Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Rochester Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking and Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Julio A. Rodriguez, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 174 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that stated that Rodriguez was part of a group of individuals that ran a drug house at 192 Weaver Street in Rochester, selling fentanyl from the house in 2019 and 2020. On February 25, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at the Weaver Street residence. During the search, they recovered approximately 11 grams of fentanyl, materials used to process and package controlled substances for street-level distribution, two digital scales, a strainer, five bags of new and unused small Ziploc bags, a bag of small black rubber bands, medical masks and latex gloves, and $10,445 in cash, all of which consisted of proceeds from the distribution of fentanyl.
Rodriguez admitted selling a quantity of fentanyl that caused an 18-year-old female to suffer a fatal overdose in 2018. The victim and a group of her friends obtained fentanyl from Rodriguez at the Weaver Street drug house. The victim returned to her home in Ontario County, used the fentanyl, and died in her bedroom from a fentanyl overdose.
The sentencing 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 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David M. Smith.
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Prior Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Francis C. Bynoe, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie M. Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on September 29, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bynoe’s Rochester residence, seizing four firearms, ammunition, quantities of cocaine and a substance containing fentanyl, heroin, and para-fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue), and items commonly used to cook cocaine into cocaine crack. In April 2012, Bynoe was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and as a result is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 6, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.# # # #
Prior Felon Arrested on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert Bibbins, 50, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography after having previously been convicted of a child pornography offense. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in 2015, Bibbins was convicted of a child pornography offense in New York State Court and sentenced to a jail term and 10 years probation. In 2020, Bibbins violated probation and was sentenced to serve one to three years. On September 19, 2022, he was released after having served two years. Three days later, during a routine search, parole officers discovered an internet-capable cellular phone secreted in a trash can at the half-way house where Bibbins was living. An initial review recovered images of children in sexually explicit poses, as well as naked children. A full forensic examination uncovered multiple images of child pornography.
The criminal complaint 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 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Drugs Which Cuased Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Bradley D. Knapp, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Knapp bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and his own use, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking activities. Knapp also used a West 9th Street residence in Jamestown to facilitate the manufacture, packaging, and distribution of the illegal drugs. On August 12, 2020, Knapp sold approximately a gram of heroin/fentanyl to an individual identified as M.H. The next day, on August 13, 2020, M.H. took approximately .5 grams of the heroin/fentanyl, overdosed, and stopped breathing. M.H. received multiple doses of Narcan and was revived.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 28, 2023, before Judge Arcara.
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Williamsville Man Going to Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christopher D. Robbins, 61, of Williamsville, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 72 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 January 2020, Robbins was identified as a member of a group on Kik used to exchange images and videos of child pornography. Subsequently, on July 2, 2020, the FBI executed a search warrant at Robbins’ residence in Williamsville, seizing several electronic items that contained child pornography.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Milwaukee Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Robert E. Hughes; the Buffalo Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Stansbury; and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
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Buffalo Man Charged with Conspiracy to Possess and Smuggling Machine GunsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Angel Flores, 34, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with conspiracy to possess machine guns and smuggling machine guns, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 27, 2022, Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a parcel, sent from China, at the FedEx facility at the Memphis International Airport in Memphis, Tennessee. The contents of the parcel were described as “plastic spring buckles used for clothes,” but an examination of the parcel found that it actually contained parts for several Machine Gun Conversion Devices (MCDs), which were concealed in a bag comingled among black plastic drawstring clips. The parcel, addressed to a residence on Sweet Avenue in Buffalo, was seized and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. Subsequent investigation determined Flores resides at the Sweet Street address.
On November 9, 2022, an investigator delivered the parcel, without the MCDs, to the front steps of the Sweet Avenue residence. A short time later, Flores took the parcel inside before exiting the residence, at which time he was taken into custody.Flores made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, 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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Jamestown Woman Pleads Guilty for Her Role in Narcotics Conspiracy Which Resulted in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rachelle N. Allison, 36, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between 2019, and June 2022, conspired with others, including her then boyfriend Ryan Bloom, to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, Allison bought and sold the illegal narcotics for profit and her own use, utilizing Facebook to conduct her drug trafficking activities and to assist Bloom, which included making drug deals with associates, suppliers, and customers. Allison and Bloom also utilized a Fairview Avenue residence in Jamestown to conduct their drug trafficking activities, which resulted in numerous overdoses occurred at that location.
On April 5, 2020, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office responded to Hoag Road residence in Ashville, NY, for a possible overdose death. Upon arrival, an individual identified as D.R., was found deceased. A search of D.R.’s cellular telephone revealed Facebook messages between D.R. and Bloom the previous day that were drug related. Allison admits that she and Bloom distributed heroin and fentanyl to D.R. the day before D.R.’s death. On July 19, 2020, Bloom sold heroin and fentanyl to an individual identified as A.R. at the Fairview Avenue residence, resulting in A.R. overdosing. After receiving two doses of Narcan, A.R. and was revived and regained consciousness. Allison called emergency services to revive and assist A.R.
Charges remain pending against Ryan Bloom.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Greece Man Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jason Lane, 27, of Greece, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July and August 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received tips from Yahoo that a Yahoo user uploaded approximately 260 files of possible child pornography. NCMEC forwarded the information to the New York State Police. 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. A second search warrant was executed at a residence in Greece, NY. A forensic analysis of the phone recovered one file of child pornography, and two files of child erotica. A search warrant was also executed on Lane’s Yahoo account. That search recovered 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 complaint 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.
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 Charged with Throwing A Brick at A Window at the FBIRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Octavio Smith, 43, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with destruction of government property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 9, 2022, Smith was observed throwing a brick at a window of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. Smith was immediately detained by on-site security personnel at the scene. The complaint further states that Smith stated to Buffalo Police Officers that he did this “get the FBI's attention.” Federal Protective Services personnel also responded to the scene and surveyed the damage to the window, which was found to be severely cracked and needed to be replaced. The damage is estimated at approximately $5,000.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Federal Protective Services.
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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Niagara Falls Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from Investment Firm ClientsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jennifer Campbell, 47, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that Campbell was employed as the Office Manager and Chief Compliance Officer at an investment advisory firm based in Buffalo, with access to client accounts. Between November 2018, and May 2021, Campbell used this access to steal over $500,000 from several clients and from the firm itself, primarily by writing checks from client accounts, forging the signatures of either the client or a principal at the firm, and then depositing the checks into her own personal account.
Campbell took various steps to conceal her theft. In one instance, she sent a victim a falsified account statement that purported to show an account balance of approximately $148,000, when in fact the account at the time had a balance of only $93. In another instance, Campbell took funds from a client and transferred them to the bank account of one of her earlier victims. Finally, Campbell gained access to the email accounts of the firm’s principals and diverted emails that they received from anti-money laundering and financial crimes personnel at the firm’s broker-dealer, who had begun to raise questions about some of the transactions that Campbell had engaged in. In an effort to put off these inquiries, Campbell sent several emails using the email account of a firm principal. In these emails, Campbell made various false statements and submitted fake documentation in an effort to make the transactions appear legitimate.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo
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Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl That Led to A DeathRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Garson E. Butcher, 30, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to with distribution of fentanyl causing death, narcotics conspiracy, and using and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between March 2020, and June 2021, Butcher and co-defendant Alisha Centi conspired with others to possess and sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. On March 29, 2020, Butcher and Centi sold fentanyl which resulted in the death of an individual identified as T.R. On September 28, 2020, Butcher and Centi sold heroin to an individual identified as K.K., who overdosed but regained consciousness after receiving multiple doses of Narcan. In addition, Butcher and Centi used residences on Fairview Avenue and Roland Road to manufacture and distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
Charges remain pending against Alisha Centi.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Substitute Teacher Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Marc Hoffman, 25, of Fairport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession and receipt of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 19, 2022, the Fairport School district received information that Hoffman, a substitute teacher in the district at the time, contacted a minor on social media asking for sexually explicit photos. The minor was not a Fairport student. The district alerted law enforcement officers and terminated Hoffman. Subsequent investigation determined that Hoffman allegedly communicated online with multiple minor victims, one as young as 13-years-old. Those communications included the exchange of sexually explicit photos. Investigators seized Hoffman’s cell phone, which was found to contain some of these alleged communications, as well as images of child pornography.
Hoffman made an initial appearance today 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, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury.
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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USA Ross Appoints District Election Officer Ahead of Election DayRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Paul E. Bonanno will lead efforts in her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Bonanno has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of New York, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Ross said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney Ross stated that, “it is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Bonanno will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 716-843-5700.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 716-856-7800.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Wyoming County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ronald Longhini, 60, of Warsaw, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on April 28, 2021, during the execution of a search warrant at Longhini’s residence, investigators recovered two laptop computers, which were found to contain images and videos of child pornography. In total, Longhini possessed over 458 images and 1094 videos of child pornography, some of which included prepubescent minors and depictions of violence.The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury; the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gregory J. Rudolph; and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2023, before Judge Arcara.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tyshawn T. Babers, 29, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. 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 at approximately 2:00 a.m. on August 8, 2022, Rochester Police Officers responded to 231 Hudson Avenue for family trouble involving a gun. After arriving on the scene, officers spoke to a victim who stated that she and her ex-boyfriend, Babers, got into a verbal argument, during which Babers pulled out a black handgun. While officers were investigating, Babers quietly exited 231 Hudson Avenue. Officers then searched the residence and recovered a loaded handgun in an upstairs bedroom. In March 2012, Babers was convicted in Monroe County Court of weapons possession and robbery and is legally prohibited from a firearm and ammunition.
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 the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Smith 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 December 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Federal Jury Convicts Buffalo Man for His Role in Murder of Three People in Front of A ChildRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted Deandre Wilson of multiple charges for his role in a narcotics conspiracy which resulted in a triple homicide. Following the six-week jury trial, Wilson was found guilty 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 marijuanaAssistant 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.
Wilson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced. Jariel Cobb and James Reed were previously convicted and also face a maximum of life when sentenced.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury; 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial.
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Former Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to COVID FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mohammad Fares, 28, formerly of Buffalo, now of Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to theft of government property, which 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 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 plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2022, before Judge Vilardo.
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Four Suspected Niagara Falls Gang Members Charged with Narcotics ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that four defendants have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Named in the complaint are:
• Cameron Lee a/k/a Killer a/k/a Killer Cam, 28;
• Michael Pryor a/k/a Ikey, 25;
• Shawn Pryor a/k/a Ghost, 31; and
• Ahmadja Greene, 28, all of Niagara Falls, NY.Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in January 2022, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Niagara Falls Police Department, and Niagara County Sheriff's Office began investigating a criminal street gang with ties to the “Crips,” operating in and around Niagara Falls and Rochester, NY. Lee, Michael Pryor, Shawn Pryor, and Greene were identified as members/associates of the Crips. The investigation revealed that the four defendants conspired to sell crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. Between March and July 2022, investigators conducted seven controlled purchases from the defendants. In addition, between August and October 2022, investigators conducted six controlled purchases from Michael Pryor and between August and September 2022, they conducted three controlled purchases from Shawn Pryor. The investigation also determined that during the conspiracy, Michael Pryor and Shawn Pryor pistol whipped and beat a person believed to be involved in narcotics trafficking.
On October 13, 2022, a search warrant was executed Cameron Lee’s Orleans Avenue residence, during which investigators seized approximately 59 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 78 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl, jewelry, three cellular telephones, and approximately $19,000 in United States currency.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Faso, and the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Brighton High School Teacher Arrested, Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Louis Carusone, 44, of Webster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 10, 2022, Carusone, a high school physics teacher in the Brighton School District, shared a video and images containing child pornography in an online peer-to-peer file-sharing network, which were downloaded by an undercover law enforcement officer. Between October 14 and 15, 2022, the officer downloaded more files containing child pornography that were shared from Carusone’s IP address.
On October 21, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Carusone’s Webster residence and seized multiple devices including a tablet, SD cards, a laptop, desktop computers and phones. A preliminary review of one of the cell phones seized recovered 11 videos that Carusone appears to have recorded himself, between August 16 and October 13, 2022. It appears that he surreptitiously recorded and photographed female students in his classroom. Carusone also appears to have surreptitiously recorded both minors and adults in public places, to include what appears to be a water park, where he recorded both adults and children in bathing suits. In addition, a preliminary review of one of the desktop computers recovered approximately 2,030 images and 21 videos of child pornography.
Members of the public who have specific information related to this case are urged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (585) 279-0085.
Carusone made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions, to include electronic monitoring.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Stansbury.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Convicted Felon Going Back to Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jose F. Ramos, 36, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and violation of supervised release, was sentenced to serve 40 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that Ramos was arrested on June 20, 2021, after employees at the McDonald’s Restaurant on Upper Falls Boulevard in Rochester, reported a drive-thru patron displaying a handgun and threatening to shoot an employee. Officers determined Ramos was riding in the vehicle but departed the location by the time police officers arrived. While reviewing video surveillance, officers observed Ramos grabbing at his waist-band area after he exited the passenger side of the vehicle, approach the drive-thru window and throw a drink tray through the window. Ramos was arrested nearby on North Clinton Avenue. Officers found a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun on the floor of the passenger seat.
In June 2010, Ramos was convicted in Federal Court for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy and sentenced to serve 132 months in prison. At the time of his latest arrest, Ramos was serving a term of supervised release and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
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 sentencing was 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, New York Field Division.
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Court of Appeals Affirms Conviction and Sentence of Former Xerox Employee Sentenced to Life in Prison for Credit Union Robbery and MurderRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. —U. S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has affirmed the conviction and sentence of Richard Leon Wilbern.
On November 8, 2019, following a five-week trial, a federal jury convicted Wilbern of the August 12, 2003, armed robbery of the Xerox Federal Credit Union, which resulted in the death of Raymond Batzel. On September 22, 2020, Wilbern was sentenced to serve life in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, who presided over the trial of the case.
On August 12, 2003, Wilbern walked into Xerox Federal Credit Union, located on the Xerox Corporation campus in Webster, NY, and told an employee that he was there to conduct a security assessment and to “stage” a robbery. Wilbern then shot customer Raymond Batzel in the neck which resulted in his death. A second customer, Joseph Doud, was shot and wounded as he attempted to run outside after witnessing the shooting. Wilbern subsequently fled the credit union with a bag of money but left behind an umbrella.In March 2016, with a suspect still not in custody, a press conference was held seeking new leads in the investigation. Details of the crime were released as well as photographs of Wilbern committing the robbery. On March 27, 2016, a concerned citizen contacted the FBI and indicated that the person who committed the crime was likely a former Xerox employee named Richard Wilbern, an employee who worked for Xerox prior to the robbery but had been fired. In July 2016, FBI agents met with Wilbern regarding a complaint he had made to the FBI regarding an alleged real estate scam. During one of their meetings, agents obtained a DNA sample from Wilbern after he licked and sealed an envelope. That DNA was compared to DNA taken from the umbrella left behind by the suspect the day of the robbery and was determined to be a positive match.
In his appeal, Wilbern raised DNA, counsel, juror, and witness issues but his arguments were rejected, and the verdict and sentence were affirmed.
On appeal, the government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Gregory.
The Xerox investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Webster Police Department, the New York State Police, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the Rochester Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas E. Gregory and Joel L. Violanti.
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Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Fadden, 49, of Savona, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography by an individual who has a prior conviction involving the sexual abuse of a child. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in March 2021, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received two cybertip reports from Yahoo! Inc. that in February and March, 2021, user [email protected] uploaded approximately 185 image files of suspected child pornography. In October 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Fadden’s residence and seized nine electronic devices and storage media. A forensic analysis recovered approximately 278 images on those devices.
Fadden is a Level 3 registered sex offender. He was convicted in 1991, 1992, and 2001 of Sexual Abuse 1st: Sexual Contact with Individual Less Than 11 Years Old. In 2013, Fadden was convicted of Sex Offender Fail to Report Change of Address/Status In 10 Days.
The plea is a 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 Eugene Staniszewski.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Two Rochester Men Arrested, Charged with Defrauding Two Victims Out of Tens of Thousands of DollarsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Timothy Siverd, 34, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud and money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in November 2021, Siverd was a vice president at Tompkins Community Bank. According to the complaint, Siverd defrauded a person that he knew (Victim 1) through multiple schemes, including:
• In November 2021, Siverd convinced Victim 1 to invest in $25,000 in a group of four residential duplexes in Rochester. A few weeks later in December 2021, Siverd contacted Victim 1 and stated that the real estate investment had been called off, purportedly due to a mold issue. Victim 1 requested his investment of $25,000 be returned to him, but Siverd encouraged Victim 1 to instead commit an additional $10,000 to open a savings account at Tompkins bank that was getting a higher-than-average rate of return. Siverd never opened the account for Victim 1.
• Also in December 2021, Siverd encouraged Victim 1 to invest in a complex of townhomes on Cedar Rock Road in Webster, NY, known as “The Carriages at Cedar Rock.” Siverd convinced Victim 1 to make payments totaling $48,429 for the alleged purchase.
• In January 2022, Victim 1 agreed to purchase a house on Keuka Lake house with Siverd and in February 2022, Victim 1 wired $40,000 to an account controlled by Siverd.
• Also in January 2022, Siverd encouraged Victim 1 to invest $35,000 to purchase “Creek Crossing Townhomes” in Hilton, NY.In March 2022, Siverd approached Victim 2, another person that he knew, with a series of investment opportunities. Siverd again convinced Victim 2 to invest in multiple fraudulent schemes, including:
• Victim 2 invested $169,191.55 for the purchase of “Greenwood Townhomes” in Rochester.
• Siverd also convinced Victim 2 to invest $52,200 towards the acquisition of a company.
• Siverd stated to Victim 2 that he was experiencing cash flow problems, which resulted in a $25,000 loan from Victim 2 to Siverd.
• Victim 2 also invested $100,000 in the Dunwood Green Apartments.None of the properties that Siverd convinced his victims to “invest” in were actually for sale and Siverd used the Victims’ money to pay a co-conspirator and for gambling and personal expenses.
In total, Victim 1 paid Siverd approximately $158,429, believing that Siverd was investing the funds in various real estate transactions. Eventually realizing that the transactions were fraudulent, Victim 1 demanded repayment. Siverd returned $108,429 of Victim 1’s funds, using funds fraudulently obtained from Victim 2. In total, Victim 2 paid Siverd $346,511.55, also believing the funds would be invested in various real estate and financial transactions. Siverd never returned any of Victim 2’s funds.
The complaints are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino 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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Grand Jury Indicts Rochester Man on Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Christopher M. Mancuso, 50, of Rochester, NY, with bank robbery and entering a bank with intent to commit a larceny. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on December 22, 2021, co-defendant Robert D. Postlethwaite, entered the M&T Bank on Long Pond Road in Greece, NY, approached a commercial teller station, and passed a demand note which read something to the effect of, “Don’t be alarmed. This is a robbery. Put bills $50 and up in the paper. I’ll be gone in 30 seconds.” After receiving $977, Postlethwaite fled the bank and got into the passenger seat of a red truck. The following evening, on December 23, 2021, the red truck was located by law enforcement with two occupants in Rochester. The driver was identified as Mancuso, and the passenger was identified as Postlethwaite. The defendants were taken into custody. On December 28, 2021, Greece Police executed a search warrant on the red truck and recovered $120 in cash, clothing consistent with descriptions of the two defendants, and two cell phones. Mancuso had just been released from Federal Probation supervision after being convicted of robbing four banks between November 2012 and January 2014, including the M&T Long Pond Road branch.
Robert Postlethwaite was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jeremy Bell, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Cheektowaga Man Charged with Possession of More Than 200,000 Images of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael P. Daly, 47, of Cheektowaga, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2019, the New York State Police (NYSP) received a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Cybertipline report indicating that an image of child pornography was uploaded to their network. Subsequent investigation traced the image to Daly. On October 22, 2020, NYSP executed a search warrant at Daly’s residence in Cheektowaga, seizing a laptop computer, a flash drive, and an iPhone. A forensic search of all three items recovered over 230,000 images and 95 videos of child pornography. Some of the images include prepubescent minors and depictions of violence.
Daly made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., and was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jeremy Bell, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould.
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.# # # #
Tonawanda Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in Debt Collection SchemeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Greg MacKinnon, 56, of the City of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2011, and April 27, 2017, MacKinnon operated Vantage Point Services, a debt collection business. MacKinnon and others involved in the conspiracy fraudulently and unlawfully collected on debt, earning income exceeding $10,000 every year from such criminal activity. MacKinnon, and his co-conspirators, diverted money from Vantage Point Services to other debt collection business entities controlled by the co-conspirators. The money was diverted, and made to appear as ordinary business expenses, to avoid reporting income exceeding $10,000 in any year from criminal activity and paying income taxes.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 18, 2023, before Judge Arcara.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for More Than 12 Years for Selling Fentanyl That Led to Overdose, and RobberyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Andrew D. Williams, 26, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and para-flourofentanyl, and Hobbs Act robbery, was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that on February 19, 2020, Williams robbed Annie’s Stop & Shop, on Culver Road in Irondequoit. During the robbery, Williams pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the head of the female owner of the store. Williams and an accomplice stole $460 and some grocery items during the robbery.
On April 6, 2021, Williams sold fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to a 21-year-old male, who later suffered an overdose and was found unresponsive. Emergency personnel revived the male after giving him two doses of Narcan. On June 10, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence on Strathmore Circle in Rochester, during which they recovered 458 glassine bags of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, $2,978 in drug proceeds, drug packaging materials, and numerous rounds of firearm ammunition.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Team, which includes the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David M. Smith; and the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Laird.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for His Role in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Deshan Scott, 23, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that between September and October 26, 2021, Scott conspired with others to sell cocaine. In the early morning of October 26, 2021, investigators executed search warrants at numerous locations associated with the narcotics conspiracy, including a residence on Bernard Street. At that location, Scott worked as a lookout for the organization, watching for threats to their operation such as law enforcement or armed robbers, while other co-conspirators sold street-level quantities of cocaine to customers. When Scott saw law enforcement approaching, he threw a loaded 9mm handgun out of a window, which was found on a roof ledge outside a window. During the search of the residence, law enforcement also recovered 200 plastic vials of cocaine and $2,310 United States currency.
The sentencing 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; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Thomas Brophy; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Philip Povero; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief David M. Smith; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi; and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge and Failing to Appear in CourtRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Edwin Colon, 28, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and failure to appear after pre-trial release before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz W. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that on March 19, 2018, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Colon’s Hickory Street residence in Buffalo, recovering a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a quantity of cocaine. Colon was subsequently indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Following his arraignment, Colon was released on conditions, with orders to return to federal court on April 16 and May 7, 2019. However, Colon failed to appear as required, and an arrest warrant was issued. Colon was arrested on the warrant in October 2019.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jeremy Bell.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 8, 2023, before Judge Sinatra.# # # #
Buffalo Man Going to Prison for His Role in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Louis Gilbert, 44, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Antoine and Laura A. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that between July 2019, and January 10, 2020, the defendant conspired with others to sell cocaine. On January 10, 2020, Gilbert, and co-defendant Saan Thompson engaged in a text communication regarding a drug sale. Thereafter, investigators set up surveillance in the vicinity of 189 May Street and observed Thompson and Gilbert meet inside of the residence. Afterwards, Erie County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Gilbert was driving and he was found in possession of suspected cocaine. Saan Thompson was previously convicted.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jeremy Bell; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito.
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Georgia Man Going to Prison for His Role in Cocaine Conspiracy Stretching from El Paso, Texas to BuffaloRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Adrian Grier, 47, of Jackson, Georgia, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that between October 2017 and December 7, 2018, Grier conspired with 11 others to sell cocaine. One of Grier’s co-defendants brokered bulk quantity cocaine to multiple areas in the country including Buffalo, Kentucky, and Georgia. On two occasions, Grier coordinated trips to Kentucky to acquire kilograms of cocaine and was intercepted discussing plans to increase the quantity of cocaine he could obtain in Georgia.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; 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. Additional assistance was provided by HSI-Louisville; the Kentucky State Police; the Louisville Metro Police; and the Greater Hardin County Drug Task Force.
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Buffalo Felon Going to Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Frankie Cook, 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams of heroin and 40 grams of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that on February 11, 2020, in Erie County Court, Cook was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. On February 26, 2020, Erie County Probation officers went to Cook’s residence on Dartmouth Avenue in Buffalo, for an initial information visit. During the visit, officers discovered what appeared to be a drug preparation station with gloves, masks, and plastic bags in the basement. Officers then searched the basement and found a hidden safe with approximately 240 grams of fentanyl, 156 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a .45 caliber magazine, .45 caliber ammunition, 9mm ammunition, and a stolen loaded 9mm handgun inside.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Probation Department, under the direction of Commissioner Michelle Olszowy; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Conspiracy and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Timothy Jacobs a/k/a Dollar, 44, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that Jacobs was a member of a narcotics conspiracy between 2019 and September 29, 2021. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Jacobs obtained quantities of cocaine from co-conspirators and distributed the cocaine from a Lewis Street residence in Rochester. He also stored cocaine and firearms at that location. On September 29, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at the Lewis Street residence and recovered a loaded a ghost gun and approximately 20 grams of cocaine, as well as cocaine packaged for sale.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for Transferring Shotgun and Ammunition to Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Donald P. Oshier, 56, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of transferring a firearm and ammunition to a convicted felon, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that, on October 27, 2020, Oshier gave a 12-gauge shotgun and 25 rounds of ammunition to Stephen Pattison, knowing that Pattison was previously been convicted of a felony. Pattison was convicted of Domestic Assault in the Second Degree in Boone County, Missouri, in December 2016, and was legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. In addition, Oshier knew that Pattison wanted the shotgun and ammunition for the purpose of shooting Black Lives Matter (BLM) and/or Antifa protesters if they came to his neighborhood, and that Pattison had previously threatened BLM and Antifa protesters with physical harm. Pattison had previously stated, “Go ahead n*****, defund the police so . . . so I can just start (expletive) murderin’ you all in a genocidal rate by (expletive) myself. They’ll be callin’ me the angel of death. They’ll be callin’ me the new Josef Mengele.” Pattison was charged and convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and sentenced to serve 96 months in prison. Pattison’s girlfriend, Rochelle Pfenninger, was convicted of making false statements to the FBI during the investigation, and sentenced to probation with six month of home confinement.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Joint Terrorism Task Force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Convicted Felon Who Discharged A Gun at Amtrak and House of Mercy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Alejandro Rivera, 36, of Schenectady, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that in April 2021, Rivera traveled from Schenectady to Rochester, NY, on an Amtrak train. As he was exiting the station, Rivera pulled a 9mm pistol from his waistband and fired the pistol, apparently accidentally, into the wall with multiple people in the area, many of whom ran for cover. Rivera then picked up the spent shell casing from the floor and exited the train station. As he approached the area of Central and Joseph Avenues in Rochester, Rivera fired another round into the air. After leaving the Amtrak station, Rivera went to the parking lot at the House of Mercy on Ormond Street in Rochester, where he got into an argument. After a security guard came out of the House of Mercy to see what was happening, Rivera again fired the 9mm pistol. Rochester Police Officers were called to the scene, but Rivera fled on foot. Approximately a week later, Rivera was arrested by Rochester Police Officers near the Amtrak station.
Following Rivera’s arrest, Rochester Police investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Rivera’s mother on Joseph Avenue. During the search, they recovered the loaded 9mm pistol. Rivera has four prior felony convictions and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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, New York Field Division, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Amtrak Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sam Dotson.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Western District of New York Takes Part in Department's Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“The participation of this office in the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force provides us with another tool in our toolbox to protect this population of vulnerable community members,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “We will work diligently to track down and prosecute all individuals who take advantage of older adults in our community by committing fraud on those individuals.
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. These defendants included:
• Martin Hogan, of Montreal Canada, was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and sentenced to serve 111 months in prison. Hogan conspired with multiple co-defendants to defraud elderly victims by placing telephone calls from Canada to victims in the United States, telling them that they had won the Canadian lottery. However, victims were told that they had to first pay the taxes, brokerage fee, and/or custom fees due in connection with the winnings. In total, elderly victims were defrauded out of more than $2,600,000.
• Jennifer Campbell, of Niagara Falls, NY, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Campbell, who was employed as the Office Manager and Chief Compliance Officer at an investment advisory firm based in Buffalo, NY, is accused of accessing client accounts and stealing over $500,000 from several clients and from the firm itself.
• Brian Bartz, of Rochester, NY, was convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, and sentenced to serve 70 months in prison. Bartz was employed as an insurance broker at several different life insurance companies, selling and servicing policies and receiving commissions and bonuses for selling such policies. Bartz submitted approximately 105 fraudulent policy applications in various individuals’ names without their knowledge, utilizing actual names, social security numbers, and dates of birth. In total, the loss amount for Bartz’s schemes was approximately $1,026,668.46.
• Thomas Mann, of Addison, NY, was convicted of wire fraud and sentenced to serve 24 months in prison. Mann was treasurer of the Transport Investment Club, which had approximately 25 investing members, and had sole control over the TIC bank accounts and the TIC investment accounts at brokerage firms. By February 2020, TIC’s investments should have been worth approximately $290,614.05. In actuality, Mann had embezzled all but $707.74 of TIC’s stock holdings.The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult, and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Defendants Plead Guilty; Four Others Charged in International Marriage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Vishal Kamal Chhabria, 41, of Lake Forest, Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that between April 2018, and March 16, 2022, Chhabria conspired with others to commit marriage fraud. Chhabria, a licensed attorney, provided legal representation to fraudulently married couples when they petitioned U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services for a Green Card for the foreign national spouse, knowing the couples were in a “contract marriage,” for the sole purpose of obtaining a Green Card. Chhabria assisted the couples in completing necessary forms with false representations, gathering, manufacturing and submitting false documentation, coaching the couples to falsely hold themselves out as legitimately married and evade detection by officials at CIS interviews, and personally accompany the couples to their CIS interviews. Chhabria submitted more than six packages containing false documents for Green Cards based on fraudulent marriages. Chhabria is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
In addition, Delaina Shaw, 36, of Pomfret Center, Connecticut, also pleaded guilty before Judge Sinatra to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Shaw served as a marriage broker, connecting foreign nationals from India seeking legal permanent resident status in the U.S. with U.S. citizens willing to enter a fraudulent marriage for payment. Shaw made the arrangements for the foreign national and U.S. citizen to obtain a marriage license, participated in the marriage ceremony, and then prepared CIS forms and supporting documents for submission to CIS on behalf of the application for a Green Card. In exchange for her role as a broker, Shaw was compensated with thousands of dollars for every marriage she facilitated. In April 2018, Shaw entered a “contract marriage” of her own with a male foreign national born in India.
A federal grand jury has also returned an indictment charging three defendants with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and marriage fraud. Named in the indictment are:
• Amelia Adams, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts;
• Barbara Yater, 43, of Norwich, Connecticut; and
• Vivek Patel, 32, a citizen of the UK and resident of North Carolina.According to the indictment, on July 10, 2019, defendant Adams married an individual she believed to be a foreign national born India, for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. The foreign national was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement officer. After the marriage ceremony, Adams posed for staged photographs with the undercover officer to be used in the petition for a Green Card. In September 2020, Adams executed false estate planning documents, such as a will and power of attorney for use as supporting documentation to be submitted to CIS. She also met with the undercover officer to create and rehearse fictitious details of her marriage in preparation for a CIS interview the following day. In October 2020, and May 2021, defendants Yater and Patel also married individuals they believed were foreign nationals for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. Each of the alleged foreign nationals were undercover law enforcement officers.
Two additional defendants, Dishant Patel, 24, and Shweta Patel, 23, citizens of India living in Indianapolis, Indiana, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. According to the complaint, in January 2022, Dishant Patel and Shweta Patel entered into fraudulent marriages at Hamburg, NY, Town Hall in the Western District of New York in order to apply for a Green Card. Once again, the marriages were to undercover law enforcement officers.
The pleas, indictment and complaint are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, Chicago Field Office under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Karen Whalen, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes.
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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Wolcott Man Who Attempted to Have Sex with A 12 Year-Old Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob Ritchie, 37, of Wolcott, NY, pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography following a prior conviction for a child sex abuse offense before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 80 years, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between November 2021, and February 2022, Ritchie engaged in sexually explicit online communications with an undercover New York State Police Investigator, who Ritchie believed was a 12-year-old female. During these conversations, Ritchie repeatedly asked the child to produce and send to him images of child pornography. He also attempted to persuade the child to meet him for sex. Ritchie also sent images of child pornography in an attempt to groom the child for sexual activity. The images depicted children as young as eight-years-old engaged in sexual activity with adults. Ritchie also made numerous references to possible sexual contact with a minor relative while communicating with the undercover investigator.
In February 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Ritchie’s residence, where they recovered a cell phone containing dozens of images of child pornography. Some of the images depicted the sexual abuse of children as young as toddlers, and children being subjected to violence. A subsequent search of Ritchie’s social media found that he engaged in multiple online conversations during which he openly discussed sexually abusing children and traded child pornography. Ritchie admitted to sexually abusing multiple children, to include a child as young as five-years-old. He is a level 3 sex offender following child sexual abuse convictions in 2012, 2016, and 2017.
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 Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2023, before Judge Siragusa.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Being A Felon in Possession of A GunRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Warren L. Tisdale, 53, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to being felon in possession of a firearm, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on September 29, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Tisdale’s home on Central Park in Rochester. During the search, they recovered a semiautomatic rifle in a closet, as well as drug paraphernalia in the kitchen, including a vacuum sealer, digital scale, vacuum sealer bags and numerous new and unused baggies.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert T. Scott, 29, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge 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 between May 8 and September 29, 2021 Scott purchased two firearms in Bowling Green, Kentucky and transferred them to individuals residing in Rochester. The firearms were recovered during the execution of search warrants on September 29, 2021, at residences on A Place and 127 Pennsylvania Avenue in Rochester.
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 January 5, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Fentanyl Trafficker Going to PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cardell Richardson, 33, of Chili, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of para-flourofentanyl, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that in June and July of 2021, investigators purchased suspected fentanyl from Richardson on three separate occasions. On July 22, 2021, investigators searched Richardson’s residence on Forsythia Drive in Chili, seizing multiple quantities of fentanyl and para-flourofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, as well as nearly $4,000 in cash, a digital scale and drug packaging material. Richardson, who was arrested outside his residence, was found with 76 decks of para-flourofentanyl and $590 in his possession.
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 sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Kaylen Edwards, 24, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon-in-possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who is handling the case, stated that on November 7, 2020, Edwards was identified on social media flashing a black and silver handgun and wearing a distinct black and red jacket inside a limousine bus. Later that day, law enforcement sent a photo of the social media post to Cheektowaga Police Officers responding to Pinehurst Avenue, where a limousine bus party was being let out, following a report of disorderly persons. Officers observed Edwards getting into the front passenger seat of a vehicle with Georgia license plates and leave the area. The officers then observed the vehicle in violation of multiple vehicle and traffic infractions and conducted a traffic stop. The officers observed a marijuana cigar end in the center console area and immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Officers identified Edwards as the passenger, and he was detained. During a pat frisk, an officer felt and observed a handgun in Edwards’ side waist band, which was loaded with a magazine containing seven .45 caliber rounds and one .45 caliber round in the chamber. In November 2017, Edwards was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in New York State Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould, 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 February 6, 2023, before Judge Vilardo.
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Ohio Gun Runner Sentenced to 10 years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Thomas L. Hill, Jr. a/k/a Thomas L. Caschetta-Hill a/k/a Tec, 33, of Cleveland, Ohio, who was convicted of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between October and December 24, 2020, Hill, who has three previous felony convictions and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, conspired with his father, convicted murderer Thomas L. Hill, Sr., and Tevon Orr a/k/a Tev, to sell firearms without a license. On multiple occasions, Hill illegally obtained firearms and rounds of ammunition in the State of Ohio, transported them to Rochester, and re-sold them in the Rochester area. Hill also provided firearms to his father and Orr, which they also re-sold to other individuals. On December 24, 2020, investigators executed a federal search warrant at a residence on Norton Street in Rochester, recovering two handguns, an assault rifle, and over 300 rounds of ammunition and resulting in the arrest of Thomas Hill, Sr. Defendant Orr was arrested one week later. Thomas L. Hill, Jr. was arrested on July 22, 2021 in Ohio, and was incarcerated on Ohio charges until his release from a state prison in June 2022, at which time he was charged in federal court.
Both Orr and Thomas Hill, Sr. were previously convicted and sentenced to serve seven years and nine years in prison respectively.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Violent Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division.
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Former Rochester CEO Going to Prison for Defrauding His Own CompanyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Margiotta, 51, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud and filing a false tax return, was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Margiotta was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $914,810.52 to the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that Margiotta was employed as the Chief Executive Officer of eHealth Global Technologies. In May 2011, as eHealth CEO, Margiotta entered into a contract with Healthcare Network Alliance, LLC (HCNA) for employment recruiting services. HCNA was owned by Margiotta’s wife. The agreement provided that HCNA would be compensated if candidates referred to eHealth were hired. Between June 2011, and January 2014, Margiotta caused HCNA to submit invoices for recruiting services to eHealth that he knew that HCNA had not provided. For instance, on April 19, 2013, HCNA submitted an invoice to eHealth requesting payment of $44,000 for recruiting an employee. HCNA had not recruited the employee, and Margiotta knew that HCNA was not entitled to be paid a recruiting fee for the employee. In total, Margiotta caused HCNA to prepare and submit fraudulent invoices for approximately 23 employees of eHealth that HCNA had not recruited totaling $380,960.
In addition, Margiotta filed a false tax return for the year 2013, claiming income of $260,334, in actuality, his taxable income was $611,195.00, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $137,067.
The sentencing is the culmination 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.
# # # #Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Clarke and U.S. Attorney Ross Launch United Against Hate Program in BuffaloRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division joined U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York to announce a new initiative to combat unlawful acts of hate in the Western District of New York. The United Against Hate initiative seeks to directly connect federal, state, and local law enforcement with traditionally marginalized communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently announced the nationwide launch of the initiative and its expansion to all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices over the next year.
“The Justice Department is committed to marshaling all resources at its disposal to hold people who engage in unlawful acts of hate accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “Through United Against Hate, we are bringing together community groups, local leaders and law enforcement at every level to build trust and strengthen coordination to combat unlawful acts of hate. Our communities, schools, workplaces, houses of worship and homes are all safer when we stand unified in the fight against hate.”
“The horrific events of May 14 took the lives of 10 members of our community because of their race, just because they were Black,” said U.S. Attorney Ross. “This type of race-based hate is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in this community or in our society. This community has shown that hate will not be accepted, through our actions in the days, weeks and months that followed, when our entire community stood together to send the message that hate will not win. The United Against Hate initiative will bring federal, state and local law enforcement together with those communities that are most vulnerable to becoming victims of hate crimes or hate incidents, while at the same time holding those who commit these acts accountable for their behavior. Together, we will continue to send the message that every person deserves to feel safe in their own community and that hate will not be tolerated.”
Community Relations Service Director Paul Monteiro, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren Cox and Buffalo Police Department Deputy Commissioner Al Wright also joined the event. After they spoke to an audience of community leaders, civil rights advocates, and community members, subject matter experts from their offices engaged in a presentation and direct discussions with community leaders and advocates about taking steps to identify, report, and prevent hate crimes and incidents. Through using hypothetical scenarios and video clips depicting real-life hate crime cases and stories, the presenters emphasized the importance of reporting unlawful acts of hate. They also highlighted differences between hate crimes versus hate incidents and provided options for responding to hate incidents when situations do not constitute a federal or state crime. Presenters also distinguished unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity, including identifying protected speech versus speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes.
As part of its United Against Hate programming, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will engage with communities across the Western District of New York to deepen connections with those communities, further hate crimes prevention efforts, and encourage more people to report hate crimes and hate incidents.
The nationwide launch of United Against Hate follows a successful pilot of the program last spring by three U.S. Attorneys’ Offices — New Jersey, Massachusetts, and the Eastern District of Washington. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the conclusion of the pilot for the United Against Hate program at a Justice Department event in May commemorating the one-year anniversary of his memorandum on improving the department’s efforts to combat unlawful acts of hate and the enactment of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes and Khalid Jabara-Heather Heyer NO HATE Acts.
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Niagara Falls Man Going to Prison for 17 Years on Multiple Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY--U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jeffrey Richards, 32, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute acetyl fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a stolen firearm, was sentenced to serve 204 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on December 14, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Richards’ residence on Packard Court in Niagara Falls. During the search, investigators recovered, among other items, amounts of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, alprazolam, approximately 10 firearms, various rounds of ammunition, drug trafficking paraphernalia, an improvised destructive device, and various items used in the manufacturing of destructive devices.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent John Faso, and the Niagara County Sheriff's Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
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Twice Convicted Felon Going to Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rudolph Brumfield a/k/a Rudy, 36, of Geneva, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that Brumfield was the leader of a cocaine trafficking organization operating in Geneva and other areas of Ontario County. During the conspiracy, Brumfield obtained quantities of cocaine and marijuana from suppliers in California and elsewhere. In January 2020, investigators and officers from the Geneva Police Department and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at the Toledo Street residence of Brumfield’s girlfriend, which was used to store, manufacture, and sell the cocaine and marijuana, and at Brumfield’s North Genesee Street residence. During the searches, they recovered:
• 2.7 kilograms of cocaine and 69.7 grams of crack cocaine;
• 18 one-pound packages of marijuana;
• $161,581 in cash;
• two firearms, one which was reported stolen in 2013, and a box of ammunition;
• and materials commonly used to package drugs for street-level distribution.Brumfield was previously convicted in 2006 and 2012 of felony charges in Ontario County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Philip Povero, the Geneva Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mike Passalacqua; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent In Charge John B. DeVito.
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Niagara Falls Man Going to Prison for Possession of Child Pornography and Cutting Off His Ankle MonitorRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Carl Anthony, 69, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography and conversion of government property, was sentenced to serve nine years in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that in December 2018, and January 2019, Anthony secretly video-recorded a 12-year-old girl changing and showering in a bathroom. In July 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Anthony's Niagara Falls residence. The two videos were found on a hard drive that was seized during the execution of the search warrant. As a result, in December 2019, Anthony was arrested and charged by criminal complaint, and released on conditions, including the condition that Anthony participate in a home detention program monitored by GPS. In April 2020, Anthony requested to go to the hospital, claiming to possibly have contracted COVID-19, which was approved by his Pretrial Services Officer. After arriving at the hospital, however, Anthony cut his ankle monitor, left the monitor in a mailbox, and fled. On April 14, 2020, Anthony was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in San Diego, California.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; and the Town of Niagara Police Department, under the direction of Chief H. James Suitor.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for More Than 15 Years for Fatal Fentanyl OverdoseRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob Daniel Pimentel-Hernandez, 22, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that on June 2, 2021, Pimentel-Hernandez sold fentanyl to two individuals, identified as E.G. and M.H., in the area of the Valero gas station at 799 North Clinton Avenue in Rochester. After ingesting the fentanyl, E.G. and M.H. began to drive home but pulled over on the side of the road on Interstate 490 in Gates, NY, and were later found unconscious and unresponsive in the car. M.H. was taken to Unity Hospital but never regained consciousness and died a day later, on June 3, 2021. That same day, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased fentanyl from Pimentel-Hernandez at the same Valero gas station. Pimentel-Hernandez was subsequently arrested, at which time investigators recovered $580 in cash, quantities of fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, cocaine, and a loaded .380 caliber pistol from the defendant.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET); the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David M. Smith.
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West Seneca Man Going to Prison for More Than 10 Years for Selling MethRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Timothy J. Chowaniec, 64, of West Seneca, NY, who was convicted of possession with the intent distribute, and distribution of, five grams of more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 135 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on two separate occasions in January and February of 2020, an undercover investigator with the New York State Police purchased quantities of methamphetamine from Chowaniec at his residence in West Seneca. On April 14, 2020, the DEA and United States Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant on a parcel from California addressed to Chowaniec at his West Seneca residence. Located inside the parcel was a plastic sandwich bag containing approximately 3.7 ounces of suspected methamphetamine.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.
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