knees.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal jury convicted John Richard Wade, 51, of Hornell, NY, of receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. 

Wade was previously convicted in 2011 on federal charges of possession of child pornography and was on supervised release for those offenses when he committed these newest offenses. On April 11, 2024, probation officers searched Wade’s residence, seizing multiple unmonitored devices, including four laptops and a hard drive, suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. An initial review recovered multiple videos of suspected child pornography on the seized hard drive, which was found hidden under some clothes in a laundry bin. A subsequent examination recovered over 40,000 images and videos of child pornography on the hard drive. Investigators also located the web browser Tore on the hard drive. Tore is frequently used by individuals in possession of child pornography to receive and distribute child pornography from the internet.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas M. Testani and Melissa M. Marangola. The verdict is the result of an investigation by the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the U.S Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Clifford Jackson.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., who presided over the trial of the case.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John Vincent Ridgeway, 76, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of failure to disclose an event impacting eligibility for supplemental security income benefits, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. 

In January 1974, Ridgeway began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), based upon his representation that he is disabled and does not own countable resources exceeding $2,000 in value. In January 2004, Ridgeway purchased property on Langmeyer Avenue in Buffalo, jointly with his wife. The value of the property at the time exceeded $2,000, which made him ineligible to continue collecting SSI payments. Ridgeway owned the property until March 2017.

Subsequently, in October 2004, Ridgeway purchased property on LaSalle Avenue in Buffalo, using the identity of J.J.R. The value of the property at time of purchase exceeded $2,000, which again made him ineligible to continue collecting SSI payments. Ridgeway owned the property until September 2011. In February 2005, Ridgeway purchased two properties on Northumberland Avenue in Buffalo, the value of which exceeded $2,000. He owned the properties until October 2020, once again making him ineligible to continue collecting SSI payments. In May 2010, Ridgeway purchased a property on Marigold Street in Buffalo, using the identity of his deceased mother. Once again, the value of the property exceeded $2,000. He owned the property until October 2023.

Ridgeway failed to disclose ownership of any of these the properties to the SSA, with the intent to continue fraudulently collecting SSI payments. In June 2021, Ridgeway completed an SSI redetermination with the SSA. On the redetermination form, he stated that he did not own any property and signed it under the following statement: “I understand that anyone who knowingly lies or misrepresents the truth or arranges for someone to knowingly lie or misrepresent the truth is committing a crime which can be punished under Federal law, State law, or both. Everything on this document is the truth as best I know it.” The SSA determined that Ridgeway’s concealment of his resources resulted in an SSI overpayment of $179,276 between February 2004, and October 2023.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is of the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, Boston New York Field Division, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice, and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Wood. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Jason Goodsell, 41, of Wellsville, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. 

Between June 2020 and December 2021, Goodsell, then approximately 35 years old, was engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor girl, who was 16 years and 17 years old. During that time, Goodsell used a cellular device to record videos while they were engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In June 2022, Goodsell distributed multiple videos of that conduct through Facebook Messenger. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Colleen M. McCarthy are handling the prosecution of the case. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the Wellsville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy O’Grady, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional Assistance was provided by the Pittsburgh Office of the FBI.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2027, before Judge Vilardo.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Javaris Corbit, 36, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.   

According to the criminal complaint, since March 2025, the Rochester Police Department has been investigating Corbit’s illegal drug trafficking activities, which include distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Rochester. Corbit utilized multiple locations to prepare, package, and sell narcotics, store the proceeds of his narcotics sales, and store illegal firearms, including residences on Elk Street and Manhattan Square Drive. The investigation also identified multiple individuals who worked for Corbit’s drug-trafficking organization.

On June 24, 2026, search warrants were executed at multiple residences in Rochester, including the Elk Street and Manhattan Square Drive residences, during which investigators seized approximately $42,418 in cash, four loaded firearms, ammunition, jewelry, drug paraphernalia and approximately 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.15 kilograms of cocaine. Corbit was previously convicted of four felony charges in 2012, 2017, and 2023, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.  

Corbit made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained pending trial.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon N. Gonzalez. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Vance Ashley, 57, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

In January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with co-conspirators Edwin Robles, Edward Richardson and Michael Herrera, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. 

On February 5, 2025, the defendants drove to a Northwest Bank branch in Lockport, within the Western District of New York. Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal of from the account of an individual residing in Erie, PA. Ashley also purchased a bank check using funds from the account. That same day, the defendants drove to another Northwest Bank branch in Williamsville, within the Western District of New York, and again Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal from an account and purchased a bank check using funds from the account of a victim from North East PA. 

The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is $61,800.00.

Robles, Richardson and Herrera were all previously convicted. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gerald Harper, 31, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250.000 fine. 

In June 2023, Harper was convicted on a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and sentenced to serve 60 months’ probation. As a result, he was prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. According to the complaint, on August 13, 2026, a North Tonawanda police officer conducted a traffic stop of Harper’s vehicle for a suspended registration. During the stop, when Harper lowered the window, the officer observed heavy smoke consistent with the scent of marijuana. The officer also observed an open backpack in the vehicle that contained bundles of United States Currency, later determined to be approximately $7,055 in cash. The officer asked Harper to step out of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle recovered a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Harper is still on federal supervised release, which led to a search of his residence. During that search, investigators located two firearms and ammunition. 

Harper made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alec Dierna, 32, and John Engler, 40, both of Boca Raton, Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Between August 2020 and July 2022, Dierna, Engler, and five co-defendants conspired to defraud companies throughout the United States to fraudulently obtain money and property. To execute their scheme, Dierna, Engler, and their co-defendants sent mailers from Florida, California, and Rochester, NY, to tens of thousands of victim companies throughout the United States. The mailers were intended to deceive the victim companies into believing that they had previously ordered products from the companies of co-conspirators, for which they owed payment. The names used on the mailers included Office Outlet; America’s Best; United Chemicals; Hi-Tech Industrial; North Atlantic Supply; Top Tier Chemicals; Nationwide Chemicals; Direct Chemical; Easton Chemical; Safety Supply; and Union Gloves. As a result of the conspiracy, several thousand victim companies paid $8,010,543.50 to co-conspirators’ companies for products that they did not order. 

Co-defendants Dylan Paul Costanza, Nicholas Scarantino, Kyle Paul Edward Gibson, Tommy Lee Coburn, and Bryan Lantry were all previously convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and are awaiting sentencing. The company Five Star Warehouse, LLC, entered a corporate plea to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and is also awaiting sentencing.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa M. Marangola and Kyle P. Rossi. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the IRS Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., New York Field Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Justin Page, Boston Division.

Dierna and Engler are scheduled to be sentenced on February 10, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vacca.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rashad Rabah, 33, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.

In August 2025, Rabah attempted to collect a package containing a large amount of fentanyl from the U.S. Postal Service Jefferson Road Processing and Distribution Center in Henrietta, NY, which was shipped from Arizona. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted the package and staged a controlled delivery to Rabah. At the time of the delivery, investigators collected Rabah’s cellular telephone. A preliminary search of the phone revealed Rabah’s involvement in illegal activity, including child pornography and child exploitation crimes involving minors in the Rochester area. 

A subsequent analysis of Rabah’s phone and online accounts revealed that from at least April 2022, through August 7, 2025, he engaged in sexually explicit online and text conversations with a minor victim, a child in the Rochester area, during which Rabah solicited the minor victim to create and send to him sexually explicit images and videos. The investigation revealed that Rabah paid the minor to engage in this conduct and solicited other minors in the Rochester area. Rabah was also part of an online forum in a particular social media platform that was dedicated to the abuse and exploitation of minors.    

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Justin Page, Boston Division.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a future date.   

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