Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Paroled Murderer Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Israel Rivera-Reyes, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to production of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that between August 2021 and February 2022, Rivera-Reyes had sexual intercourse with a Minor Victim on an almost daily basis, knowing that the victim was a minor. During this time, Rivera-Reyes produced multiple videos of himself engaging in sexual intercourse with the Minor Victim. At the time of his arrest, Rivera-Reyes was on parole for a March 1995 conviction of Murder 2nd Degree.
The plea is a result of an investigation by the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 2, 2023, before Judge Wolford.
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Hilton Man Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Isolino S. Presutti, 36, of Hilton, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 2, 2023, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Presutti possessed child pornography on a desktop computer. Subsequently, investigators executed search warrants on five digital devices belonging to Presutti. They recovered 4,668 and 27 videos of child pornography. Some of the images included prepubescent minor and depictions of violence against children.
Presutti made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Grand Jury Indicts Cheektowaga Man on Charges of Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Dustin Coffelt, 33, of Cheektowaga, NY, with production and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in July 2022, the Depew Police Department received a report that Coffelt sexually abused a 13-year-old girl (minor victim). Subsequent investigation determined that the alleged abuse may have been ongoing for several years and included communication over various social media applications and text messaging. On July 29, 2022, investigators seized Coffelt’s cell phone. Numerous sexually explicit images of the minor victim, which constitute child pornography, were recovered from the phone.
Coffelt was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being detained.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome Miller, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Buffalo Man Involved in Fatal Crash Arrested on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Marlon Servance, 22, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 23, 2023, Victims 1 and 2 were driving in a vehicle in the vicinity of Jefferson and Best in Buffalo. While Victim 1 was driving, Victim 2 observed Servance driving a dark colored SUV and firing gunshots in her direction. Victim 1’s vehicle subsequently crashed in the vicinity of Main Street and Utica Avenue, while she was fleeing from Servance. As it crashed, Victim 1’s vehicle struck Victim 3, causing her death. Servance fled the scene but was taken into custody by Buffalo Police a short time after at an East Ferry Street apartment. Investigators searched the apartment and recovered a black, semi-automatic Smith and Wesson firearm with an obliterated serial number. During a search of Servance’s vehicle, investigators recovered numerous fired cartridge casings.
Servance made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing on May 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
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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Ontario County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eric Passalacqua, 37, of Phelps, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt and distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that on January 20, 2023, the FBI in Rochester received information from the FBI in Anchorage Alaska, that an individual located in Phelps, NY, may have been responsible for exchanging child pornography with an individual in Alaska. Subsequent investigation determined that individual was Passalacqua. On January 24, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Passalacqua’s Phelps residence. A forensic examination of his phone recovered over 600 images of child pornography, including images that Passalacqua produced depicting a minor victim. Passalacqua also admitted to producing images of another minor victim.
The conviction is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Anchorage Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Antony A. Jung.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2023, before Judge Geraci.
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Kenmore Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael MacPherson, 57, of Kenmore, NY, who was convicted of mail fraud and tax evasion, was sentenced to one-year supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. MacPherson was also ordered to pay $95,000 in restitution to the victim and $125,673 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that in January 2017, MacPherson solicited an individual (victim) from Kansas to invest in a bulk cigarette deal, telling the individual that he had an agreement with a Native American tribe in New York State to purchase cigarettes at a discounted rate and resell them at a significant markup. MacPherson claimed a $75,000 investment would result in a 15-20% return within 90 to 120 days. The individual sent MacPherson a check, but he did not buy cigarettes, instead spending the money on payments to the Niagara Falls Country Club and Canisius High School, airline flights, hotels, car rental, utilities, retail purchases, gas, clothing, groceries, restaurants, and other merchants. In December 2017, MacPherson contacted the victim again to solicit a $20,000 investment for the purchase of carbon fiber, representing that the individual would receive his principal investment, in addition to a 30% return, within 180 days. The victim sent MacPherson a check and once again he did not use the money as stated, instead using it to pay a defaulted business loan, cash withdrawals, airline flights, car rental, utilities, retail purchases, gas, groceries, restaurants, hockey tickets, and other merchants.
In addition, MacPherson failed to file a federal income tax return for the tax year 2015 despite receiving gross income totaling approximately $265,254, including approximately $232,500 from a second individual. Once again, MacPherson used the money on personal expenses. For the 2017 tax year, MacPherson omitted approximately $80,156 in gross business receipts. The amount of tax loss to the United States is $93,815.00.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso.
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Buffalo Man Sentenced for His Role in Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Carl Wilson, 38, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of aggravated bank robbery, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison and pay restitution totaling $148,793.90 by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on October 31, 2019, co-defendant Adrian Applewhite entered the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union on Sheridan Drive in Clarence, NY, approached the teller and asked whether the credit union had an ATM. Applewhite’s sole purpose was to “case” the credit union and facilitate a future effort to rob it. On November 7, 2019, Carl Wilson, and co-defendant Ronald Morris, armed with a pistol and donning masks and gloves, entered the credit union, and conducted a bank robbery while Applewhite, the getaway driver, sat in a car nearby. Wilson and Morris ordered all the employees to the ground and demanded money. Wilson went behind the teller line and went through teller’s drawers. Morris went to the vault. A total of $148,793.90 in United States currency was taken.
Ronald Morris and Adrian Applewhite were previously convicted.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; the Evans Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Szarowicz; and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud for Falsifying Documents Submitted to the ArmyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Reginald Cannon, 55, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard A. Resnick and Kyle P. Rossi, who are handling the case, stated that Cannon is president of Burnett Process, Inc., a Rochester based company, which, in May 2015, received a five-year contract from the United States Army to produce M98 Gas Particulate Filters. These filters are used by the Department of Defense in a wide range of military systems, such as shelters, mobile hospitals, and US Navy ships, to protect military personnel from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives threats. As fresh air is coming into a system, the filters push out potentially toxic substances. If the filters are not functioning properly, contaminants can get in, putting military personnel at risk. The contract, which was signed by Cannon, required that Burnett Process submit a report certifying that the supplier of the filter paper used to manufacture the M98 Filters complied with the material specifications listed in the contract. The contract also required that Burnett Process use one of two companies located in the United States whose filter paper met strict military specifications for such filter paper, or another company if such filter paper was properly tested, passed all the military specifications included in the contract, and was approved by the Army.
In September and October 2019, the Army ordered 3,650 M98 Filters at a cost of $315,944. When manufacturing these filters, Burnett Process used much cheaper filter paper from a company located in China that had not been properly tested, had not met the material specifications set forth in the contract, and had not been approved by the Army. By using the untested and unapproved cheaper filter paper, Burnett Process’ total cost to manufacture the filters was less than it should have been, which resulted in more profits for Burnett Process. Despite knowing that the proper filter paper was not used, Gannon still certified to the Army that the filter paper used was from one of the two approved filter paper suppliers in the United States.
“Manufacturers doing business with the United States Military must be held accountable to uphold the standards and terms of the contracts they sign,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “Using components or parts that are not government approved, could result in harm to the members of our military. Partnering with our investigative agencies, we will prosecute all businesses that attempt to deceive the government by decreasing production costs to increase their profits.”
“There must be consequences for companies and individuals who not only defraud the U.S. government and taxpayers, but potentially put our warfighters at risk,” said Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo. “HSI will continue to leverage its unique investigative authorities to further these investigations along with our partners within the Department of Defense and Department of Justice.”
“Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense procurement process and supply chain is a priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “We will continue to work with the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners to hold individuals and companies accountable for providing substandard, substituted products to the U.S. military.”
“We are very pleased with today's announcement,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Scott Moreland of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Major Procurement Fraud Field Office. “This is a true testament to our continued commitment to work closely and seamlessly with our outstanding fellow law enforcement agencies to bring those to justice who attempt to defraud the U.S. Government and U.S. Army.”
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General’s, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, Northeast Field Office, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Scott Moreland.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
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Orange County, NY, Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening A State Official and A Federal JudgeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Daniel DeGroat, 30, of Middletown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. mailing threatening communications to a United States judge. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Jonathan P. Cantil, who are handling the case, stated that in November 2020, DeGroat was incarcerated at Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, NY. On November 3, 2020, he mailed an envelope from the correctional facility addressed to Victim 1, a United States Judge, which contained a letter threatening to injure Victim 1 and her spouse. DeGroat stated that he hoped to infect Victim 1 with the Coronavirus and terrorize her, and he hoped Victim 1 and her husband died after being infected by the Coronavirus. Also, on November 3, 2020, DeGroat mailed an envelope to Victim 2, a New York State Department of Corrections Official. That letter included threats to injure Victim 2, as well as Victim 2’s spouse. In July 2021, the FBI positively identified DeGroat’s DNA on both letters.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; and the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 15, 2023, before Judge Sinatra.
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Former NYSP Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Tipping Off Target of Gambling InvestigationRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, NY--U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Thomas J. Loewke, 51, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to obstruction of a state or local law enforcement investigation, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2020, the New York State Police, together with other local and federal law enforcement agencies, began an investigation into the illegal gambling activities of Louis P. Ferrari II and others. Loewke, who was aware that Ferrari owned an illegal bookmaking operation, learned of the investigation on December 17, 2021. On December 27, 2021, Loewke disclosed the existence of the investigation to Ferrari. On January 2, 2021, Ferrari used this information to attempt to obstruct the investigation by changing the password of his sports betting website, changing the appearance of the sports betting website, and deleting the history of bets placed through his sports betting website.
Charges of conspiracy, transmission of wagering information, operation of an illegal gambling business, and money laundering, remain pending against Ferrari.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
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Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Selling Heroin Which Led to the Death of A 24-Year-Old ManRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Orlando Albert-Arroyo, 28, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on February 27, 2019, Buffalo Police Officers responded to a drug overdose call and found a 24-year-old male deceased. The deceased man’s girlfriend told officers that the day before, she met Arroyo and co-defendant Genesis Tolentino-Cruz at a gas station in Cheektowaga to purchase heroin. Later that night, the girlfriend said that she and the deceased male used some of the heroin purchased from the defendants. The girlfriend went to sleep, and when she awoke, she found her boyfriend was deceased. In March and April, 2019, investigators conducted six controlled purchases of heroin from Arroyo and Cruz. On April 19, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Arroyo and Cruz’s residence, during which heroin, ammunition, a rifle, a pistol, and drug processing items were seized.
Cruz was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 120 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould.
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Prior Felon Arrested on New Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cameron Stroke, 42, of Depew, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2020, Stroke was sentenced in Federal Court to five years’ probation for possession of child pornography and placed under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office. On May 2, 2023, law enforcement began investigating Stroke after learning he might be in possession of child pornography. On that day, probation officers made a visit to Stroke’s Depew residence and seized two cell phones. One of the phones contained no child pornography, but the second phone contained multiple files of child pornography, including images of pre-pubescent girls.
Stroke made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing on May 19, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
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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Level 1 Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Zachary Feeterman, 28, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in March 2016, Feeterman was convicted of attempted possession of a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years of age in New York State Court. On August 8, 2019, Erie County Probation Officers conducted a home inspection at Feeterman’s residence and found an unauthorized cell phone in his possession. A forensic analysis recovered approximately 375 images of child pornography on the cell phone, and 4,670 images and videos of child pornography in a cloud storage account. Some images depicted prepubescent minors as well as violence against children.
The plea is the result of an investigation by members the Erie County Probation Department, under the direction of Commissioner Michelle Olszowy; the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 11, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
North Carolina Man Arrested, Charged with Threatening to Carry Out Shootings at A Church and Grocery Store, and to Attack A FamilyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Daniel Parson, 33, of Charlotte, NC, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making threats in or affecting interstate commerce. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of May 3, 2023, an individual, later identified as Parson, called the Buffalo Police Department A-District, and stated that he was going to “shoot up” a “fellowship church” on May 7, 2023. Parson also stated that “they knew who he was, and they had it coming.” Later that morning, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Parson called the Buffalo Police Department D-District and stated that he was going to “slaughter” a specific family located in Buffalo at 2:30 p.m. And shortly before 9:00 a.m., Parson called the Buffalo Police Department C-District and stated that he would conduct a mass shooting at an unspecified Tops grocery store.
Parson was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada and ordered held following a detention hearing in Federal Court in the District of Nevada. He will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Leader of Sex Trafficking and Drug Conspiracy Pleads Guilty, Faces up to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Lairon Graham a/k/a Shah a/k/a Uncle Shah a/k/a Unc, 65, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and sex trafficking by force or coercion. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $20,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper and Aaron J. Mango, who are handling the case, stated that between 2013 and August 2021, Graham coerced four victims to engage in commercial sex acts by exploiting their addictions, by providing the victims with crack cocaine or heroin. Graham also used physical violence and threats of physical violence to get the victims to engage in commercial sexual activity. Graham brutally beat one victim on a near-daily basis.
In addition, between June 2020, and Spring 2021, Graham organized and led a drug conspiracy, selling cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl out of a residence on Swinburn Street in Buffalo. In the Spring of 2021, Graham moved his drug dealing operation into a Liddell Street residence. Graham was the primary source of supply of heroin and fentanyl to multiple individuals. Between January and August 2021, Graham resided on Davey Street in Buffalo, where on August 25, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing 43 grams of fentanyl, 37 grams of crack cocaine, $2,500 in cash, and assorted drug paraphernalia. Graham also used this residence to sell drugs and possessed a firearm inside the residence.
“This defendant not only sold dangerous and illegal drugs in our community, he used the addiction of vulnerable women to prey upon them and force them to commit sex acts for his financial benefit” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “We as a society cannot, and will not, tolerate this type of criminal activity. With the work of our law enforcement partners, we have convicted this defendant, along with others who’ve engaged in this reprehensible behavior, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute anyone who commits these offenses in our community.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia stated, “As today’s plea details, Lairon Graham showed zero regard for human life by deceiving, manipulating, and profiting off those grappling with addiction for his benefit. The FBI’s focus is, and always will be, on protecting our communities from these violent offenders. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue our collaborative efforts to identify and dismantle violent gangs found to be dealing in the deadly drug trade.”
“Graham used violence and addiction to coerce and control the women he victimized—a technique all too common among human traffickers. After today’s guilty plea, Graham will be off the streets and looking at a significant federal sentence for his crimes,” said Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo. “HSI works every day with our law enforcement and non-governmental organizational partners to make our communities safer. It is only through partnerships and collaboration that we can achieve this goal.”
Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia stated, “These arrests and convictions bring an end to a level of violence that plagued the Broadway area of the City of Buffalo for far too long. Human trafficking, drug dealing, and shootings brought on a significant response from the Buffalo Police Department in partnership with law enforcement of all levels. These convictions were made possible by the dedicated work of the patrol officers and detectives of the Buffalo Police Department working side by side with all of our law enforcement partners. I thank all of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's office for obtaining these convictions.”
Sheriff John C. Garcia stated, “We are delighted about the investigation and outcome. This case demonstrates the tremendous partnership between all levels of law enforcement throughout Western New York to remove this deadly poison from our streets and to end the leader’s reign of brutality and coercion by forcing his victims to engage in sex acts.”
Graham is the last of 10 defendants to be convicted in this case. Also convicted are Kimberly Udrea, Patrick Schrecengost a/k/a Country, Cornelius Truesdale a/k/a Big Corn, Anthony Graham, Johnny Williams, Jordan Davis, Thomas Degree, Joseph Ward, and Jamie Washington.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Karn, Jr.; and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Buffalo Woman Sentenced for Setting Fire That Injured A Buffalo FirefighterRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Jade Smart, 34, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of unlawfully damaging or destroying property by means of fire or explosive causing personal injury to a public safety officer, was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who handled the case, stated that in the early evening hours of January 28, 2020, the Buffalo Fire Department responded to the scene of a fire at 79 Kilhoffer Street in Buffalo, and found the building engulfed in flames. Ultimately, the building burned completely to the ground. A firefighter injured his back fighting the fire and subsequently went on medical leave to address the injuries. Investigators recovered a firebomb, and a red gas can nearby and ruled the fire an arson. Video footage recovered from a nearby gas station shows Smart filling up a red plastic gas can. Smart then went to 79 Kilhoffer Street, where she poured gasoline from the plastic gas can into a used iced tea bottle and used it to set the residence on fire. 79 Kilhoffer Street was a building owned by the Buffalo Peacemakers and under renovation and possessed by Habitat for Humanity.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Fire Department, under the direction of Commissioner William Renaldo.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rayshawn Miller, 40, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and acetyl-fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that on July 20, 2021, the DEA executed a search warrant at Miller’s Broadway Street residence and seized 167 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, 21 grams of crack cocaine, 124 grams of cocaine, two pistols, ammunition, $15,380 in cash, and drug packaging materials.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Buffalo Man Going to Prison for COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christian Johnson, 25, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who handled the case, stated that Johnson submitted multiple fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications on behalf of a company called Million Man LLC (Million Man) to at least three financial institutions. The applications contained numerous false and misleading statements about Million Man’s business and operations, including the number of employees and average monthly payroll. Johnson submitted falsified federal tax documents and payroll records in support of the applications.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding, and in December 2020, Congress authorized another $284 billion in additional funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
This case was investigated by the FDIC-OIG, TIGTA-OIG, FBI, and SBA-OIG. Trial Attorneys Matthew Reilly and Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of New York are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Department’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. In the nine months since the PPP began, Fraud Section attorneys have prosecuted more than 100 defendants in more than 70 criminal cases. The Fraud Section has also seized more than $60 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Rochester Man Who Failed to Appear for Sentencing on Riot Charge Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christopher Tindal, 29, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to failure to appear, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that while Tindal was awaiting sentencing on a riot charge, he was released with a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) ankle bracelet and required to comply with other conditions of release, including appearing at all court proceedings as required. On March 28, 2022, without the permission of the Court, Tindal removed his GPS ankle bracelet and failed to appear for sentencing before Judge Siragusa on April 19, 2022.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Puerto Rican Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Almonte Diaz, 30, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on August 2, 2022, Diaz and another individual were transporting approximately 504 grams of cocaine from Rochester, eastbound on Interstate 90. The New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the area of Exit 41 in Seneca County. The cocaine was concealed in a birthday gift-wrapped package. Officers also recovered $18,511 in United States currency.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 8, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Prior Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tyree D. Washington, 40, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on November 26, 2022, New York State Police Troopers on patrol in Rochester attempted to stop Washington, who was operating a black BMW, for traffic violations, but Washington refused to stop. A vehicle pursuit ensued over several city streets and ended when Washington failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into the front porch of a residence on South Plymouth Avenue in Rochester. After Washington was taken into custody, officers located two loaded pistols in the vehicle. In October 2009, Washington was convicted of a felony in Monroe County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The plea is the result of an investigation by New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge David G. Larimer.
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Fredonia Man Arrested, Charged with Selling Drugs That Led to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Wallace Buchanan, 36, of Fredonia, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution of fentanyl causing death, narcotics conspiracy, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that in the early morning hours of January 10, 2022, the Ellicott Police Department responded to a residence on Boulevard Avenue in Celoron, NY, for a death investigation. At the scene, law enforcement found an individual, identified as B.G., lying face down on the living room floor with signs of drug use nearby. The cause of death was listed as a potential overdose. A review of the contents of B.G.’s cell phone identified a Facebook Messenger conversation between B.G.’s Facebook account and the account of John Buchanan. Investigators subsequently identified multiple Facebook conversations, with B.G. wanting to purchase narcotic drugs from Buchanan, dating back to November of 2021, including a conversation just prior to B.G.’s death. Investigators also noted that following a review of Buchanan’s Facebook account, some messages between B.G. and Buchanan may have been deleted from Buchanan’s account. At the scene of B.G.’s death, officers recovered, among other things, ammunition and three firearms. Investigators learned that Buchanan was attempting to sell firearms to B.G. in December 2021. Investigators believe that B.G. and Buchanan also discussed firearms transactions in the conversation prior to B.G.'s death.
Buchanan was ordered detained following a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr.
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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Bath Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gerald Barclay, 25, of Bath, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on August 22, 2022, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Barclay’s residence in Bath, seizing drug packaging materials, digital scales, and approximately $1,866 in United States currency inside the residence. Outside the residence, near a stack of tires next to the garage, investigators found approximately 195 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Two Men, Including Buffalo Police Detective, Charged for Purchases Made on Illicit Online MarketplaceRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Terrance Michael Ciszek a/k/a DrMonster, 33, and Corey Robert Dodge a/k/a Cakesbaylor, 41, both of Buffalo, NY, were charged in separate complaints with possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the cases, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.
According to the complaint against defendant Ciszek, a Buffalo Police Detective, between March 16 and July 29, 2020, he purchased 11 packages on Genesis Market that included 194 stolen account credentials. Investigators also determined that Ciszek had bitcoin wallet addresses associated with UniCC, a dark web carding website. Carding websites are illicit marketplaces and/or forums used to share stolen credit card data and discuss techniques for obtaining credit card data, validating it, and using it for criminal activity.
According to the complaint against Dodge, between March 26, 2020, and May 30, 2021, he purchased 14 packages on Genesis Market, that included approximately 8,586 stolen account credentials. The stolen credentials included accounts for Paypal, Tracfone, eBay, Amazon, FedEx, Etsy, Walmart, Chase, Venmo, and eTrade.
Ciszek and Dodge made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were released on conditions. Defendant Ciszek has been suspended with pay by the Buffalo Police Department pending further internal investigation.
The complaints are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Schuele Boy Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Roderick Arrington, a/k/a Ra-Ra, 41, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremiah E. Lenihan and Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that Roderick was a member of the Schuele Boys Gang, which operated in the Schuele Street area of the East Side of Buffalo, was responsible for multiple acts of violence and the distribution of illegal narcotics including cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. The Government states that one of those acts of violence was the murder of Quincy Balance a/k/a Shooter, at the intersection of Northland and Stevens on the East Side of Buffalo on August 30, 2012. The Schuele Boys believed Balance was involved in the shooting murder of one of their associates on nearby Carl Street four days earlier. During his plea, Arrington denied being involved in the murder of Quincy Balance.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 29, 2023, before Judge Wolford.
Former Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to COVID FraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mohammad Fares, 28, formerly of Buffalo, now of Florida, who was convicted of theft of government property, was sentenced to serve to three years supervised release, perform 200 hours of community service, and pay restitution of approximately $43,000 by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that on May 18, 2020, Fares submitted an online application to the New York State Department of Labor for unemployment insurance benefits, stating that he did not work any day during the week of May 18, 2020; that he did not have gross earnings over $504; that his last day of work was March 21, 2020; and that his workplace had closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Fares co-owned a trucking company in Buffalo, for which he managed truck drivers and coordinated shipments. On June 11, 2020, Fares received $3,600 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefits. Every week through May 2, 2021, Fares certified to that he did not work during the prior week and had not returned to work. In doing so, Fares certified his continued eligibility for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits. During this time period, Fares continued to manage the trucking company. Fares received, in total, approximately $43,320 in unemployment benefits and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It expands states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for benefits. The CARES Act provided for three new UI programs: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA); Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC); and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Maurice Chatman, 42, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen to being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000 or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who is handling the case, stated that on August 3, 2022, Rochester Police Officers responded to Post Avenue and Aberdeen Street after receiving a report of a male standing at the corner holding a gun. Officers also learned that the male was seen walking down Aberdeen Street carrying the gun. Subsequently, Chatman was observed standing in front of 91 Aberdeen Street holding a rifle. Officers went to 91 Aberdeen Street and confronted Chatman in the driveway. They observed the rifle nearby on top of a folding table. Officers arrested Chatman and seized the rifle. Chatman was previously convicted of felonies in 1997, 2004, 2011, and 2015, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
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West Seneca Man Charged with Production, Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Corey Beasley, 37, of West Seneca, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in January 2023, a West Seneca police officer received a report that sexually explicit images were found on a tablet belonging to Beasley. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at Beasley’s residence, during which 16 electronic devices were seized. A forensic examination of the devices recovered several naked and sexually explicit images of a minor victim. In addition, other images of suspected child pornography were found on Beasley’s devices.
Beasley made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on May 2, 2023.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Edward Baker and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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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Six Men Arrested, Charged with Conspiracy to Steal and Re-Sell Restaurant Cooking OilRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Guodeng Chen, Didi Huang, Fangfang Yan, all of Pittsford, NY, Ruimao Yang, Yan Han, and Wen Xiao Zhang, all of New York, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy and the transportation and sale of stolen goods in interstate commerce. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendants conspired to commit a series of thefts of used cooking oil, which can be refined into biodiesel fuel and re-sold for $4.00 to $5.00 per gallon, from numerous restaurants within and around Monroe County. In April 2022, Monroe Country Sheriffs’ Deputies encountered several of the defendants, in the middle of the night, pumping used cooking oil out of privately-owned holding tanks and into box trucks that contained a large storage tank. Deputies followed the box trucks to warehouses located at 300 and 350 Commerce Drive in Rochester, where they observed the defendants pumping the oil out of the trucks and into the warehouse. During the execution of search warrants at 300 and 350 Commerce Drive, deputies discovered 12,461 gallons of unrefined oil, worth over $73,000. A review of documents and records found during the search warrants revealed that the defendants sold and shipped the stolen oil to a refinery located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Investigators traced two specific shipments totaling of 95,320 gallons of oil from the defendants’ warehouse in Rochester to the refinery in Erie, PA. The defendants were paid $60,051 for these two shipments.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and were released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christian G. Cruz, 25, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on August 2, 2022, in the area of 1248 N. Clinton Avenue in Rochester, police officers observed Cruz showing a firearm to another male. When officers approached Cruz, they observed the outline of a firearm in his pocket and asked for identification. Cruz reached towards his pocket where the gun was, so the officers grabbed his arms, eventually taking him into custody after a brief struggle. Officers found the loaded handgun in the pocket of Cruz’s shorts. They also found 61 small plastic vials of cocaine, four wax paper envelopes containing fentanyl, and a knotted sandwich bag containing cocaine, in another pocket.
The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Niagara Falls Man Arrested on Cocaine Charge After Leading Police on A Brief Car ChaseRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jonathan Bersani, 31, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the Niagara County Drug Task Force (NCDTF) alerted the Homeland Security Investigations BEST Team of suspected drug activity being conducted by Bersani. The task force then conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine from Bersani. On April 14, 2023, as investigators were surveilling Bersani on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls, he struck two vehicles, including a law enforcement vehicle, before fleeing the area. Bersani’s tire eventually burst on Buffalo Avenue, at which time he fled on foot before being taken into custody. Approximately 200 yards away, law enforcement discovered a black bag that approximately 192 grams of suspected cocaine. An electronic scale was also found in the area. Investigators also seized a satchel bag that Bersani was wearing, which contained bulk US currency. That same day, a search warrant was executed at Bersani’s Linwood Avenue residence, during which investigators seized approximately 14 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately four grams of suspected cocaine, three glass dishes, a fork, plate, and knife, all with white residue, and metal knuckles.
Bersani was ordered released on conditions following a detention hearing this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti and Homeland Security Investigations BEST Team, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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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Former Wyoming County Corrections Officer Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging James D. Sutton, 37, of Depew, NY, with distribution and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, in October 2021, Sutton, a former Wyoming County Corrections Officer, distributed child pornography. In addition, on February 7, 2023, Sutton possessed images of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor on three different cellular telephones.
Sutton was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on April 24. 2023.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and 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 defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Four Home Invasions Targeting Drug DealersRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert Forbes, Jr. a/k/a Ra Ra a/k/a Henny, 37, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and two counts of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert A. Marangola and Cassie M. Kocher, who are handling the case, stated that between February 18, and March 26, 2020, Forbes participated, with others, in four separate home invasions in Rochester and Greece, NY. Forbes took part in planning, recruiting participants, obtaining, and providing information about the suspected presence of controlled substances and/or money derived from the sale of controlled substances in the residences, driving individuals to and from the residences, and providing a firearm to use. During some of the home invasions, individuals were restrained, pistol-whipped, and/or suffered injuries. Forbes was arrested April 1, 2020, on W. Ridge Road after a 13-minute car chase in the City of Rochester.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Rochester Resident Arrested, Charged with Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Matthew Richardson a/k/a Skylar “Sky” Ravenwood, 35, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and distribution of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a 250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in November 2022, the Greece Police Department received a report that a 16-year-old minor (minor victim) was missing, and that the minor victim had been seeing a person named “Sky.” Greece Police contacted “Sky” by telephone, who confirmed that he was with the minor victim. Greece Police also spoke with the minor victim who would not provide their location and stated that they did not want to return home. As a result, the minor victim was registered as a missing person in a law enforcement database. In early December 2022, Greece Police learned that Richardson and the minor victim were in an OnlyFans video and reached out to the FBI, which located the sexually explicit video. On December 9, 2022, Richardson and the minor victim were located by Ohio State Troopers in a vehicle Richardson had stolen in New York State. Richardson was arrested at that time.
Richardson made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was held pending a detention hearing on April 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Gift Cards and Money from the MailRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shalika Williams, 30, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to officer or employee of the United States converting property of another, less than $1000, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, and a $100,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that between September and November 4, 2022, Williams was employed by the United States Postal Service as a sales, service, and distribution associate at the Buffalo Processing and Distribution Center. During this time, Williams riffled through and opened sealed pieces of mail and stole approximately 10 to 15 gift cards valued at $360 and $300 in cash.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Pedersen.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nathan Follett, 36, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that between February 2016, and December 16, 2021, Follett used Instagram, Kik, and Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit communications with 11 minor victims, knowing each victim was under the age of 18. During these conversations, Follett coerced the minor victims to produce images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send those images and videos to him via Instagram, Kik, and Snapchat.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Greece Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jason Lane, 28, of Greece, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in July and August 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received tips from Yahoo that a user uploaded approximately 260 files of possible child pornography to a Yahoo email account. NCMEC forwarded the information to the New York State Police and a subsequent investigation traced the files to an IP address belonging to Lane, a former Town of Greece police recruit, who was terminated following a probationary period. The files include an image of a partially nude preschool-aged child, which appears to have been taken at a childcare facility in the Rochester, NY, area. The files also include sexually explicit images of two minor victims (Victim 1 and Victim 2), that appear to have been taken by Lane.
On August 9, 2022, the NYSP executed a search warrant at a residence in Brighton, NY, and seized a cellular phone belonging to Lane. A second search warrant was executed at a residence in Greece, NY. A forensic analysis of the phone recovered child pornography. A search warrant was also executed on Lane’s Yahoo account. That search recovered additional images of child pornography that were produced by Lane, in images that Lane obtained via the internet, and images of students at Spencerport High School that appear to have been take surreptitiously by Lane when he worked as a security guard at the school.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Elmira Man with Prior Child Sex Conviction Arrested on Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eugene R. Criss, Jr., 55, of Elmira, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 23, 2023, Criss shared suspected child pornography on a peer to peer sharing network with an undercover law enforcement employee. On April 5, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Criss’ residence, during which investigators seized multiple electronic devices to include a cellular telephone, laptop computer, USB thumb drive and a tablet. A review of the thumb drive recovered more than 1,000 files in more than 700 folders of suspected child pornography.
Criss made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pederson and was held pending a detention hearing on April 14, 2023.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Buffalo Man Who Led Multi-Million Dollar Narcotics Conspiracy That Stretched from Mexico to Buffalo Going to Prison for 27 YearsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Adrian Goudelock a/k/a AD, a/k/a Ace, a/k/a Ace Boogs, 40, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five kilograms or more of cocaine, attempted possession and possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine, and money laundering conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 324 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Co-defendant Shamar Davis, who was also convicted at trial, was previously sentenced to serve 150 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Jeremiah E. Lenihan, and Seth T. Molisani, who prosecuted the case, stated that Goudelock was a leader in a major narcotic trafficking operation that stretched from Mexico to Buffalo. An investigation began in October 2017 following the seizure of approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine and $259,960 in cash that was being shipped from El Paso, Texas to Buffalo. Bulk shipments of cocaine were delivered to Goudelock in the Buffalo area. A total of 77 kilograms of cocaine were delivered to Buffalo during the conspiracy and nearly $1,000,000 in bulk U.S. currency was seized during the investigation. A total of 12 defendants were identified, charged, and convicted in the case. In addition, 21 defendants were charged in the Eastern District of Kentucky and the Northern District of Ohio, resulting in the seizure of an additional $2,000,000 and approximately 41 kilograms of cocaine.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tremaine Jacobs a/k/a Teeter a/k/a T, 49, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to attempt to possess, with intent to distribute, cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on May 16, 2020, law enforcement learned that a package containing $7,000 worth of cocaine had been sent to Jacobs. That same day, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized a package addressed to 542 Goodyear Avenue, a residence associated with Jacobs. The package contained 248 grams of cocaine. On May 30, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence at 533 Goodyear Avenue, where investigators recovered approximately 16 ounces of suspected marijuana, approximately $10,507 in US currency, and jewelry.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2023 before Judge Vilardo.
Erie, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge After Having Sex with 15 Y/ORead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tristan Pearson, 26, Erie, PA, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan P. Cantil and Raymond J. Fadel, who are handling the case, stated that between January and May 2018, Pearson knowingly engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female (Victim) in the Western District of New York. On two separate occasions, Pearson filmed himself having sexual relations with the Victim using his cellular telephone. Pearson then distributed those videos to others via text message.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Bath Man with Prior Sex Offense Conviction Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Wormley, 38, of Bath, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2017, Wormley was convicted of attempted possession of a sexual performance of a child. In February 2021, Wormley possessed a cell phone containing approximately 800 images and two videos of child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent minors.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Yates County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Ronald Spike.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Steuben County Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James Miller, 63, of Corning, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2021, the New York State Police received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Miller’s email account uploaded suspected images of child pornography. On May 26, 2021, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Miller’s Fox Ridge Road residence, and seized several digital devices. A forensic review of a seized cell phone recovered 84 images of child pornography. Another review of a computer that was seized recovered 22 images of child pornography.
Miller made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak. 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 defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jamestown Felon Arrested on Gun and Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Glover, 39, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of five grams or more of methamphetamine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case stated that according to the complaint, on the morning of December 14, 2022, a Jamestown Police officer observed Glover in a vehicle. The officer knew that Glover was suspended from driving. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with Glover, who immediately advised that he had a pipe on his person. Glover then handed over a glass pipe that contained what appeared to be methamphetamine residue inside. Glover was detained and a search of the vehicle recovered a digital scale with white crystal residue and a pistol. Glover was charged in New York State Court and released on bail. On February 22, 2023, a Jamestown Police officer observed Glover in the passenger seat of another vehicle and was aware of his outstanding charges. The officer stopped the vehicle and observed drug paraphernalia a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine. Glover was again taken into custody. In 2019, Glover was convicted of a felony in Chautauqua County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
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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Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced for Hacking into Online Accounts of Wegmans CustomersRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Maurice Sheftall, 24, of Brooklyn, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to fraud and related activity in connection with computers. Judge Siragusa then sentenced Sheftall to serve three years’ probation and pay restitution totaling $41,441.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2021, Sheftall obtained the customer credentials, including logins and passwords, of more than 50 individuals who had accounts on www.wegmans.com. He then logged into the accounts and changed passwords and e-mail contact information, locking each customer out of his or her account. Sheftall than used the customers saved credit card information, without their knowledge, to order groceries and have those groceries delivered to himself and his associates. Between January 22, 2021, and July 25, 2021, Sheftall intentionally defrauded Wegmans and approximately 50 customers by placing approximately 25 fraudulent orders, totaling approximately $9,297.05. Actual losses totaled $41,441, to include reimbursement to customers, the purchase of credit monitoring for affected customers, and the purchase of dark web monitoring to determine where and how Sheftall obtained the customer account information he used to access the accounts.
The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Grand Jury Indicts Falconer Man in Cold Case Murder InvestigationRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Anthony Neubauer, 36, of Falconer, NY, kidnapping resulting in death. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case stated that according to the complaint, on May 27, 2014, Neubauer kidnapped an individual identified as J.A. Neubauer then transported J.A. from New York to Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of J.A.
Neubauer was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on March 28, 2023.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Former City Honors Teacher Sentenced to Serve 14 Years in Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Peter Hingston, 63, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of two counts of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison and 15 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that on June 17, 2019, Buffalo Police Officers were called to City Honors School, where Hingston worked as a middle school technology teacher, based on allegations that Hingston was taking inappropriate photographs of female students with a GoPro camera. Officers secured the GoPro digital camera from Hingston. A subsequent search of the camera resulted in the recovery of child pornography videos produced by Hingston, involving minor victims who were under his custody, care, and supervisory control when the sexually explicit images were produced. Investigators also searched an external hard drive possessed by Hingston, which contained additional videos of child pornography produced by Hingston, involving different minor victims, who were also was under his custody, care, and supervisory control.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
Buffalo Man Convicted by A Federal Jury for His Role in Murder of Three People in Front of Child Sentenced to Three Consecutive Life SentencesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Deandre Wilson, 51, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of multiple charges for his role in a narcotics conspiracy which resulted in a triple homicide, was sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences plus 30 years by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Following the six-week jury trial, Wilson was convicted of:
- narcotics conspiracy
- Hobbs Act robbery
- murder while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy
- discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking crimes
- two counts of discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking crimes
- conspiracy to obstruct justice
- two counts of obstruction of justice
- conspiracy to use fire to commit a felony
- two counts of use of fire to commit a felony
- conspiracy to damage and destroy a vehicle used in interstate commerce by fire
- damaging and destroying a vehicle used in interstate commerce by fire
- possession with intent to distribute marijuana
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Maeve E. Huggins, and Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in 2019, Deandre Wilson joined a longstanding narcotics conspiracy with co-defendants Jariel Cobb, James Reed, and others. Wilson, who had only recently been released to New York State parole after serving a lengthy prison term for Murder in the 2nd Degree, entered the conspiracy to obtain kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances for distribution. In furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy, on September 15, 2019, Cobb arranged a purchase of a kilogram of cocaine from Miguel Anthony Valentin-Colon and Dhamyl Roman-Audiffred, who served as Cobb’s sources of supply. Valentin-Colon, along with his wife. Nicole Marie Merced-Plaud, their minor son, and Roman-Audiffred, arrived in their vehicle, a white minivan, at a residence on Roebling Avenue, as directed by Cobb. Roman-Audiffred exited the van and entered the residence’s kitchen, at which time Wilson hit her in the head with a blunt object and she fell to the floor. Wilson then went outside and shot and killed both Valentin-Colon and Merced Plaud, in the presence of their minor son, who was seated in a child’s car seat. Wilson then drove the minivan and hid it behind a building on Scajaquada Street near Kilhoffer Street in Buffalo.
A short time later, Cobb and Reed moved the body of Dhamyl Roman-Audiffred from the kitchen into the residence’s basement, where Cobb dismembered her body. Cobb placed the body parts into multiple trash bags and placed them into the trunk of his vehicle, and then drove to a residence on Box Avenue, removed the trash bags, and placed them into a burning fire in a fire pit area in the backyard. Wilson later joined his co-conspirators on Box to assist in the destruction of evidence.
During the early morning hours of September 16, 2019, Wilson and Cobb retrieved the minivan from Scajaquada Street, with the bodies of Miguel Valentin-Colon and Nicole Marie Merced-Plaud still inside, as well as their minor son. Wilson and Cobb drove the minivan to a non-residential area on Tonawanda Street and doused the vehicle and the bodies with gasoline, lighting the vehicle and bodies on fire. They took the minor child and left him on a stranger’s porch on Potomac Avenue in Buffalo.
Jariel Cobb and James Reed were previously convicted and also face a maximum of life when sentenced.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; the Erie County Central Police Services Forensic Laboratory, under the direction of Commissioner James Jancewicz.
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Former Rochester Pawn Shop Owner Going to Prison for Selling Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Devin Tribunella, 39, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of transportation of stolen goods in interstate commerce, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Tribunella was also ordered to forfeit a 2008 Lamborghini, a 2014 Mercedes Benz, a 2014 Rolls Royce, a 2015 Porsche, the contents of three bank accounts totaling $155,182.87, and a $1,600,000 money judgment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that Tribunella owned and operated Royal Crown Pawn & Jewelry on Dewey Avenue in Rochester. Tribunella and an employee purchased stolen goods and merchandise from individuals, commonly referred to as “boosters,” who shoplifted the goods and merchandise from Rochester area retail stores. Tribunella routinely advised the boosters what type of merchandise to steal from the retail stores, such as Lowes, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart, and then paid the boosters a fraction of the true retail value for the goods. Tribunella listed the stolen goods for sale on eBay, advertising the goods as “New” or “New-In-Box” and priced below retail value. Between January 2017, and November 2019, Tribunella sold and shipped (or caused to be shipped) approximately $3,248,426 worth of those stolen goods to buyers located outside of New York State.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
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Registered Sex Offender Going to Prison for 10 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Matthew Bald, 42, of Lockport, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor by a person having a prior conviction for sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, or abusive sexual contact involving a minor or ward, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who handled the case, stated that in November 2011, Bald was convicted in Niagara County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and sentenced to serve six months in prison and 10 years’ probation. On December 15, 2020, while still on probation, Bald possessed more than 600 images of child pornography on a laptop computer. Some of the images of child pornography depicted prepubescent minors.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, the Niagara County Probation Department, under the direction of Director John Cicchetti, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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