Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Rochester man charged with threatening President Trump’s son, Donald Trump. Jr.Read the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James Gerald Eckert, Jr., 39, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with threats to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon a member of the immediate family of the President, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on June 18, 2026, a member of the U.S. Secret Service on duty at the residence of President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., was alerted that several threats were made against Trump Jr. The threats, made in the group chat feed of Trump Jr.’s podcast “Triggered with Donald Trump Jr., included: “im going to kill you, (expletive), I am going to kill this (expletive) on the screen.” The threats were posted by an account with the username JamesGeraldEckertJr/@JamesGeraldEckertJr.
While viewing the podcast on the online video platform Rumble, JamesGeraldEckertJr/@JamesGeraldEckertJr was also streaming himself on Rumble. Eckert, Jr. repeats, both verbally, as well as by posts in the live chat, similar threats against Trump Jr. as well as the CEO of Rumble, for most of the duration of an approximately eight-minute video. The threats included, “your (expletive) dead, its over guys” and “I'm going to go to YouTube and be calm and I’m still going to (expletive) kill Trump Junior. We’re going to get to World Peace. (Expletive) die guy. Try to get out of this surviving. (Expletive) you forever. (Expletive) you forever.”
On June 7, 2026, prior to the threats made against Donald Trump Jr., Eckert, Jr. posted a message on the Facebook account of “James Gerald Eckert Jr.” stating: “Mayor Malik Evans, I am coming for your family. Seriously, you will lose them to me personally. Stand by. This will not go away until you are dead or [REDACTED] is behind bars. Deal with this.” On June 11, 2026, the same Facebook account made a threatening post against New York State Senator Samra Brook, on the senator’s official Facebook page. The comment stated: “You are going to die.”
Eckert made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was held pending a detention hearing on July 20, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The complaint the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Charles T. Perras and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
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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Genesee Valley Club agrees to pay $1.05 million to resolve False Claims Act allegationsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that the Genesee Valley Club has agreed to pay $1,050,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which it was not eligible to receive. This action is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
The PPP loan program, enacted in March 2020, provided emergency financial assistance to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program allowed eligible small businesses to receive loans guaranteed by the federal government. Private clubs that limited memberships for any reason other than capacity, or restrict patronage for any reason other than capacity, were not eligible for PPP loans.
In May 2021, Genesee Valley Club applied for a PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan. After receiving the PPP loan, Genesee Valley Club sought and received forgiveness of the entire loan amount. The United States contends that Genesee Valley Club falsely represented its eligibility to receive the PPP loan because it operated as a private club that restricted membership for reasons other than capacity.
“The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to support small business during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “As evidenced by the numerous settlements we have obtained involving PPP loans, this office continues to work tirelessly to recover taxpayer dollars that were improperly obtained by ineligible entities.”
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Ferris and Investigator Margaret McFarland.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability.
GVC settlementEl Salvadoran man pleads guilty to, sentenced for resisting a federal officer and damaging government propertyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Manuel De Jesus Jandres Martinez, 33, of El Salvador, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to depredation of government property, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On December 31, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents observed a vehicle registered to Jandres Martinez parked in a hotel parking lot on Millersport Highway in Amherst, NY. Law enforcement approached the vehicle and identified themselves as Border Patrol officers. As they approached, Jandres Martinez started his ignition and tried to escape from the parking lot. In his attempt to flee, he reversed and rammed his car into the Border Patrol vehicle, which was parked behind his car, causing more than $1,000 in damage to the Border Patrol vehicle. Jandres Martinez then actively resisted Border Patrol agents when he got out of his car, ran from the agents into the hotel, and locked himself in a hotel room.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.
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Cheektowaga man going to prison for pointing a laser at an aircraftRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph L. Crapsi, 31, of Cheektowaga, NY, who was convicted of pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
On March 2, 2024, a Delta Airlines flight was in flight and on approach to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Crapsi lives in the flight path of the airport and aimed the beam of a green laser pointer at the Delta Flight.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Craig R. Gestring. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen B. Davis, II.
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Canadian-owned companies agree to pay $223,618 to resolve fraud allegations related to receipt of a Small Business Innovation Research program awardRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Advanced Global Services, Ltd. (AGS), Paradigm Shift Technologies (PST), and Gennady Yumshtyk (collectively, the defendants) have agreed to pay $223,618 to resolve allegations, arising under the False Claims Act (FCA), that they submitted false claims in connection with a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program award funded by the United States Air Force and the United States Navy.
The government alleges that in 2019, AGS obtained an SBIR award to develop certain gun barrel coating technology through the Air Force. To obtain the SBIR award, AGS and its president, Yumshtyk, certified, among other things, that AGS would conduct all research and development in connection with the SBIR award and that it would do so in the United States. The government further alleges that AGS, which was located in Orchard Park, NY, did not, in fact, perform work under the SBIR award. Rather, PST, which is located in Toronto, Canada, performed the SBIR award work out of its Canadian facility. Accordingly, the United States contends that the defendants were not eligible to participate, and receive funding through, the SBIR program.
“This Office is committed to holding accountable companies and individuals that misrepresent themselves so that they can participate in important government programs, like SBIR,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo.
“Protecting the integrity of the federal procurement process is a top priority for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Sandy Nezi, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. “When contractors misrepresent their eligibility and location of work to secure taxpayer funds, they undermine programs designed to support genuine American small businesses. We will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the Department of the Air Force.”
“Schemes that exploit taxpayer funds designated for domestic military innovation do more than violate public trust, they threaten the integrity of our procurement system and undermine our technological edge,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Greg Gross, Economic Crimes Field Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Service. “Alongside our federal partners and the Department of Justice, NCIS will relentlessly pursue those who misrepresent their eligibility to secure research funding meant to deliver advanced, secure capabilities to our warfighters.”
The civil settlement resolves allegations brought by the United States in a civil complaint filed on November 24, 2025 in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, captioned United States v. Advanced Global Systems, Ltd., Paradigm Shift Technologies, Inc., and Gennady Yumshtyk, No. 1:25-cv-01248.
The case was investigated at the direction of Special Agent Sandy Nezi, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Office of Procurement Fraud; Special Agent, Oran Cape, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Economic Crimes Field Office; and Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Coriell and Investigator Peggy McFarland of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability.
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South Dayton man pleads guilty to enticement for having sex with a 14-year-old girlRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ronald A. Howard, 59, of South Dayton, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Between March 16 and April 10, 2024, Howard, then 57-years-old, communicated via text messaging and Snapchat with a 14-year-old female (Victim), during which the two engaged in sexual conversation and discussed meeting to engage in sexual activity. Howard knew that the Victim was 14 years old. During the conversation, Howard asked the Victim to send him a naked picture, which she did. Subsequently, Howard and the Victim met on two occasions and engaged in sexual activity.
On June 16, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Howard’s residence, during which he admitted to communicating with and having sex with the Victim. Howard also admits to having sexual communications with a 13-year-old female from Arkansas and receiving sexually explicit images from her. In addition, analysis of a cellular telephone seized from Howard revealed sexual communications with an 11-year-old female and her 14-year-old sister.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Buffalo man going to prison for his role in cocaine and fentanyl conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Washington, 46, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 252 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Beginning in February 2019, Washington conspired with others to sell cocaine and fentanyl. Washington resided at and maintained control over a residence on Bennett Village Terrace. In February 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Washington’s Bennett Village Terrace residence and recovered over $77,000 in cash. Further investigation determined that Washington was associated with and controlled other residences on Rogers Street and Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. On February 21, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the Rogers Street residence, during which law enforcement recovered approximately three kilograms of fentanyl, 329 grams of a fentanyl mixture, 223 grams of crack cocaine, 1,002 grams of cocaine, 893 grams of heroin, $246,775 in cash. Also on February 21, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Bailey Avenue residence, during which they seized $151,350 in cash. The total amount of cash seized was $1,133,505, which represents the proceeds of drug trafficking. The investigation also included controlled purchases of fentanyl from Washington, who was arrested for selling fentanyl while on pre-trial release awaiting trial in this matter.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Evan K. Glaberson. The sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, and the California Highway Patrol.
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Priest on administrative leave arrested, charged with receipt and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeffrey Nowak, 46, of Lackawanna, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
According to the criminal complaint, in August 2019, the defendant, a priest in the Diocese of Buffalo, was placed on administrative leave as an investigation was conducted following allegations of inappropriate contact with children and harassment of a seminarian. In December 2019, an email address linked to Nowak, [email protected], was identified as an address that accessed a New Zealand cloud-based digital storage and file-hosting website/application, which contained photos and videos files of sexually exploited children. In May 2021, the FBI conducted an investigation, executing a search warrant for the email address [email protected], however, no child pornography was found, and the investigation was closed in July 2023.
In late 2025, the FBI Criminal Division’s Violent Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Section, Child Exploitation Operational Unit (CEOU), received a referral from law enforcement located in Scotland related to a Telegram group whose members participated in group Zoom calls during which members were observed viewing and sharing child pornography. Investigators linked one of the participants to the username PigBoy666, which was later identified as Nowak. As a result, the investigation into Nowak was re-opened by FBI Buffalo in March 2026.
On July 8, 2026, a search warrant was executed at Nowak’s residence, during which investigators seized multiple electronic devices, including a cell phone, laptop, iPad, a USB storage device, and suspected narcotics. An initial review of the electronics, including the USB storage device, recovered several folders containing videos of child pornography.
“Defendants like Jeffrey Nowak go to great lengths, and in this case great distances, to hide their criminal behavior,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Once in a position of trust, Nowak hid behind a keyboard and took part in the tragic exploitation of one of society’s most vulnerable populations, our children. Nowak has now been exposed and can no longer hide and will be held accountable for his disgraceful behavior.”
“Crimes involving the receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material are among the most disturbing offenses the FBI investigates. It is especially troubling when the crime is allegedly committed by a trusted leader of faith,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Criminals who receive, possess, or distribute this material fuel the continued exploitation of innocent children. No position of trust, title, or status will shield anyone from accountability. FBI Buffalo, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to protect innocent children, identify child predators, and bring offenders to justice.”
Nowak will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer on July 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and 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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Greece man arrested, charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars by filing false class action lawsuit claimsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Phillip Digennaro, 38 of Greece, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, Digennaro has filed false claims in multiple class action lawsuits in order to obtain payments from settlement funds that he was not otherwise entitled to receive. He used over 480 bank accounts at eight different financial institutions to perpetuate this scheme, including Synchrony Bank, Alliant Bank, Chase Bank, Key Bank, M&T Bank, PNC Bank, Discover Bank, and Barclays Bank, as well as Pay Pal. Between January 2022 and December 2025, Digennaro is accused of receiving approximately 27,052 payments totaling approximately $1,303,060.59 from approximately 107 different class action lawsuit settlements. Digennaro continued to transfer funds derived from the class action lawsuits between various accounts in his control until April 2026.
One example, Digennaro filed false claims in the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Lawsuit, which was litigated in the Northern District of California. The lawsuit alleged that the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, Model Years 2014-2016, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel, model years 2014-2016, did not comply with federal and state emissions regulations and that Fiat Chrysler made misrepresentations to consumers regarding the vehicles. The defendants settled the Ecodiesel Class Action Lawsuit by making cash payments to class members ranging from $990 to $3,075. Between January 25, 2022, and May 19, 2023, Digennaro received nine payments totaling $27,060 from the lawsuit settlement fund. The investigation determined that Digennaro submitted at least five fraudulent driver’s licenses to support his fraudulent claims.
On May 21, 2026, law enforcement executed a federal seizure warrant and seized approximately $1,224,497.27 from accounts controlled by Digennaro. That same day, investigators executed a search warrant at his residence, seizing multiple checks that were issued from class action settlement funds and were payable to individuals other than Digennaro. During the search warrant, law enforcement also seized numerous electronic devices, which contained voluminous records of class action lawsuit filings, photoshopped documents with fake names, and a folder labeled “ready for claims” with subfolders for various class action lawsuits.
Digennaro made an initial appearance before U.S. District Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan K. McGuire and Melanie Bailey. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II.
The 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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Two men arrested after smuggling attempt at the Peace BridgeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that two defendants were arrested and charged in separate complaints involving a smuggling attempt. Khvicha Chalisuri, 63, a Canadian citizen and native of Georgia, was charged with alien smuggling, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Alexandru-Stefanita Iordache, 34, a Romanian native living in Canada, was charged with eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison.
According to the complaints, in the early morning hours of June 24, 2026, defendant Chalisuri was encountered at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry seeking entry to the United States in a commercial truck. Chalisuri was asked if anyone else was in the truck and he said no. Chalisuri was then referred to X-ray to have the truck and cargo scanned. During the scan of the truck, an officer noticed an anomaly, which appeared to be a person standing in the sleeper portion of the cab. The individual was removed from the truck and later identified as Iordache. Subsequent investigation determined that Iordache, who was living in Canada, has no authorization for lawful entry to the United States.
Both defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.
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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Olean man pleads guilty to narcotics conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Theodore E. Coffie a/k/a Teddy Ticklez, 55, of Olean, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to narcotics conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.
Coffie was a drug trafficking associate of Charles Washington a/k/a Telly, a Jamestown-based drug trafficker. He sold marijuana, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine supplied Washington, utilizing social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities.
On March 5, 2025, Coffie possessed a firearm. He was previously convicted of felonies in February 2023, in Cattaraugus County Court, in June 1993, September 2002, and August 2008, in Monroe County Court, and in November 2007, in Livingston County Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. That same day, Olean Police Department investigators conducted a controlled narcotics purchase from Coffie, who was arrested a short time later. During a search of Coffie, they recovered a loaded handgun, and approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, and two cell phones.
Charges remain pending against co-defendant Charles Washington.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Federal jury convicts Livingston County man of multiple counts of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Patrick J. Steinmetz, 40, of Springwater, NY, was convicted by a federal jury of two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 60 years.
In March 2024, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the report of a sexual assault between Steinmetz and a 16-year-old girl (Minor Victim 1-MV1), who is known to him. MV1 reported that Steinmetz sexually assaulted her multiple times over the course of approximately nine months. MV1 stated that she was sexually assaulted by Steinmetz every week, starting in the summer of 2023 when she was 15 years old.
During the course of the nine months that she was sexually assaulted, Steinmetz gave MV1 a cell phone to hide from her mother. According to MV1, Steinmetz used the cell phone to take photos and video recordings of MV1’s naked body as well as while he was sexually assaulting her. A forensic review of the cell phone recovered video of Steinmetz sexually assaulting MV1.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn M. Hartford and Franz M. Wright. The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen B. Davis II.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., who presided over the trial of the case.
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Upstate New York Woman Arrested, Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to the Palestine Islamic JihadRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel.
“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”
“This individual, as alleged in the criminal complaint, provided money to a foreign terrorist organization engaged in acts of violence,” said Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI is committed to cutting off funding to terrorist groups and will continue to work side-by-side with our Justice Department partners to make sure anyone who engages in terrorism or provides assistance to such organizations is held fully accountable in our justice system.”
In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”
Washburn pictured with two hand grenades in front of Hamas flag.An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Postal carrier sentenced for stealing gift cardsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew Hurlburt, 25, of Pavilion, NY, who was convicted of theft of mail by an officer or employee of the United States Postal Service, was sentenced to serve six months’ probation by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Hurlburt was employed by the United States Postal Service as a city carrier assigned to the Perry Post Office, in Perry, NY. In July 2025, an individual mailed a birthday card that included a $100 Visa gift card to a relative in Perry, but it never arrived. Subsequent investigation by Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service determined that the gift card was utilized multiple times at a gas station and bar by Hurlburt. In August 2025, investigators placed an integrity test envelope containing a $25 Visa gift card in Hurlburt’s assigned mail delivery tray. The envelope was labeled in such a way that it should be returned to the Post Office by Hurlburt at the end of his shift. However, Hurlburt did not return the envelope, instead he stole the envelope from the mail, opened the birthday card inside, and utilized the gift card to buy snacks, alcohol, and gas.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by 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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Irondequoit woman arrested, charged with attempting to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic JihadRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Justice Department announced today that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel.
“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”
“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Providing financial support to a designated foreign terrorist organization is a serious federal crime that directly fuels violence and puts innocent lives at risk,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “This arrest reflects the FBI’s relentless focus on identifying and stopping individuals who seek to finance terrorism, glorify violence, or support extremist organizations. FBI Buffalo’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will aggressively pursue anyone who seeks to promote extremism or provide financial support to terrorist organizations that threaten the safety and security of the American people.”
In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”
An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji.
Washburn pictured with two hand grenades in front of Hamas flag.
Washburn made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Buffalo man arrested, charged with throwing a brick at the window of the FBIRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Octavio Smith, 47, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with depredation of government property, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, in November 2022, Smith threw a brick at a window of the FBI Buffalo Field Office and was immediately detained by on-site security personnel. When Buffalo Police officers arrived, Smith stated that he wanted to talk to the FBI and that he did this to “get the FBI’s attention.” Smith was taken into custody and told FBI agents “I’m a threat.” He was charged with depredation of government property, which was ultimately dismissed with prejudice.
On June 25, 2026, Smith again was observed throwing a brick at a window of the FBI Building and was detained. He was initially arrested by Buffalo Police officers and charged with mischief.
Smith made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields.
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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13 defendants charged in two separate indictments for narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that 13 defendants were charged in two separate indictments with narcotics conspiracy. The following defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years:
- Terrence Phillips a/k/a Marlo a/k/a G, 35, of Buffalo, NY;
- Alexis Rivera a/k/a AR, 31, of Buffalo, NY;
- Jamel Joshua Cunningham a/k/a Jazzo, 40, of Cheektowaga, NY;
- Rokym Knox a/k/a Tommy a/k/a Roddy, 32, of Buffalo, NY;
- Kyle Phillips a/k/a Bruce, 30, of Buffalo, NY;
- Daija Mellerson, 33, of Cheektowaga, NY;
- Alazee Smith, 29, of Buffalo, NY;
- Ashley Johnson, 34, of Lancaster, NY; and
- Fernando Mercado-Vazquez, 28, of Buffalo, NY.
Some defendants are also facing additional charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, maintaining a drug involved premises, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to the indictment, beginning in September 2025, the defendants conspired to sell cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl. They used residences on West Avenue in Buffalo and Cleveland Drive in Cheektowaga to conduct their drug trafficking activities. Members of the conspiracy also utilized firearms.
The second indictment charges conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Named in the second indictment are:
- Omar Ali, 33;
- Kairo Machado-Arguedas, 26;
- Luthor Jones, 33; and
- Ahmad Elabed, 41, all of Buffalo, NY.
Some defendants are also charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, maintaining a drug involved premises, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the second indictment, beginning in December 2025, the defendants conspired to sell marijuana, utilizing residences on Connecticut Street in Buffalo and Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda to conduct their drug trafficking activities. Members also utilized firearms.
“These arrests result from an FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigation undertaken pursuant to the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which was established to, in part, rid our communities of dangerous drug traffickers who fill our streets with narcotics that too often have tragic consequences, including death,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “All too often, these drug traffickers rely on firearms and other acts of violence to hold our community hostage. This effort means there are now 13 less traffickers on the streets.”
“This operation highlights FBI Buffalo’s unwavering commitment to protecting Western New York communities,” said Allen D. Davis II, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, FBI Buffalo removed guns, drugs, and violent criminals from Buffalo neighborhoods. Our work; however, is not over. As part of Operation Summer Heat, FBI Buffalo is surging resources across Western New York to identify, investigate, and hold accountable violent criminals who threaten the safety of our communities.”
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch. The indictments are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the New York State Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes, the U.S Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Clifford Jackson, the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass, U.S Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson, and the Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Stephen Kaiser, Resident Agent-in-Charge, Buffalo Resident Office. Additional assistance was provided by the FBI Cleveland Field Office and the FBI Pittsburgh 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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Chinese citizen arrested, charged with money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy involving gold coins/bullionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Didi Zou, 39, a citizen of China, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 15, 2026, the Victim, a resident of Tonawanda, NY, received a Microsoft alert on their computer screen stating, “Microsoft Security” and to call (650) 479-XXXX. The Victim called and spoke to a purported “Microsoft security representative” named “Logan,” who informed them that someone was attempting to access the Victim’s account and attempting an approximate $22,000.00 transaction, which never went through. Logan provided Victim 1 with a “case number” and then transferred them to “Chirstopher Martin” from the “Cyber Fraud Division” of their bank. The Victim spoke with “Martin,” who stated he was also the liaison between the Internal Revenue Service and the bank. Martin advised the Victim to set up a bank account with the IRS on their personal banking website and move their funds to the IRS Bank because of the “hackers” in their computer.
At Martin’s instruction, the Victim downloaded a software that enables remote access to a computer for an external user via a user-provided password, which allowed Martin to essentially take over the Victim’s keyboard. Martin guided the Victim through an online banking process, likely gaining access to the Victim’s banking details and passwords. The Victim obeyed all instructions, fearing hackers would obtain their assets, which included profits from the sale of their parents’ house, inherited savings, and multiple CDs. The Victim subsequently, again at Martin’s instruction, gave $20,000 to an IRS “Agent” at a coffee shop near their residence and obtained gold coins/bullion to protect their funds in the “IRS Banking” account. The Victim made five purchases of gold coins/bullion and each time an “IRS agent” would travel from Flushing, NY to pick up the gold package. The fifth purchase occurred on June 18, 2026. After the Victim, working with investigators, gave the gold coins/bullion to the “IRS Agent,” defendant Zou was taken into custody.
Zou made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Colleen M. McCarthy. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
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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Prior felon pleads guilty to obscenity chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Raymond Mason, 54, of Frewsburg, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of obscene visual depictions following a prior conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2010, Mason was convicted of possession of child pornography and attempted receipt of child pornography, and was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison and a term of supervised release of life. On July 15, 2024, United States Probation Officers visited Mason’s Frewsburg residence to conduct a home visit. During their visit, officers found an internet capable cellular phone and tablet, which Mason was not authorized to possess. A cursory review of the phone recovered visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic examination of the phone revealed more than 600 images, including computer-generated images, of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Mason obtained the computer-generated images over the internet. Some of the computer-generated images included prepubescent minors and depictions of violence or the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II.
Sentencing scheduled for October 9, 2026, before Judge Arcara.
Greece man sentenced for threatening FBI agent and familyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Steven L. Ploof, 48, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of threatening to assault a member of the immediate family of a Federal law enforcement officer with intent to impede with such law enforcement officer while engaged in the performance of official duties, or with intent to retaliate against such law enforcement officer on account of the performance of official duties, was sentenced to serve 14 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca.
On September 15, 2025, Ploof went to the Ogden, NY, residence of an FBI Special Agent and his family. When he arrived at the house, Ploof placed two posterboard signs on the front porch, one sign read “Corrupt FBI AGENT!” and the other sign read “I Want To (expletive) Your Kids!” Video of Ploof placing the two signs on the front porch was obtained from a residential security system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Ryan Parina, the Ogden Police Department, under the direction of Chief Travis Gray, and the Orleans County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke.
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Southern Tier man going to prison for distribution of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David J. Johnston, 57, of Olean, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Prior to February 19, 2024, Johnston was in a relationship with co-defendant Kayla R. Kio. During the relationship, he requested that Kio take naked videos of a 5-year-old child that they both had access to. On February 19, 2024, Kio took a sexually explicit video of the minor victim using her cell phone and then sent it to Johnston via text message. He took a screen shot from the video, which constituted child pornography, and sent it back to Kio and to other individuals. During this time, Johnson also sent Kio a different image of child pornography via text message. On March 13, 2024, during the execution of a search warrant at Johnston’s residence, law enforcement seized three cell telephones. A review of the cell phones recovered approximately 11 images and one video of child pornography.
Kio was previously convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler.
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Rochester man sentenced for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Zachary Guthrie, 32, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
In October 2024, the New York State Police (NYSP) executed a search warrant at Guthrie’s residence after receiving CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Guthrie uploaded child pornography to Instagram and Discord. During the search, investigators seized his cell phone. A forensic review of the phone recovered more than 200 videos, and more than 320 images of child pornography. Some of the images depicted the sexual exploitation of children as well as violence against children.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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Hilton man previously convicted of cyberstalking pleads guilty to new cyberstalking chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Guest, 30, of Hilton, NY, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and violating the terms of his federal supervised release before U.S. District Judge Merideth A. Vacca. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
In 2025, Guest threatened and harassed an acquaintance through social media accounts. He posted nude photographs of the victim to various pornographic websites with the victim’s full name. In addition, Guest sent the photographs to the victim’s family members, colleagues, former classmates, and friends. As a result, the victim suffered extreme emotional distress.
Guest was previously convicted of cyberstalking in 2023 and sentenced to serve 27 months in prison. He was released from prison in 2025, shortly before he committed this latest offense.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. before Judge Vacca.
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Algerian man arrested, extradited to the United States for his role in black market fraud conspiracy that targeted thousands of victimsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Abdellah Belmili, a/k/a Dila Belmili, a/k/a SPOX, 26, a citizen of Algeria, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
“This defendant thought that he could get away with defrauding thousands of victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by using fake names and hiding behind a keyboard to steal bank account and credit card numbers,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This arrest makes clear that, regardless of where you operate, our law enforcement partners will find you – and when they do, you will face the full consequences of your actions.”
“Cybercriminals often believe they can hide behind usernames and encrypted platforms. This arrest proves otherwise,” said Brendan Dunford, Acting Special Agent-in- Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI identified the individual behind this alleged cyber fraud scheme, followed the evidence across international borders, secured his extradition, and brought him to the United States to face justice.
According to the criminal complaint, in September 2020, FBI Buffalo became aware of a nefarious online marketplace www.market0day.com, run by an administrator using the name “SPOX,” a cyber actor known for creating “phishing kits” that have been used to compromise major U.S. financial institutions. SPOX was later identified as Belmili. Between September and November 2020, Belmili advertised the marketplace and facilitated some of the customer support for the marketplace on his personal Telegram channel @SpoxCoder. Cyber actors typically open marketplaces on the internet to facilitate the anonymous selling and purchasing of illicit goods and services, operating similarly to Amazon or eBay. However, unlike legitimate websites, these websites sell illegally acquired online banking information, stolen credit card information, victim computer login information, malware tools, and other nefarious goods and services, requiring all transactions to be paid for through the use of bitcoins.
In December 2020, investigators conducted controlled purchases from www.market0day.com:
- Investigators purchased a JP Morgan Chase phishing kit, which was successfully downloaded after purchase.
- Investigators successfully purchased a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which typically includes a mail server’s IP Address, username (email), and password, allowing the purchaser to access the user’s email messages.
- Investigators also purchased a Cpanel, which allows website owners to manage and publish on their websites. Compromised cpanel access would allow the purchaser to access and alter the compromised website. The cpanel was never sent to investigators.
In late December 2020, after several customers complained that they had not received their purchases from www.market0day.com, Belmili replied that he was no longer the administrator, and instead had opened up a new marketplace – www.spoxy.us, advertising the new marketplace as a “new store for bulk sms.” “Bulk sms” typically refers to sending phishing or other fraudulent messages via text message.
During the course of the conspiracy, Belmili is accused of defrauding multiple institutions, including American Express, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, as well as financial institutions in the United Kingdom. Between January 2020 and January 2023, approximately $900,000 was deposited into an account controlled by Belmili. The investigation has also identified approximately 5,600 U.S. and international victims.
Belmili made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and June 18 extradition from Spain of Belmili to the United States.
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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Prior felon going to prison for five years cyberstalkingRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel Richter, 47, of Middle Island, NY, who was convicted of cyberstalking, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Between December 24, 2023, and March 27, 2024, Richter sent hundreds of threatening and sexual emails via the internet to Victim 1’s personal email address. He threatened not only Victim 1, but members of her family as well. For instance, over a two-day period in February 2024, Richter sent over 50 email messages to Victim 1’s personal email address, including one email mentioning Victim 1’s son by name. He also sent multiple emails and/or Google voicemails to Victim 1 on an almost daily basis, which became more threatening as time progressed. Richter threatened to visit Victim 1 in person and threatened to kill her. In March 2024, Richter traveled from California to the Western District of New York, where he was arrested at a local hotel. Law enforcement found photos of Victim 1, handwritten notes of Victim 1’s phone number, as well as a black knit ski mask, and several bottles of women’s hair dye in Richter’s hotel room.
In September 2020, Richter was convicted of interstate communication of threat to injure in the Western District of New York and was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
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Olean man going to prison for 15 years for distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Philip Young, 31, of Olean, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
On June 22, 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline Report that an image of a naked prepubescent girl was uploaded to the internet. The image was later traced back to Young. Investigators executed a search warrant at Young’s residence, seizing, among other items, a cellular telephone. The investigation determined that Young used the Telegram application on his phone and the internet to seek out, receive, and distribute child pornography. A forensic review of Young’s cell phone recovered a video constituting child pornography.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
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Depew man pleads guilty to entering secure area at the Buffalo Niagara International AirportRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that that James R. Muench Jr., 45, of Depew, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to entering aircraft or airport area, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
According to the plea, on May 20, 2025, Muench drove his vehicle up to a closed security gate outside the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. He initially stopped at the gate, but then repeatedly rammed his vehicle into the gate, eventually bending the metal gate. Muench then drove his vehicle through the damaged and partially open gate and continued onto the aircraft operational area of the airport. Muench drove through various secure parts of the airport including the inner airfield roads, aircraft taxiways, the commercial passenger aircraft ramp area, and the active airport runways, where aircraft take off and land.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
Sentenced is scheduled for October 15, 2026, before Magistrate Judge Schroeder.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Franklin, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $5,000,000 fine.
On July 22, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Franklin’s Highview Road residence, seizing approximately 254 grams of crack cocaine, 121 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, three firearms, ammunition, and a loaded magazine. Also on July 22, 2025, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop of Franklin’s vehicle. He failed to stop, sped away and fled the area. Franklin’s vehicle was later found on Rich Street in Buffalo, and he was apprehended shortly after.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Buffalo man going to prison for more than 16 years for selling cocaine that resulted in a death and serious bodily injuryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Theodore Hill a/k/a Ty, 28, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of distribution of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
On December 5, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Hill sold cocaine to an individual identified as M.M. On December 9, 2023, Buffalo Police responded to a report of suspected drug overdoses at M.M.’s residence. M.M. was discovered deceased and it appeared that he had been deceased for at least over 24 hours. A second individual, R.H., was discovered unresponsive, lying on the floor next to M.M. She was taken to the hospital in serious condition. R.H. sustained serious, long-term injuries as a result of the overdose.
On January 25, March 2, and March 15, 2024, Buffalo Police conducted controlled purchases of cocaine from Hill, contacting him at the same number that M.M. used. On March 24, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Clemo Street residence, during which law enforcement seized quantities of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
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Prior felon going to prison on new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Cameron Gelsomino, 24, of Burt, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography after a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prsion and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
In August 2023, Gelsomino was convicted of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child in Niagara County Court and sentenced to serve 30 days’ incarceration and 10 years’ probation. In May 2024, he possessed a cell phone, which contained approximately 56 images and two videos of child pornography.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone and the Niagara County Probation Department, under the direction of Director Deborah M LaRock.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Julius M. Hatten, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.
According to the plea agreement, on September 25, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants at an Eckhert Street residence, on the person of Julius Hatten, and on Hatten’s vehicle, seizing quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, ammunition, $21,740 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2026, before Judge Arcara.
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Brazilian citizen charged with escape from the Buffalo Federal Detention FacilityRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ernando Elias Orelio, 38, a citizen of Brazil, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with escape from custody, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 31, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified that the Watervliet City Police Department, in Albany County, NY, had arrested and charged Orelio on charges of Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, and Harassment 2nd Degree: Physical Contact. On June 1, 2026, Orelio was arrested by ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), served with a Warrant for Arrest of Alien and transported to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Orelio is a citizen of Brazil with no legal immigration status in the United States and was confined at the detention facility for expulsion proceedings.
On June 7, 2026, personnel at the detention facility informed Homeland Security Investigations that Orelio had escaped. The complaint states that a detainee told a detention officer that Orelio climbed the fence and went onto the roof. The detention officer checked Orelio’s cell and the recreation yard but did not locate Orelio. The officer then went to the roof and located Orelio, who then jumped off the roof to the ground, and fled on foot. Orelio was captured a short time later in a nearby wooded area.
Orelio made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Fitzgerald. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Phillip Rhoney, the Batavia Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Camp, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph Graff.
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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Tonawanda man going to prison on child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Shawn Demmick, 33, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and 35 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
On March 21, 2025, Demmick possessed a cellular phone, which contained images and videos of child pornography. The images and videos included depictions of prepubescent minors less than 12-years-old minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Corey Flatau.
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Suffolk County woman pleads guilty to her role in fraud schemeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jennifer Poliandro, 35, of Medford, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Between February 18 and February 26, 2026, Poliandro conspired with others to obtain personally identifiable information of multiple victims from the internet and use this information to create counterfeit military identification cards and United States passport cards. These fraudulent cards were then used to obtain and attempt to obtain money from various banks in the Western District of New York area. On February 18, 2026, Poliandro went to a Lake Shore Bank branch in Fredonia, NY, where she used a counterfeit military identification card in the name of an individual residing in Jamestown, NY, to obtain $7,800 from a home equity line of credit account associated with the individual. The total loss amount of the scheme, including actual loss and intended loss, is between $15,000 and $40,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Wood.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026, before Judge Arcara.
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Former assistant D-A pleads guilty to drug/gun chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Delenci Shannon-Brown, 30, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to being and unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI began investigating Shannon-Brown in early July 2024. On July 24, 2024, investigators conducted a controlled sale of K2/Spice involving Shannon-Brown. In the late afternoon, deputies conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. Shannon-Brown was taken to the Sherriff’s office where he consented to a sobriety test, which determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance. Shannon-Brown was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. During a search of his vehicle, investigators recovered a pistol, and a baggie containing K2/Spice. On July 26, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Shannon-Brown’s residence in Buffalo. During the search, they seized 11.8 pounds of marijuana, a loaded pistol, Court documents relevant to New York State Grand Jury minutes and a case file, an Assistant District Attorney training manual, and numerous business cards identifying Shannon-Brown as an Erie County Assistant District Attorney. Shannon-Brown admits that between March and July 26, 2024, he used either marijuana or K2/Spice frequently. In addition, during that time he possessed a pistol.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Albion man and Jamestown woman charged in separate complaints with child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kimony Hamilton, 22, of Albion, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography. In addition, Kaitlyn Seekings, 28, of Jamestown, NY, was charged in a separate criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. The distribution and receipt of child pornography charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, in March 2025, the New York State Police (NYSP) received multiple reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Snapchat users identified as “kseekings25,” (defendant Seekings) “angel_smith354,” “jordan638p,” and “jordan2025_3,” (defendant Hamilton) had uploaded image files of suspected child pornography. In July 2025, the NYSP executed a search warrant at an Albion, NY, address, during which they spoke with an individual, later identified as Kemony Hamilton, who stated that he received child pornography from a friend he met online named “Kate Seekings.” Subsequent investigation recovered messages shared between the two during which they shared files containing child pornography as well as discussed meeting in Jamestown so that Hamilton could have sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female that “Seekings” would provide access to.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins. The complaints are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Convicted felon charged with assaulting a federal officerRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Keith Holmes, 30, of Rochester, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with assault on a federal officer, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of ammunition. The charges carry mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life.
According to the criminal complaint, in October 2020, Holmes was convicted in the District of Maine on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and sentenced to serve 96 months in prison. Subsequently, jurisdiction of Holmes’ supervision was transferred to the Western District of New York. On May 13, 2026, an arrest warrant was issued for Holmes for violating the terms of his federal supervised release, causing Holmes to become a fugitive from justice.
On June 8, 2026, four Deputy U.S. Marshals (USMS), along with nine USMS Fugitive Task Force officers, went to a residence at 861 Glenwood Avenue in Buffalo to arrest Holmes for violating the terms of his supervised release. At approximately 3:25 p.m., law enforcement surrounded the residence and announced their presence. They entered the residence and approached a bedroom where Holmes was located. As law enforcement was about to make entry, Holmes fired multiple rounds through the bedroom door in the direction of the Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers, striking a ballistic shield held by one Deputy U.S. Marshal approximately three times. Law enforcement returned fire striking Holmes, who was provided medical treatment, and transported to the Erie County Medical Center for further treatment. No members of law enforcement were injured.
The FBI recovered a 9mm privately made firearm, referred to as a “ghost gun,” on a dresser in the bedroom near where law enforcement initially encountered Holmes. The FBI also recovered approximately 20 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and multiple fired 9mm cartridge casings.
“This case highlights the dangers that are faced every day by law enforcement officers,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Rather than run away, these officers are running towards danger in their efforts to enforce the law and keep our communities safe. Any defendant who puts the life of a law enforcement officer at risk will face the consequences and be held fully accountable.”
“On Monday afternoon, our US Marshals Task Force was on Glenwood Avenue working to protect the City of Buffalo by removing a dangerous and violent criminal from our streets. During this arrest operation, they came under attack and were forced into a gunfight to defend their lives,” said Charles Salina, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of New York. “I would like to recognize the courageous work of every member of our task force. Thank God for their exceptional training and teamwork, they were able to successfully respond to the threat and return home safely to their families and loved ones.”
“Violence against law enforcement officers threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated,” said Brendan Dunford, Acting Special Agent-in- Charge of FBI Buffalo. “These officers put themselves in harm's way every day to protect the American people. When someone attacks law enforcement, they are threatening the safety of our communities. FBI Buffalo and our partners will relentlessly pursue those responsible and ensure they are held accountable.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erica Shields. Additional assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
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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Georgia man pleads guilty to scamming victims out of tens of thousands of dollarsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stephen Odiboh, 53, of Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
According to the plea agreement, between 2023 and March 2025, Odiboh conspired with co-conspirators to defraud four victims. The total loss and attempted loss were $356,500.
- In 2023, Odiboh contacted Victim 1, a 77-year-old woman IN THE Western District of New York, on Facebook. Posing as “Oliver Wilson,” he falsely represented that he was a United States Citizen, a widower, and currently living in Norway. Over the course of approximately a year and a half, “Wilson” fostered a romantic, online relationship, stating that he needed gift cards to “stay online” and continue talking. As a result, Victim 1 sent “Wilson” approximately 30 $500 gift cards, totaling approximately $15,000. In addition, between January and July of 2024, “Wilson” induced Victim 1 to mail eight checks totaling over $162,000.00 to specific individuals and entities, including two checks to Stephen Odiboh. In December 2024, “Wilson” stated that he was being held by customs authorities in Norway and needed to pay a fine of $158,000. He directed Victim 1 to mail two checks totaling $158,000.00 but Victim 1’s bank detected the fraud and stopped payment of the checks before they could be cashed.
- In April 2024, a co-conspirator contacted Victim 2, a caterer, claiming to be “Alex Alberto,” and in need of catering services. Victim 2 requested a deposit of $800. To pay the purported deposit, “Alberto” sent Victim 2 a check for $2,800, and instructed Victim 2 to cash the check and send the extra $2,000 to the defendant via Zelle. Victim 2 realized he was being defrauded and did not deposit the check.
- In 2024, a co-conspirator, claiming to be “William Rivera,” contacted Victim 3 through an online dating website. After gaining Victim 3’s trust, “Rivera” convinced Victim 3 to send $2,000 to Odiboh via CashApp, which Victim 3 did on August 14, 2024.
- In March 2025, a co-conspirator, claiming to be “Alec Jonas,” contacted Victim 4 on a dating website, leading Victim 4 to believe that they were starting a romantic relationship. Once he gained her trust, “Jonas” stated that he was working in Bahrain and needed money to ship goods from Bahrain to Texas, prompting Victim 4 to wire $17,525 to a bank account he controlled.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, before Judge Siragusa.
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Convicted felon going to prison on new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brett Bedford, 42, of Rochester, NY, was convicted of possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to the possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Bedford was also ordered to pay restitution to victims totaling $27,000.
In November 2020, Bedford was convicted in New York State Court of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child Less Than 16, and sentenced to serve six months in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. On January 27, 2025, a Monroe County Probation Officer conducted a home inspection at Bedford’s Penfield residence, during which the probation officer found, among other things, an unauthorized cell phone and SIM cards. A review of the phone recovered over 450 images of child pornography, including images of children engaged in sexual acts with adults. Some of the images depicted violence against children.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
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Rochester man sentenced for stealing $168-thousand dollars from his employerRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Torres, 38, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of financial institution fraud, was sentenced to serve three months in prison, three months home detention and three years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Torres was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $136,679.
Between September 2021 and February 2022, Torres was employed as a Relationship Manager at Financial Institution 1. While in this position, he misused his position to apply for loans through Financial Institution 1 in the names of individuals without their knowledge or authorization. Torres applied for 19 loans for a total of $168,000, which was deposited into bank accounts that he controlled.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford.
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Greece woman sentenced for her role in retail theft ring involving hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandiseRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Amanda L. Reeves, 43, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 42 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Reeves was also ordered to pay $92,903.34 in restitution to various retailers, including Best Buy, Home Depot, Kohls, Lowes, Macy’s, Target, and Walmart.
Between December 2021, and October 17, 2024, Reeves conspired with others to engage in an ongoing retail theft conspiracy involving the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop (NYGDPS). The pawn shop was owned and operated by co-defendant Dominic Sprague and managed by co-defendant James Civiletti. Reeves and her co-conspirators stole new-in-box items from store shelves on a weekly, and sometimes daily, basis. They then sold the stolen goods to the pawn shop for a fraction of the actual retail value. The pawn shop then resold the stolen merchandise on eBay at much higher prices, resulting in significant profits. The pawn shop purchased 37,936 stolen new-in-box items from Reeves and the others on more than 670 occasions, for which Reeves and the others were paid $290,000.00. The actual losses to the victim-retailers were approximately $1,160,000.00.
In addition, Reeves unlawfully used an ID belonging to another person to engage in transactions at NYGDPS. She recklessly created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person in the course of fleeing from law enforcement while the scheme was ongoing. Specifically, in 2019 and 2024, Reeves led police on high-speed car chases, which police discontinued because of the threat that the defendant posed to other motorists.
Dominic Sprague and James Civiletti were previously convicted.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Ryan Parina, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
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Federal grand jury indicts Jamestown man on narcotics conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Joseph Fontanez Walker, 35, of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a 10,000,000 fine.
According to the indictment, between 2019 and January 2022, Fontanez Walker conspired with others to sell fentanyl and heroin in the Jamestown area.
Fontanez Walker was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on June 8, 2026.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The indictment is the result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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FBI Special Agent selected as WDNY 2026 Hometown HeroRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that FBI Special Agent Randall Garver has been awarded the 2026 Hometown Hero award for the Western District of New York.
The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility. This award is dedicated in recognition of a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.
“Special Agent Garver is relentless and tireless in his work on behalf of the most vulnerable members of our community, our children,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “He has been a trusted law enforcement partner to the WDNY for many years and has garnered the universal respect of every Assistant U.S. Attorney that he works with. Special Agent Garver is truly a ‘Hometown Hero.’”
Special Agent Garver is head of the Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) Squad. From securing evidence and obtaining search warrants, to assisting prosecutors through litigation, he spends an enormous amount of time ensuring that justice is served. But, in addition to building a successful case, Special Agent Garver is unrelenting in his care for victims, staying in constant contact with victims and their families, earning their trust, and guiding them through a very difficult process. Special Agent Garver is a graduate of West Point and a combat veteran. He spends a great deal of his free time volunteering for veteran organizations and as a youth athletics coach.
The Hometown Hero Award is presented to individuals who have made significant and measurable contributions to preserve and/or improve their community.
For more information on Freedom 250 and the Hometown Hero award, go to https://freedom250.org/.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to gun possessionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nazir Binhuguley, 24, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.
On May 6, 2025, law enforcement executed the search warrant at Binhuguley’s Trent Square apartment, seizing three firearms, ammunition, a high-capacity pistol magazine, drug paraphernalia, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, and approximately $2,165 in cash.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Buffalo man going to prison on cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rodney Pierce, 38, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
In February 2020, investigators with the Erie County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit identified Pierce as an individual who delivered cocaine for co-defendant David Burgin. Law enforcement then set up a controlled purchase of cocaine from Pierce, at which time he was arrested. A subsequent search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,250 grams of cocaine. Investigators then searched a Grimes Street residence associated with the drug dealing activities, seizing four firearms and ammunition, approximately two kilograms of cocaine, approximately 45 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 17.5 pounds of marijuana, approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, approximately $260,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.
David Burgin was previously convicted and sentenced.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Evan K. Glaberson. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.
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Rochester man going to prison on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Chad Burgess, 40, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 88 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
On March 26, 2025, the Niagara County Drug Taskforce executed a search warrant at a Locust Street residence for suspected narcotics trafficking. During the search, officers recovered approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 45 grams of crack cocaine. Burgess admitted that the methamphetamine and crack cocaine belonged to him, purchasing the drugs approximately 1-2 days prior.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Taskforce, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.
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Jamestown man going to prison on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ruben Medina, 20, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
On September 11, 2024, Medina was pulled over by a Jamestown Police officer because of an outstanding probation warrant. Initially, he refused to exit the vehicle but later complied and was taken into custody. A search of Medina recovered approximately 109 grams of methamphetamine. Previously, on June 25, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a Newland Avenue residence associated with Medina. Investigators seized cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, suboxone strips, $200 cash, a digital scale, and a firearm.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to machinegun chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeremy Hinman, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession and transfer of a machinegun, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
On April 27, 2023, an individual working with law enforcement met with Hinman to purchase a firearm and a “Glock switch,” also known as a machine gun conversion device. Hinman gave the individual a Glock 43x handgun and a conversion device in exchange for $1,400. Hinman explained the operation of the conversion device, specifically stating which actions would make a firearm operate in a semiautomatic versus automatic manner.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Two Rochester men charged with narcotics conspiracy in superseding indictmentRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Quentin L. Yancey a/k/a Q, 39, and Johnny B. Mays a/k/a Blaze, 41, both of Rochester, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. In addition, Yancey is charged with using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and six counts of money laundering.
According to the superseding indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Yancey and Mays conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. The superseding indictment further states that Yancey utilized two Lyell Avenue residences to conduct his drug trafficking activities. In addition, between June and September 2021, Yancey is accused of making three deposits totaling $42,910 into a federal credit union account in the name of a property management company to conceal the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities.
Yancey and Mays were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and were detained. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani. The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr.
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 going to prison for his role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Torrance Bailey, 44, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 138 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Between February 2019, and March 2024, Bailey conspired with others to sell significant quantities of cocaine. In March 2020, Buffalo Police and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at a Mills Street residence, during which they seized approximately 120 grams of fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. When law enforcement arrived at the residence, Bailey and Sherron Kye were spotted nearby the residence. After recognizing law enforcement, they attempted to flee. Bailey threw the set of keys belonging to the Mills street residence prior to being taken into custody and Kye discarded a bag, which was later found to contain approximately 100 grams of fentanyl. After his arrest, Bailey was found in possession of approximately $3,512 in cash.
In June 2023, Bailey was released on conditions and placed on home incarceration while he awaited trial. In March 2024, Bailey sold approximately 27 grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement. In addition, he asked the individual to go to the residence of a co-conspirator and pick up approximately 88 grams of fentanyl, but the individual declined.
Sherron Key was previously convicted and sentenced.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Evan K. Glaberson. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.
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