Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bloods gang member going to prison on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rasheem “Coop” Sullivan, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who handled the case, stated that Sullivan is a member of the nationally recognized Bloods Gang, and the self-proclaimed leader of a local subset known as the Immortal Stone Gorilla Gang. In December 2022, following a lengthy investigation into narcotics trafficking, weapons possession, and associated violence, Sullivan and several of his fellow Blood Gang members were arrested. On December 14, 2022, several locations associated with Sullivan’s enterprise were searched, during which investigators recovered narcotics, cash, and numerous firearms. Inside Sullivan’s residence, a Glock 10 mm pistol loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition was recovered.
The investigation began in the aftermath of the murder of Rochester Police Department Investigator Anthony Mazurkewicz and the assault of Investigator Sino Seng in July 2022. It was alleged that individuals associated with Sullivan were engaged in a violent feud with another group led by Brandon “B-Mack” Washington. In September 2022, Washington and several associates were charged with federal drug and weapons offenses.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.
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Buffalo man going back to prison on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Victor Marshall, 51, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Pierre Richard Antoine, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2014, Marshall was sentenced to serve 130 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. As a condition of supervised release, Marshall was ordered not to commit another federal, state, or local crime. In March 2022, Marshall was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug and gun charges, and subsequently admitted that he committed the conduct alleged in the indictment, violating his supervised release.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Prior felon pleads guilty to new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christopher Gostick, 30, of Lancaster, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to receipt of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that on June 9 and 10, 2023, Gostick attended a sleepover birthday party, during which he kissed a minor victim (Minor Victim 1), who was nine years old, on the lips. Minor Victim 1 told her parents, which resulted in police officers responding to the residence and taking possession of cellular telephones and a tablet that belonged to Gostick. A review of one of the cellphones uncovered a surreptitiously recorded video of Minor Victim 1 using the bathroom. In addition to the video of Minor Victim 1, law enforcement also found on Gostick’s other cellphone a screen recording of a Snapchat conversation between Gostick and a second minor victim (Minor Victim 2), who was 10 years old at the time. During that conversation, Gostick, who was posing as an 11-year-old female, instructed Minor Victim 2 to send him a sexually explicit video, which Minor Victim 2 did. A review of Gostick’s devices also recovered approximately 613 images and two videos containing child pornography. Previously, in August 2019, Gostick was convicted on a state charge of Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Rochester sex offender pleads guilty to new child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
Rochester, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gregory Pum, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson to possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas M. Testani and Meghan K. McGuire, who are handling the case, stated that in January 2014, Pum was convicted in Monroe County Court of Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16, and sentenced to serve six months in jail, followed by 10 years’ probation. Pum violated his probation terms and was resentenced to prison. He was discharged from parole on May 31, 2016.
In May 2022, law enforcement received two cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), that a user of an email account, later determined to belong to Pum, had uploaded 29 images and a video of child pornography to a file sharing site. Investigators later received seven additional cybertips related to the same email account. In June 2022, a search warrant was executed at Pum’s residence, during which electronic devices that contained images of child pornography were seized. On March 11, 2024, while Pum was on pretrial release, law enforcement executed another search warrant at his residence after receiving two additional NCMEC cybertips. An iPhone was seized and found to contain 19 images and one video of child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei III, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 20, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
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NYS Corrections Officer on administrative leave arrested on gun chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Matthew R. Zamborowski, 48, of Hamburg, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person under a qualifying Domestic Violence Order of Protection, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 6th, 2024, an Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on Route 219, just south of Route 39, after determining that the vehicle had a surrendered plate. The driver, Zamborowski, informed the deputy that he was concealing a firearm on his right hip and that he was a New York State Corrections Officer. When asked for his license, Zamborowski stated that he did not have one and that there may be issues with it due to unpaid tickets in court. The deputy returned to his vehicle, confirmed Zamborowski’s license status, and learned that he had been served an order of protection, which mandated him to surrender all firearms in his possession. As a result, Zamborowski was arrested and the deputy and secured Zamborowski’s firearm. The complaint further states that Zamborowski had five additional firearms in the trunk of his vehicle. A check with the New York State Albion Correctional Facility determined that Zamborowski was on administrative leave since February 2024, and that he should have returned his badge and State ID. Zamborowski was taken to the Erie County Holding Center.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, 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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Man who traveled from Florida to Western New York to have sex with a minor arrested on multiple child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik, 21, of Orlando, Florida, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor, and production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in February 2024, Tehovnik began communicating with a minor female (victim) in the Western District of New York on the social media application Instagram, before moving the conversation to Snapchat. During these conversations, Tehovnik and the victim exchanged naked images, which included child pornography of the victim, and Tehovnik made plans to travel to the Western District of New York. In April 2024, Tehovnik flew from Florida to New York to engage in sexual activity with the victim, before returning to Florida. On June 4, 2024, Tehovnik came back to the Western District of New York, picked up the victim, and traveled to New Jersey, where law enforcement located him with the victim. Tehovnik was arrested and taken into custody.
Tehovnik made an initial appearance this morning in the District of New Jersey and will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas 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 man sentenced for making a false statement involving sunken vesselRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Vyacheslav S. Migitskiy, 34, a Ukrainian national living in Rochester, NY, who was convicted of making a materially false statement, was sentenced to time served, and ordered to pay $15,442 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on August 25, 2022, Migitskiy towed a 25-foot Bayliner boat onto Lake Ontario with the intention of sinking the abandoned vessel. Migitskiy intentionally sunk the vessel without reporting his actions. The following day, on August 26, 2022, the partially submerged boat was discovered by civilian witnesses who reported the sinking to the United States Coast Guard, which resulted in an immediate search and rescue effort by the Coast Guard, the New York State Police, and other law enforcement agencies which included deployment of surface vessels, aircraft, and SCUBA search teams. The United States Coast Guard spent $14,194 during the search and rescue effort, while the New York State Police spent $1,248.
On October 4, 2022, Migitskiy was interviewed by a Special Agent with the United States Coast Guard, during which he falsely stated that he had donated the boat to unnamed individuals. Migitskiy further provided a false description of the individuals who took possession of the vessel, false information on how they removed the vessel from his property, and false information on what they did with the vessels’ trailer.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Joshua Packer, Special Agent-in-Charge, Central Region, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei III, and the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Long, the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Stefano Napolitano, the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Arcides Castillo-Dieguez, 59, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that over the course of a long-term narcotics investigation, law enforcement identified Castillo-Dieguez as a bulk supply source of fentanyl for other Rochester drug dealers. Investigators identified several locations from which Castillo-Dieguez either sold or stashed fentanyl for future distribution. In May 2023, multiple search warrants were executed at three of these locations on Avenue A, East Main Street, and Durnan Street. One of the locations was used as a day care facility. Investigators seized over four kilograms of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and heroin. Drug paraphernalia was also seized during the searches. This is Castillo-Dieguez’s sixth felony conviction for an offense involving the illegal distribution of controlled substances.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET).
Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Former Rochester couple arrested, charged with defrauding VA out of hundreds of thousands of dollarsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Joyce, 52, and his wife Sarah Shultis, 32, both formerly of Rochester, NY, now living in New Jersey, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with theft of government funds, making false statements, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in April 2016, defendant Joyce submitted claims for disability compensation to the Department of Veterans Affairs for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), an issue with his left hand, asthma, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, sleep apnea, GER, hypertension, tinnitus, gout, an unidentified left knee issue, an unidentified left ankle issue, an unidentified right ankle issue, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and unidentified cardiac issues. Following multiple consultations and examinations for various issues, Joyce was awarded a 100% disability rating for reported PTSD in December 2016. In February 2018, Joyce applied for a status of permanent and total disability (PTD), which removes an individual’s obligation to continue getting re-evaluated for various disabilities, and makes them eligible for other veteran benefits. In his Statement in Support of Claim, Joyce asserted, “Every disability that I have either is the same but will not get better or has gotten worse.” He stated that his PTSD has not improved, that he is more housebound, and feels that he will die if he goes outside. Joyce was subsequently granted a PTD status in April 2018.
In July 2019, Joyce submitted a Declaration of Status of Dependents, listing himself as married and living with his wife and seven additional dependent children, raising his payment for a 100% disabled veteran from $3,171.12 per month, to $3,860.55 per month. Joyce continues to receive VA disability compensation and special monthly compensation in the amount of $4,737.42 per month. He has received over $393,158.14 in payments from VA as of March 2024. In November 2017, Joyce and Shultis applied for Shultis, as Joyce’s purposed caregiver, to receive payments through the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP), claiming that Joyce is wholly reliant on Shultis for multiple life tasks, including feeding, bathing, and dressing. Shultis was approved and received a retroactive payment of $8,345.82, and began to receive $2,890.14 per month for the care of Joyce. As of March 2024, Shultis has received over $213,000.
A review of Joyce’s Army personnel file and during interviews with former members of Joyce’s unit, investigators found multiple inconsistencies in Joyce’s claims. Unit members described Joyce as competent, intelligent, and physically fit, someone who remodeled multiple bathrooms and repaired a roof, and was never deployed to a combat zone. Subsequent investigation and surveillance documented, on multiple occasions, Joyce walking with no apparent difficulty or assistance, driving a motor vehicle, and performing household maintenance tasks, including climbing a ladder and snow shoveling.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Bradley Parker, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher F. Algieri, Northeast Field 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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Cheektowaga man going to prison for possessing 200,000 images of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael P. Daly, 49, of Cheektowaga, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison, and 25 years supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Daly was also ordered to pay $23,000 in victim-related assessments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in June 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Microsoft Bing that one of their users uploaded an image of child pornography. Subsequent investigation traced the image to Daly. On October 22, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Daly’s residence in Cheektowaga, seizing a laptop computer, a flash drive, and an iPhone. A forensic search of all three items recovered over 200,000 images and 95 videos of child pornography. Some of the images include prepubescent minors and depictions of violence.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Miraglia, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, III, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to buying stolen data from Genesis MarketRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wul Isaac Chol, 27, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that Genesis Market is an online marketplace whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin. Between June 2019, and January 2021, Chol deposited approximately $105.08 worth of bitcoin in a Genesis account that he had created. Chol used the funds he deposited in his Genesis account to purchase 21 packages of unauthorized access devices. Those packages contained, in total, approximately 778 unauthorized access devices. In addition, Chol admits that he obtained, without authorization, $25,164.00 from the New York State Department of Labor.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 13, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.
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USA Ross commemorates Pride Month/Week in Buffalo, Rochester, and Elmira communitiesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – June 1, 2024, marks the beginning of Pride Month in the U.S. and June 2, 2024, begins Pride Week in the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, and Elmira, in the Western District of New York, celebrating members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community.
As Pride Month/Week get underway, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross is reminding the public that all members of our community are protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
“As U.S. Attorney, I take very seriously any violation of an individual’s civil rights, including members of the LGBTQ community,” said U.S. Attorney Ross” “Since becoming U.S. Attorney, I have increased resources in the Western District of New York, including appointing three Assistant U.S. Attorneys to work on civil rights cases in the district. These AUSAs, as well as support staff members, engage with the community to increase awareness of civil rights and investigate any violations.”
The Library of Congress states, “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan.” The Stonewall Uprising was a series of protests fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ community.
As the community celebrates, our FBI partners encourage vigilance: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/detroit/news/fbi-brings-awareness-to-safety-resources-during-pride-month#:~:text=In%20a%20May%2010%2C%202024,LGBTQIA%2B%20events%20during%20Pride%20Month
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Nevada felon sentenced for gun possessionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Justin Hall, 43, of Wellington, Nevada, who was convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms, was sentenced to time served (24 months) by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Fitzsimmons, who handled the case, stated that in May 2021, Hall was arrested in Gardnerville, Nevada, for possessing a firearm. Subsequently, in May 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Buffalo, received information from the Nevada FBI that Hall was traveling around the Buffalo area. On May 22, 2022, law enforcement conducted a motor vehicle stop of Hall’s vehicle on Interstate 90 near the Transit Road exit. A search of Hall’s vehicle recovered three firearms, as well as over 1,200 rounds of various caliber ammunition and five magazines. In March 2017, Hall was convicted a misdemeanor crime of Domestic Battery in Nevada, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Additional assistance was provided by the Douglas County, Nevada Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada FBI.
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Amherst man convicted of multiple charges by a federal jury going to prison for more than 25 yearsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tyrone Pennick, 48, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, maintaining a drug premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing cocaine, and for committing drug felonies while on conditions of pre-trial release, was sentenced to serve 310 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who handled the prosecution of the case at trial, stated that on November 17, 2016, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance in the area of Pennick’s residence at 489 Emerson Drive in Amherst. Investigators observed a female leaving the residence carrying an open-top, tote style bag and entering a maroon colored Ford Flex. Investigators continued to monitor the vehicle and noted that Smith began watching the surveillance vehicle closely in the rearview mirror. Smith subsequently began driving in an erratic manor at which point the defendant was observed reaching to the backseat area and moving the tote bag to the front seat. Investigators activated their emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Smith was detained and investigators removed what appeared to be two containers containing suspected cocaine from the tote bag.
A search warrant was then executed at Pennick’s residence at 489 Emerson Drive. Investigators recovered a metal press, digital scale, packaging material, a box of rubber gloves, a plastic bag containing disposable dust masks, a vacuum sealer, and a vacuum sealed bag containing $49,990 in U.S. currency concealed in the dishwasher.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; and the United States Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to selling drugs that led to an overdose deathRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Justin Hall, 33, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey N. Jacovetti, who is handling the case, stated that on April 18, 2022, Sweat sold cocaine to a regular customer identified as V.O. On April 20, 2022, law enforcement officers and emergency personnel arrived at V.O.’s residence and determined that V.O. was deceased. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be acute mixed drug intoxication, to include cocaine, fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, and tramadol. Subsequently, on May 19 and May 26, 2022, investigators made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Sweat.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 18, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Jamestown felon pleads guilty to drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Samuel L. Arrington, III, 41, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of firearms. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that on October 12, 2023, New York State Parole Officers conducted a search of Arrington’s Jamestown residence, during which they recovered suspected narcotics, including 105 grams of cocaine, 68 grams of fentanyl, two firearms, ammunition, five cell phones, $2,301 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. The fentanyl was found concealed beneath Arrington’s infant child. In April 2006 and December 2019, Arrington was convicted of drug felonies in Chautauqua County, NY, Court, and Erie County, Pennsylvania, Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 11, 2024, before Judge Arcara.
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Burmese citizen going to prison for 10 years on fentanyl and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Lay Wah, 24, a Burmese citizen living in Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who handled the case, stated that on March 13, 2023, the ATF and Buffalo Police executed a search warrant at Wah’s Newfield Street residence. As SWAT officers made entry into the apartment, they also formed a perimeter around the exterior of the residence. Simultaneous with Wah fleeing into the rear of the apartment, an officer outside observed an object being thrown out of a rear bedroom window. Investigators recovered a semi-automatic handgun from the rear yard next door. Attached to the handgun was an extended magazine loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition and a machinegun conversion device. Inside the apartment, investigators recovered approximately 888 blue pills, three cellular telephones, ammunition, narcotics packaging materials and $4,540 in cash.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commission Joseph Gramaglia.
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Broome County man who was convicted by a federal jury of traveling to Wyoming County to attempt to have sex with a 13-year-old going to prison for 20 yearsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that David Lettieri, 36, of Harpursville, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of enticement of a minor, was sentenced to serve 240 months by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in October 2020, Lettieri traveled from Broome County to meet a 13-year-old girl (victim) in a park in Wyoming County with the intent of having sexual intercourse, however sexual contact did not occur. Subsequent investigation recovered communications between Lettieri and the victim, including photos of the victim on Lettieri’s phone. Investigators also searched Lettieri’s Facebook account and recovered conversations between Lettieri, the Victim, and the Victim’s sister, which were sexual in nature. The Victim’s age was also revealed during the conversations.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gregory J. Rudolph, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Lyons man going to prison for 15 years on child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that that Randall Seeley, Jr., 46, of Lyons, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in July 2023, the New York State Police received a report that Seeley had been involved in sexually explicit online communications with a 13 to 14-year-old minor. During an investigation, Seeley admitted knowing the minor and engaging in sexual communications, during which he solicited and received explicit images and videos of the minor. A review of the minor’s social media accounts revealed the sexually explicit communications with Seeley, going back as far as July 2022. A search warrant was executed at Seeley’s residence, during which his electronic devices were seized. A preliminary forensic analysis of the devices uncovered hundreds of images and videos of child pornography depicting the known minor and other, unknown minors.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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Jamestown man sentenced on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Doud, 42, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to time served (56 months) by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between February and May 2019, investigators made four controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Doud. Three of the for purchases were conducted at Doud’s Jamestown residence.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
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Jamestown man going to prison on drug conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob Komenda, 27, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on April 27, 2019, members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Komenda’s residence in Jamestown. Officers recovered methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia throughout the residence, as well as a 12-gauge shotgun and a stun gun. On September 5, 2019, investigators executed a second search warrant at Komenda’s residence. Komenda had $3,182 in cash in his shorts pocket, which was proceeds of his drug trafficking activities. Investigators also recovered methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia from the residence.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Jamestown man going to prison for more than 26 years on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Luis Martinez, 52, a/k/a Noel a/k/a Noelly, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 318 months in prsion by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan K. Glaberson and Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that in May and June of 2020, Martinez conspired with others to sell methamphetamine. On June 5, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at a Water Street residence, recovering approximately 20 grams of cocaine, a loaded Glock, $3,534 in cash, 14 individually wrapped plastic bags containing a total of approximately 363 grams of methamphetamine, a kilo press, two digital scales, a number of cell phones and tablets, additional smaller bags of cocaine and methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia. On June 10, 2020, investigators received information that Martinez had an outstanding parole warrant issued against him, at which time he was located in a vehicle on Price Street and taken into in custody. Law enforcement also recovered another $37,670 in cash behind a residence.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, III.
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Former Rochester bus driver pleads guilty to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tomas Rosario, 75, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to attempting to receive child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that Rosario was a school bus driver in Monroe County. On March 11, 2022, without any other adults or children present, Rosario transported a 13-year-old (victim) to school. During the ride, Rosario allowed the victim to sit in the front seat and proceeded to engage her in personal and sexually explicit conversation, including asking the victim if she had ever engaged in sexual conduct with her boyfriend. At the end of the day, Rosario picked the victim up from school, and again allowed her to sit in the front seat. Rosario continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation with the victim, and ultimately subjected her to instances of sexual contact. In addition, Rosario gave the victim his phone number, showed the victim his home, and encouraged the victim to call and visit if she ever wanted to skip school. Rosario’s actions were recorded on the bus surveillance system. In one instance, Rosario instructed the victim to take sexually explicit photos of herself and send them to him. On the following day, Rosario encountered the victim in a convenience store and warned her not to tell anyone what he had done the day before. That encounter was captured by the store’s security cameras.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief David Smith, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2024, before Judge Geraci.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to multiple charges for his role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joseph Zaso a/k/a Joey Cracks a/k/a Sosa, 40, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to narcotics conspiracy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and concealment of material fact. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between September 2018, and May 2022, Zaso conspired with others to sell significant quantities of heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown, NY, area. Zaso, the leader of the drug trafficking activity, was the source of supply for several Jamestown drug dealers, and used a series of dealers and runners to facilitate his operation. During the conspiracy, Zaso possessed firearms to protect his supply of narcotics, from which he obtained substantial income and resources. On May 26, 2022, search warrants were executed at his Buffalo residence, during which investigators seized drug paraphernalia.
During the conspiracy, Zaso was under the supervision of U.S. Probation in the Western District of New York, following a 2015 conviction in the Eastern District of Michigan. Zaso was required to submit monthly reports to U.S. Probation, which included information about his employment. Zaso signed and submitted monthly reports falsely reporting his employment. Zaso also falsely concealed his income and the existence of bank accounts under his control in addition to lying about his employment. Zaso did not report his actual income because most of it was derived from drug trafficking.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2024, before Judge Vilardo.
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Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to cocaine charge after leading police on a brief car chaseRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jonathan Bersani, 32, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that on April 14, 2023, law enforcement attempted a traffic stop on Bersani’s vehicle. However, instead of yielding to law enforcement, Bersani drove into the civilian vehicle in front of him, pushing the vehicle approximately 10 feet forward, and then into the law enforcement vehicle behind him, causing significant damage to all three vehicles. Bersani then fled in his vehicle, and, ultimately, on foot after his vehicle was rendered inoperable. Bersani was ultimately apprehended and, within close range of his path of flight, law enforcement recovered a black bag containing approximately 183 grams of cocaine. Bersani was also in possession of $3,266 in cash. Later that day, a search warrant was executed at Bersani’s residence, during which another 27 grams of cocaine, and drug paraphernalia were seized.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti and Homeland Security Investigations BEST Team, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Former teacher pleads guilty to possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Anthony V. Giambrone, 40, of Kenmore, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in April 2020, Giambrone, a former teacher with Erie One BOCES working at Maryvale Intermediate School, possessed images of child pornography on two separate laptop computers. Giambrone possessed approximately 1,052 images and 381 videos of child pornography, some of which included prepubescent minors.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Buffalo man who killed two people going to prison for 20 yearsRead the Press Release
Buffalo, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brandon Jonas, 39, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that Jonas shot and killed Nelson and Miguel Camacho, who were brothers, inside a residence on Niagara Street on Buffalo’s West Side. Jonas, along with co-defendants Efrain Hidalgo and Misael Montalvo, received information that the brothers might have large amounts of money or drugs and would be good targets to rob. On November 11, 2004, defendant Montalvo drove Jonas and Hildalgo to the vicinity of the Niagara Street residence. Jonas was armed with an AK-47 style rifle and Hidalgo had a baseball bat. After surveilling the residence, Jonas and Hildalgo forced their way into the residence in an attempt to rob money and drugs from the brothers. During the robbery attempt, Jonas shot and killed the Camachos. Josue Ortiz served 10 years in state prison for the murders of Nelson and Miguel Camacho. In 2015, his conviction was vacated by an Erie County Court judge based on the findings of this federal investigation.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, III, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to civil disorder and assaulting federal officersRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that JohnMichael Santiago, 24, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci to civil disorder and assaulting a federal officer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who is handling the case, stated that on September 4, 2020, following the release of information by the Rochester Police Department (RPD) regarding the death of Daniel Prude, a group of protesters damaged property and turned over tables at two restaurants in Rochester, causing numerous patrons to leave. During the evening of September 5, 2020, Santiago was part of a group of approximately 1,500 protesters that gathered at Broad Street and Exchange Boulevard, about a block north of RPD headquarters, where they blocked all lanes of traffic on nearby streets. Over the next few hours, some protesters hurled rocks, bottles, lit fireworks, and other objects at police officers in the area. Some also shined flashlights and pointed lasers at officers. Protesters were repeatedly asked to move onto the sidewalks and leave the area or be subject to arrest. Many disregarded the requests, remained in the streets, and continued to block traffic. Santiago threw an ignited firework in the direction of a line of uniformed RPD officers, which detonated in the immediate vicinity of the officers. Santiago was not arrested that night, but was later interviewed by law enforcement about the incident. Santiago admitted that he attended the protests, brought fireworks to the protests, and threw an ignited mortar-style firework at police officers.
While in custody at the Livingston County Jail, after being charged with civil disorder, Santiago assaulted two corrections officers, throwing a hard plastic cup at one, and striking the other in the face with his fist. Officers began to wrestle Santiago to secure him, during which one officer suffered contusions and a concussion, and a second suffered a back injury.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the United States Marshall’s Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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East Aurora man arrested, charged with attempted enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brian O’Brien, 41, of East Aurora, NY, was arrested in San Diego, CA, and charged by criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the FBI began investigating O’Brien in June 2023 after he was connected to the uploading of child pornography on Snapchat. A search warrant was executed at his residence in July 2023, during which investigators seized numerous electronic items. A cursory search of an external hard drive confirmed the presence of child pornography on the hard drive, with some images/videos appearing to have been saved roughly 10 years prior. A search of O’Brien’s phone recovered conversations between the defendant and other men, during which they discussed exchanging child pornography and the sexual abuse of children. In addition, during another conversation, O’Brien reaches out to an individual identified as “JJ,” asking to be connected to minor boys.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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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Jamestown man going to prison for more than 19 years for selling heroin and fentanyl which resulted in two deathsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Mojica Medina, 36, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that on August 30, 2018, an individual identified as J.H., fatally overdosed after ingesting a substance containing fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. Medina provided J.H. with the fentanyl and fentanyl analogue mixture shortly before J.H. died. Approximately a week later, on September 9, 2018, an individual identified as J.T. fatally overdosed after ingesting a substance containing heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. Medina provided the substance to a third party who then provided it to J.T.
On December 1 and 2, 2020, the Jamestown Police Department conducted controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Medina. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at Medina’s Euclid Avenue residence during which investigators recovered two loaded firearms, a drug ledger, 48 bags of fentanyl weighing 1.76 grams, and cocaine. On November 1, 2021, Medina was pulled over in his vehicle by the Jamestown Police Department. Officers recovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, six magazines and approximately 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Medina also had 24 wrapped baggies of crack cocaine weighing 3.8 grams. In July 2015, Medina was convicted of a felony in Chautauqua County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
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Flushing, NY, man arrested charged with possession and importation of MDMARead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Yong Chen, 37, of Flushing, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute MDMA and importation of MDMA. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of September 21, 2022, U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector spotted a drone launch originating at a residence in Youngstown, NY. The drone traveled across the Lower Niagara River into Ontario, Canada, and landed in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, before returning a short time later to its original launch location. Law enforcement responded to the residence and observed the drone hovering in the back yard with an attached package hanging from the chassis. The drone made landfall near an individual later identified as Edvin Yug. Another individual at the residence fled from law enforcement. The package was transported to the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station for analysis, and found to contain three vacuum sealed bags of MDMA. A short time later, Yong Chen was found by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department when a 911 call came in for an individual requesting medical attention for shortness of breath. Chen was identified as the individual that fled from the Youngstown residence.
A search warrant was executed at the residence, which was barely furnished, with only mattresses on the floor and almost no other furniture. The residence also contained few comfort items and no clothing to suggest individuals were using it as a primary residence. During the search, investigators seized numerous commercial grade drones, controllers, electronics, cell phones and a video hard drive containing the residence’s security camera footage, which showed Chen at the residence around the time the drone was spotted. Additionally, rolls of paracord were found on that were consistent to the cord holding the package of MDMA to the drone.
An analysis of the seized drones recovered data indicating that they had conducted five cross-border flights into Canada and back prior to September 21, 2022, all originating and concluding at the Youngstown residence. Chen’s flight records also coincide with the dates of the cross-border drone activity. Chen is not known to have any ties to the Buffalo/Youngstown area. According to the complaint, the Youngstown residence was purchased by a business owned by Chen’s sister.
The complaint is a result of an investigation U.S. Border Patrol, Buffalo Sector, under the direction of Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G. Martin, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
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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Federal grand jury indicts three additional defendants for their roles in scheme that defrauded thousands of companies out of millions of dollarsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging John Engler, Alec Dierna, And Nicholas Scarantino with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Also named in the superseding indictment are three defendants previously charged in the case: Tommy Lee Coburn, Kyle Paul Edward Gibson, and Heather Dierna.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, in January 2019, defendant Engler began mailing fictitious invoices to primarily large companies located throughout the United States for cleaner/degreaser products that the victim companies would believe they had previously ordered and received. In August 2020, Engler recruited defendant Dierna to participate in his scheme, which began the conspiracy. Defendants Coburn and Heather Dierna joined the conspiracy in January 2021, Gibson in February 2021, and in July 2021, Scarantino joined the conspiracy.
Large companies were targeted because it was less likely during the COVID-19 pandemic that account payable departments in these companies would question whether cleaner/degreaser products listed on the fraudulent invoices were ordered and received. Large companies were targeted because the relatively small amounts owed on the fraudulent invoices would be less likely to raise questions regarding the legitimacy of the invoices, and because the accounts payable departments do not order products for their companies, and would be less likely to question or be suspicious of the grossly inflated prices for the cleaner/degreaser products. Fraudulent invoices were mailed from Florida and from Rochester. Intended to look like legitimate invoices, the defendants placed statements that the documents were merely “solicitations,” and that there was no obligation to pay the amounts listed on the fraudulent invoices, in hard-to-find places on page two of the invoice. The statements were inserted so that if the defendants were ever later questioned, they could falsely claim that the intended purpose of the documents was merely to “solicit” future business from the victim companies.
As a result of the conspiracy, approximately 5,458 victim companies were tricked into believing that they had received a legitimate invoice for cleaner/degreaser products, paying approximately $8,010,543.50 to the sham companies. After receiving payment, the defendants attempted to cover up their fraud by having inexpensive cleaner/degreaser products delivered to the victim companies. Several companies in the Western District of New York were victimized. The companies are located in Henrietta, Lakewood, Brockport, Andover, Rochester, Avon, Tonawanda, and Niagara Falls.
The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso.
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 man pleads guilty to production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Bevill, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz T. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2022, and August 2023, Bevill engaged in prohibited sexual conduct with a minor child under 12-years-old. Bevill produced photographs and video recordings of himself sexually abusing the minor child on multiple occasions. He admits that he gave the minor child sedatives before producing the child pornography. Bevill then distributed the visual depictions he produced to another individual using the Telegram messaging application.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the federal bureau of Investigation, under under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to lying during drug overdose investigationRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Roman Lapp, 49, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to obstruction of Justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2019, an individual known to law enforcement contacted Lapp, asking for narcotics. As a result, Lapp obtained heroin/fentanyl/acetyl fentanyl from his supplier, Steven Gonzalez, then delivered the narcotics to the individual’s residence. After using the heroin/fentanyl/acetyl fentanyl, the individual overdosed and died. Lapp was initially interviewed by the Buffalo Police Department, during which he identified the source of the narcotics as someone other than Steven Gonzalez. Lapp reiterated this information during a follow up interview with members of federal law enforcement. Later in the interview however, he admitted that he was not truthful about the identity of the source of the narcotics. Lapp then stated Steven Gonzalez was the actual source and that he lied to protect Gonzalez, among other reasons. Gonzalez was convicted and sentenced to serve 188 months in prison.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea of the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Rochester man pleads guilty for his role in illegal sports betting ringRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Louis P. Ferrari, II, 42, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to conspiracy to transmit wagering information in interstate commerce and conduct an illegal gambling business, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan K. McGuire and Melissa M. Marangola, who are handling the case, stated that between April 25, 2019, and April 17, 2021, Ferrari conspired with Dominic Sprague, Anthony Amato, Tomasso Sessa, Joseph Lombardo, Jeffrey Boscarino, James Civiletti, and others, to finance, manage, and own all or part of an illegal bookmaking business, which had a gross daily revenue of approximately $2,000.00. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Ferrari, and co-defendant Amato, created accounts for Sprague, Boscarino, and Lombardo on “sport700.com”, a website for placing and tracking bets on sports events. Sprague, Boscarino, and Lombardo would call and text Ferrari to place, edit, and remove bets on sporting events for individual bettors on sport700.com. Ferrari also called and texted messages to Amato asking him to create accounts, change passwords, and place, edit, and remove bets for Sprague, Boscarino, Lombardo, and individual bettors on sport700.com.
Ferrari, Sprague, and Lombardo collected money owed by individual bettors and money owed to individual bettors in cash and through online payment applications, including CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. After Sprague and Lombardo collected from individual bettors, they kept a portion and paid the remainder to Ferrari. Sessa and Civiletti also collected from individual bettors in cash and through online payment applications, and then paid Sprague and Ferrari.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Jamestown man pleads guilty for his role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob Snow, 37, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between January and May 24, 2021, Snow conspired with Alisha A. Klinger and others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Jamestown area. Snow sold drugs and collected payments on behalf of Klinger. On May 24, 2021, an individual was kidnapped at gunpoint and driven to a wooded area, where the individual was then hit multiple times, including by Snow. This incident involved approximately $10,000 worth of heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine that the individual had taken from Snow a day prior. Asked if the individual should be killed, Snow responded, “no, I think we should give her the opportunity to pay that back.”
Charges remain pending against Klinger.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Canadian man going to prison for smuggling marijuana at the Peace BridgeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ajaypal Dhillon, 20, of Ontario, Canada, who was convicted of smuggling merchandise into the United States, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that on the afternoon of July 27, 2023, Dhillon drove a commercial tractor-trailer to the Peace Bridge Port of Entry seeking entry into the United States from Canada. At primary inspection, Dhillon indicated he was transporting frozen waffles destined for a Publix grocery store warehouse in Georgia. Publix representatives stated that the shipment was not expected, and the purported shipper of the product confirmed that the shipment was fraudulent. Dhillon was referred to secondary inspection, where Customs and Border Protection officers discovered boxes containing over 2000 pounds of marijuana and over 50 kilograms of ketamine. Subsequent investigation identified five prior fraudulent trips made by Dhillon, four of the trips alleged the transport of candy, the fifth was also for waffles after an attempt to transport “candy” was denied by the customs broker.
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 Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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Former Rochester mail carrier sentenced for stealing mailRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Marlene Cruz, 40, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of theft of mail matter by officer or employee, was sentenced to serve two years’ probation by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in January 2022, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) received complaints from individuals stating that their mail had been tampered with in late 2021. Subsequent investigation determined that Cruz, a full-time Mail Carrier, worked the mail route involving the complaints. Further investigation determined that between January 2022, and November 2023, Cruz routinely opened envelopes and parcels, removing items such as ticket stubs, documents, cash, lottery tickets, and gift cards, on dozens of occasions.
In May and November 2023, investigators conducted mail integrity tests, placing greeting cards containing cash and gift cards in the mail to be delivered by Cruz. On November 2, 2023, at the end of her shift, investigators detained Cruz and executed a warrant for her person and personal belongings. During the search, they recovered a gift card from one of the mail integrity test greeting cards inside Cruz’ personal duffle bag.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office.
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Fredonia man pleads guilty to selling drugs that led to overdose deathRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Wallace Buchanan, 37, of Fredonia, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Buchanan sold heroin, which he admits often contained fentanyl, and methamphetamine. He utilized social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities, and engage in unlawful firearms activities. Buchanan also utilized his residence to conduct his drug trafficking activities. One of Buchanan’s drug customers was an individual identified as B.G. In the early morning hours of January 10, 2022, the Ellicott Police Department responded to B.G.’s residence in Celoron, NY, for a death investigation. B.G. was found lying on the living room floor, clenching an elastic head band in his hands with a needle in close proximity. Law enforcement seized B.G.’s cell phone and recovered a social media conversation on January 7, 2022, between Buchanan and B.G., during which they discussed controlled substances. Buchanan sold methamphetamine and an opioid to B.G. later that day. The following day, B.G. sent Buchanan a message stating, “That stuff is strong.”
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to drug chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Carlo D’Angelo, 45, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (a-PVP), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2021, D’Angelo possessed approximately 6.1 grams of a-PVP, which he intended to sell, when he was located at a hotel in Amherst, NY. Also, located in D’Angelo’s vehicle were glass pipes with burnt residue, multiple plastic containers consistent with the manufacture of aPVP, and $5,100.00 in cash, proceeds of drug trafficking.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.
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Buffalo man charged with drug distribution following traffic stopRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Marlon G. Holt, Jr., 50, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on May 7, 2024, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Holt’s vehicle. According to the complaint, during the stop, Holt provided inconsistent and untruthful answers to the deputy’s questions, including stating he was returning from New York City after doing dry wall work. However, law enforcement knew that the time frame could not be correct, since Holt’s rental vehicle was recorded in Myrtle Springs, Texas on May 5, 2024, by a license plate reader. In addition, when law enforcement asked Holt if he had dry wall tools, he opened the rear of the vehicle and showed tools that were inconsistent with dry wall work. The tools appeared to be brand new and never used. During the execution of a search warrant on the vehicle, investigators recovered approximately nine-kilogram shaped bricks of suspected cocaine, approximately eight half-kilogram wrapped packages of suspected methamphetamine, $10,000 cash, and three cell phones.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. Holt made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.
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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Convicted felon pleads guilty to new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Preston Herbst, 27, of Canandaigua, NY, pleaded guilty to transferring obscene matter before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2023, Herbst was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison after being convicted on a federal charge of possession of child pornography. Herbst was allowed to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons and was scheduled to begin his sentence on October 12, 2023. Prior to self-surrendering, on September 3, 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received information from Snap Inc., that a user had uploaded child pornography to the Snapchat platform. Subsequent investigation traced the user back to Herbst’s residence. In October and November 2023, search warrants were executed on Herbst’s Snapchat account and at his residence. The search of the Snapchat account determined that Herbst used the account to trade child pornography in September 2023, after he had been sentenced, but before self-surrendering to the Bureau of Prisons. Herbst was under the supervision of United States Probation when the uploads took place and had been using a prohibited device in violation of his release conditions.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Rochester man going to prison on child pornography charge involving cameras hidden in a church bathroomRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Stephen Nicot, 61, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Rossi and Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that between 2012 and 2014, Nicot hid a camera in the bathroom of a church located in the Western District of New York. Nicot positioned the camera so that it would capture video and images of naked individuals using the shower in the church bathroom. He did this knowing some of the individuals would be under the age of 18 and he planned to display the video of the minors. On July 21, 2022, law enforcement executed a warrant at the Nicot’s residence and recovered a memory card and USB drive, which contained videos and images of at least five minor victims using the church bathroom and shower. Two cell phones were also seized, which contained naked images of a minor victim that were recorded by a camera hidden in a bathroom of Nicot’s residence.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Jamestown man arrested, charged with drug possessionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Willie C. Graham, 43, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2023, Jamestown Police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that had pulled out of a known drug house in Jamestown. A search of the vehicle recovered what appeared to be methamphetamine, along with numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Officers also recovered a glass bubble pipe from Graham’s waist area. Graham and the other two occupants were then taken to the Jamestown City Jail, at which time Graham indicated that he was experiencing chest pains and could not breathe. Before Graham was transported for medical attention, officers discovered suspected fentanyl on his person. On March 2, 2024, Graham was a passenger in a vehicle that fled from officers attempting to initiate a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle recovered 11.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, other drug paraphernalia, and $1,134.00 cash. Graham and the other two occupants were taken to the Jamestown City Jail, where Graham informed officers that he had eaten “dope” prior to being arrested and was overdosing. He was given one dose of NARCAN and transported for medical attention.
Graham made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is detained pending a detention hearing on May 7, at 11:30 a.m.
The complaint is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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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Jamestown felon pleads guilty to gun chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Glover, Sr., 39, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on the morning of December 14, 2022, a Jamestown Police officer observed Glover in a vehicle. The officer knew that Glover was suspended from driving. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with Glover, who immediately advised that he had a pipe on his person. Glover then handed over a glass pipe that contained what appeared to be methamphetamine residue inside. Glover was detained and a search of the vehicle recovered a digital scale with white crystal residue and a pistol. Glover was charged in New York State Court and released on bail. In 2019, Glover was convicted of a felony in Chautauqua County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Convicted felon pleads guilty to new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Zak, 46, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2018, Zak was convicted of receipt of child pornography and sentenced to serve 72 months in prison and 20 years supervised release, which began in May 2022. In March 2023, a United States Probation Officer interviewed Zak during a home visit, during which he admitted to using a smart phone that he found at his mother's residence to view pornography. Zak also admitted that he found an old SD card that was not located by law enforcement when he was previously arrested. A few days later, U.S. Probation met Zak at his mother's residence, where he led officers to a trash bag that contained several electronic devices, as well as an SD card. A review of the SD card recovered more than 600 images and videos of child pornography, some of which included depictions of violence against children.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing scheduled for September 9, 2024, before Judge Vilardo.
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Bloods Gang member going to prison for 12 yearsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mario Cain-Henry, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who handled the case, stated that Cain-Henry is an associate of the nationally recognized Bloods Gang, and a member of a local subset known as the Immortal Stone Gorilla Gang. In December 2022, Cain-Henry and others were arrested after a lengthy investigation into narcotics trafficking, weapons possession, and associated violence by several members of the group. On December 14, 2022, several search warrants were executed at locations associated with Cain-Henry, including his residence. During the searches, investigators recovered quantities of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, cash, loaded firearms, and ammunition.
The investigation began in the aftermath of the murder of Rochester Police Investigator Anthony Mazurkewicz and the assault of Investigator Sino Seng in July 2022. It’s alleged that individuals associated with Cain-Henry were engaged in a violent feud with another group led by Brandon “B-Mack” Washington. Washington and several associates have also been charged with federal drug and weapons offenses.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Rochester Police Department Special Investigation Section, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.
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Rochester man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for drug trafficking and gun possessionRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Torrence Dyck, 51, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that Dyck operated a drug house on Warsaw Street in Rochester, using workers, who he recruited and paid, to distribute street-level quantities of cocaine to customers at the drug house. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered approximately 640 grams of cocaine, more than $20,000 in drug proceeds, drug packaging materials, and two firearms. Dyck has four prior felony convictions for Robbery, Criminal Negligent Homicide, federal narcotics conspiracy, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The sentencing 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 Miller, New York Field Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
Federal grand jury indicts postal worker for stealing mailRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Christopher Porter, 37, of Angola, NY, with two counts of theft of mail and six counts of delay of mail by a postal employee. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz T. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, in October 2021, and January 2022, Porter, a United States Postal Service employee in Angola, embezzled mail and stole gift cards included in the embezzled mail. In addition, on six separate occasions in March 2022, Porter opened mail, delaying its delivery.
Porter was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and released on conditions.
The indictment is a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi.
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 man pleads guilty to child pornography and cyberstalking chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Raymond Brooks, 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction, and cyberstalking, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz T. Wright, who handled the case, stated that in January 2019, Brooks was convicted in Erie County Court of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. On April 23, 2020, law enforcement searched Brooks’ cell phone, locating images and videos containing child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent minors engaged in violent sexual conduct. In January 2021, Brooks contacted a 15-year-old victim via Snapchat, and persuaded her to produce sexually explicit images of herself and send them to him. Brooks then contacted the victim repeatedly via Snapchat and threatened her to send more sexually explicit images or videos, or he would distribute the existing images and videos to her family members, friends, and other Snapchat users. As a result, the victim created more sexually explicit images and videos.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.