Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Quebec Woman Pleads Guilty to Selling Protected Wildlife SkullsRead 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 Vanessa Rondeau, 27, of Montreal, Quebec, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to trafficking in protected wildlife. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on January 13, 2020, during online communications with an undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Special Agent, Rondeau agreed to sell a polar bear skull to the agent for $780 USD. On January 24, 2020, Rondeau entered the U.S. at the Champlain, NY port of entry with the polar bear skull in violation of the Endangered Species Act and proceeded to a third-party shipping business to send the polar bear skull to the agent in Amherst, NY. The agent received the package on February 2, 2020. On January 26, 2021, Rondeau again communicated with the agent and agreed to sell another polar bear skull for $584.11 USD. On February 11, 2021, the agent received a Canada Post package from Rondeau which was labeled as “1 Cadre,” which is the French word for “frame.”
Rondeau also illegally trafficked in other protected wildlife by shipping and/or bringing wildlife from Canada to the United States without being declared to the FWS. The total value of the wildlife illegally trafficked by Rondeau was approximately $37,204.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, under the direction of Ryan Noel, Special Agent-in-Charge of the USFWS-Office of Law Enforcement North-Atlantic Appalachian Region. Additional assistance was provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Vermont Offices of Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Prior Felon Pleads Guilty to New Drug 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 Julian Riley, 47, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and crack cocaine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and an $8,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that Riley was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that sold large quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl out of a drug house on Clifton Street in Rochester. The residence was an active location for walk-up, hand to hand drug sales. On May 28, 2020, Rochester Police Officers executed a series of search warrants on the Clifton Street residence and other locations used by the organization. Large amounts of cocaine and cash were recovered during the execution of the search warrants. In December 2015, Riley was convicted on a federal charge of drug conspiracy and sentenced to serve 77 months in prison.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Police Chief David Smith and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special-Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 3, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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North Tonawanda Man Pleas Guilty to 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 Matthew Ostrowski, 49, of North Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2019, Ostrowski uploaded and distributed an image containing child pornography to the gaming application Discord. On December 17, 2019, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Ostrowski’s Meadow Drive residence in North Tonawanda and seized seven electronic devices, as well as his iPhone. A forensic analysis of the iPhone recovered 4,204 image files of child pornography and 8,523 images of child exploitative material, a majority of which depicted minors under the age of 12. The search of the iPhone also resulted in the recovery of deleted text conversations between Ostrowski and a minor female victim, who communicated for at least a year over Kik and SnapChat, while the minor female was 15 and 16 years old. During that time, Ostrowski requested that she send him “nudes.” On February 5, 2020, another federal search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence. Investigators located a computer, which contained 178 image files and five videos of child pornography, a majority of the files depict minors under the age of 12.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 7, 2022, before Judge Sinatra.
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Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana TraffickingRead 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 Syed Ahmad, 47, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who are handling the case, stated Ahmad received marijuana and marijuana-based products from a co-conspirator and drove the marijuana and marijuana products to various customers across the United States, including in Western New York, for further distribution. On December 31, 2017, in Morgan County, Illinois, investigators recovered approximately 1,000 lbs. of marijuana from an RV driven by Ahmad.
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 Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 7, 2022, before Judge Vilardo.
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Webster Man Going to Prison on 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 Cody Fingland, 23, of Webster, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that on February 22, 2021, law enforcement officers observed Fingland sell marijuana and THC vape cartridges to another person in exchange for cash. Subsequently, officers conducted a search of a residence on South Clinton Avenue where Fingland had been staying. During the search, officers recovered 30 grams of cocaine, 572 grams of marijuana packaged for sale, 83 oxycodone pills, a scale, a loaded 22-gauge shotgun, and a box of additional ammunition. Fingland maintained the residence to prepare, manufacture, package, sell, and store controlled substances. Also on February 22, 2021, officers searched a residence on Whiting Road in Webster, NY, where Fingland had previously lived with his parents, and recovered 11 kilograms of marijuana, various THC products packaged for sale, 85 clonazepam pills, and a scale. In addition, on December 4, 2020, law enforcement intercepted two packages containing marijuana intended for Fingland.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Webster Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dennis Kohlmeier.
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Rochester Meth 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 Joseph Marchione, 51, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who handled the case, stated that on January 5, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers in Anchorage, Alaska, intercepted a FedEx parcel originating from China and addressed to Joseph Marchione, which contained approximately eight kilograms of 1,4 butanediol (BD), a controlled substance analogue of Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB). Homeland Security Investigations conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to Marchione’s apartment in Rochester on January 21, 2021. After Marchione accepted the package, agents entered the residence and executed a search warrant. During the search, they seized 225 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 1,327 grams of Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which is also similar to GHB, digital scales, new and unused plastic baggies, numerous new and unused glass vials, and approximately $19,400.00 in cash. Marchione was taken into custody.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith.
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Fruit Belt Gang Member Going to Prison on Gun 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 Michael Woods, 33, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 88 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who handled the case, stated that since August 2019, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force has been investigating the Fruit Belt Gang, whose members are allegedly actively engaged in the distribution of narcotics, firearms offenses, and gang activity.
On July 1, 2020, Central Park Gang (CPG) member Shariff Jackson was murdered in Buffalo, and investigators believe that Fruit Belt Gang members were involved. On July 4, 2020, Woods, and co-defendant Antwaine Parker, were shot on Sycamore Avenue in Buffalo. Woods, who was shot in the head and spine, drove himself to the hospital, after throwing a gun from the scene. A 9mm handgun was recovered on the roof of a nearby building. Woods told investigators that he was driving in the area with an unnamed person but provided no additional information. Investigators believe the shooting could be the result of rival gang activity between CPG and the Fruit Belt Gang.
On July 14, 2020, a Buffalo Police Officer recovered two guns after initiating a traffic stop of Woods’ vehicle. In March 2012, Woods was convicted in state court of Attempted Criminal Possession of Controlled Substances and sentenced to serve five years’ probation. In addition, Woods was sentenced in July 2015 to serve 84 months in prison after being convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a result, both defendants are legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Antwaine Parker was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Erie Crime Analysis Center, under the direction of Director Dennis Richards.
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Bath Man Previously Convicted on Child Pornography Charges Pleads Guilty to New 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 Ryan Hamilton, 30, of Bath, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior conviction. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in August 2016 and again in September 2017, Hamilton was convicted in Steuben County Court of Possessing Sexual Performance by Child Less than 16. In October 2019, while being supervised by New York State Parole, Hamilton possessed approximately 87 videos and 1,124 images of child pornography on an SD card. Some of the images and videos included children under the age of 12 and depictions of violence.
The plea is the result of an investigation by 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 Barry Chase, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2022, before Judge Siragusa.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for Possessing Hundreds of Images 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 Joshua Vandervoort, 39, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Vandervoort was also ordered to pay $42,000 in restitution to victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that on March 2, 2021, the defendant possessed approximately 450 images of child pornography on a laptop computer. Some of the images included prepubescent minors or minors under 12 years old, and depicted the minors being subjected to violence.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Prior Felon Charged with Possession of Hundreds of Thousands of 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging John Douglas Looney, 79, of Rochester, NY, with three counts of possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior conviction. Each charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that Looney was previously convicted on a federal charge of possession of child pornography. According to the indictment, On March 1, 2019, Looney possessed over 750,000 images of child pornography involving prepubescent minors.
Looney made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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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Mississippi Man Going to Prison for Illegally Selling Guns in RochesterRead 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 Raymond Hardy, 30, of Greenville, Mississippi, who was convicted of dealing firearms without a license, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who handled the case, stated that during the Spring and Summer of 2020, Hardy was a member of a firearms trafficking organization that brought numerous firearms to the Rochester area from Mississippi. The firearms were obtained from licensed firearms retailers and then re-sold at prices well above market value on streets of Rochester. On at least one occasion, Hardy and others unlawfully sold these firearms out of a tent, set up in the back yard of a residence on Jewel Street. On July 3, 2020, Rochester Police Officers executed a search warrant on a vehicle that Hardy, and co-defendants Jahbri Shelton and Hakeem Miller, were riding in. Officers recovered seven firearms, extended magazines, and numerous rounds of ammunition.
Jahbri Shelton and Hakeem Miller were previously convicted and sentenced to serve 12 months and 30 months in prison respectively.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith.
# # # #Webster Woman Charged with Illegally Accessing Employee Computer to Conduct SIM SwapsRead 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 Corrine Little, 38, of Webster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with unauthorized access of a protected computer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in May 2021, Little, a temporary manager for a wireless telephone provider, received text messages from an unknown individual offering to pay her to conduct SIM (subscriber identity module) Swaps. “SIM Swapping” is the unauthorized takeover of a victim’s wireless account, carried out by linking a victim’s mobile phone number to a SIM installed in a device controlled by the perpetrator of the swap. Little is accused of conducting five SIM Swaps, receiving $600 for each swap.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo and Newark, NY, Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jamestown Man Going to Prison for 10 Years on Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wade J. Paulisick, Jr., 25, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles E. Watkins and Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that in September 2019, a search warrant was executed at Paulisick’s residence on Tower Street in Jamestown. Investigators seized narcotics including quantities of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl and methamphetamine, and a stolen handgun.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley; and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb.
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Former Rochester Pawn Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen GoodsRead 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 Devin Tribunella, 37, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to transportation of stolen goods in interstate commerce. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that Tribunella owned and operated Royal Crown Pawn & Jewelry on Dewey Avenue in Rochester. Tribunella and his employee, Wade Shadders, purchased stolen goods and merchandise from individuals, commonly referred to as “boosters,” who shoplifted the goods and merchandise from Rochester area retail stores. Tribunella routinely advised the boosters what type of merchandise to steal from the retail stores, such as Lowes, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart, and then paid the boosters a fraction of the true retail value for the goods. Tribunella listed the stolen goods for sale on eBay, advertising the goods as “New” or “New-In-Box” and priced below retail value. Between January 2017, and November 2019, Tribunella sold and shipped (or caused to be shipped) approximately $3,248,426 worth of those stolen goods to buyers located outside of New York State.
As part of his plea, Tribunella will forfeit over $200,000 cash, four luxury vehicles, and will be required to pay a $1,600,000 money judgement.
Wade Shadders was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2022, before Judge Siragusa.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for 15 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking and Causing Non-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 Soroush Hamedi, 27, 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 180 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 Hamedi was part of a group of individuals who ran a drug house at 192 Weaver Street in Rochester. Hamedi and others sold quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from the house between January 2018 and February 25, 2020. On February 25, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Hamedi’s residence on Dale Street in Rochester and seized a clear plastic bag containing 10 grams of fentanyl.
Hamedi also admitted to selling a quantity of fentanyl to a 27-year-old female who later suffered a non-fatal overdose.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley, New York Field Division; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith.
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Rochester Man Who Bilked at Least 1000 Victims Out of More Than 100-Million in A Nationwide Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme 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 Perry Santillo, 41, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to launder money, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Santillo was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $102,952,582.77.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who handled the case, stated that between January 2008 and June 2018, Perry Santillo conspired with Christopher Parris and others, to obtain money through an investment fraud commonly known as a Ponzi scheme. In 2007, Santillo and Parris, as equal partners, formed a business known as Lucian Development in Rochester, which raised millions of dollars from investors in Rochester, and elsewhere, by soliciting investments for City Capital Corporation, a business operated by Ephren Taylor. In July 2007, Santillo and C.P. were advised by Ephren Taylor that their investors’ money had been lost. In response, in August 2007, Santillo and Parris agreed to acquire the assets and debts of City Capital Corporation. The acquisition proved financially ruinous, with the amount of the acquired debt far exceeding the value of the acquired assets. Taylor was later prosecuted and convicted of operating a Ponzi scheme.
Subsequently, Santillo and Parris chose not to disclose the truth to investors that their money was gone. Instead, they continued to solicit ever-increasing amounts of money from new investors in an unsuccessful attempt to recoup the losses. In order to find potential investors to solicit and defraud, Santillo and Parris purchased the businesses of at least 15 investment advisors or brokers, located in Tennessee, Ohio, Minnesota, Nevada, California (5 businesses), Florida, South Carolina (2 businesses), Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Indiana. Over the years, to keep the Ponzi scheme from being detected, a substantial portion of incoming new investor monies were depleted by making promised interest and other payments to earlier investors. Most of the rest of incoming investor money was used by Santillo and Parris to finance lavish lifestyles, expand the scheme by purchasing investment advisor/brokerage businesses to obtain access to fresh investors, and to pay operating expenses – salaries for a sales force and administrative staff, office rents and related expenses, housing for employees, and interest on loans.
Between January 2012 and June 19, 2018, Santillo and Parris obtained at least $115.5 million from approximately 1000 investors. By the time the scheme collapsed in late-2017/early 2018, Santillo and Parris had returned approximately $44.8 million to investors as part of their scheme but continued to owe investors approximately $70.7 million.
“For years, Perry Santillo preyed on investors who placed their trust in him to properly invest their hard-earned money,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “However, Santillo abused the trust of those investors to finance his own self-interests. Because of the hard work of law enforcement to expose Santillo’s fraudulent scheme, he is facing the consequences of his actions, including going to prison.”
“IRS-CI agents are known for following the money trail, and in this case, it stretched nearly a decade long and involved more than 1,000 victims and $100 million,” said Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS-CI New York Field Office. “I am grateful to our agents and law enforcement partners who helped unravel this Ponzi scheme, and I hope the scheme’s victims have closure today knowing that justice was served.”
Christopher Parris was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, under the direction of Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Region, the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell; and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for 15 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking and Causing Non-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 Shermart D. Merriwether, 26, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of distribution of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 180 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 Merriwether was part of a group of individuals who ran a drug house at 192 Weaver Street in the City of Rochester. Merriwether and others sold quantities of fentanyl from the house in 2018 and 2019. Merriwether admitted to selling a quantity of fentanyl to a 24-year-old female who suffered a non-fatal overdose at a gas station on East Ridge Road in Irondequoit, NY. The victim ingested the fentanyl and then lost consciousness while at a pump at the gas station. Irondequoit Ambulance personnel responded and gave the victim Narcan, after which she regained consciousness. Merriwether admitted that, if emergency personnel had not administered Narcan to the victim, there was a substantial risk that she would have died from fentanyl toxicity.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kruskall, 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 Interim Chief David Smith.
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Buffalo Woman Who Conspired with Local Doctor to Illegally Distribute Controlled Substances SentencedRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Trini E. Ross announced today that Takeya Rainey, 45, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine, was sentenced to time served and five years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $1,304.89 to Medicare Part D; Medicaid; Fidelis Care, and Independent Health.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between September 2017 and February 2018, Rainey conspired with co-defendant Dr. James T. Keefe, a New York State licensed physician and a DEA Registrant, and others, to sell oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine. During this time, Rainey began to sell Adderall, prescribed by her physician, to Keefe, until her physician stopped prescribing her the drug. In the summer of 2017, Keefe began to write prescriptions in Rainey’s name, which Rainey filled and then split with Keefe. Keefe told Rainey, “Give me half, and you keep half.” Rainey then gave Keefe the names of her relatives and associates so that Keefe could use the information to write more prescriptions for controlled substances for the two to share. Rainey was issued 19 prescriptions in her own name 44 prescriptions in the names of relatives and associates by Keefe. Some of these relatives and associates had knowledge of the scheme, and willingly participated.
Keefe was convicted and sentenced to serve 60 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kruskall, New York Field Division.
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Buffalo Man Previously Convicted on Federal Drug Charge Arrested for Possessing 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 Nikita Burt, 38, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of firearms. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Buffalo Police Department executed a search warrant at a Mortimer Street residence, an address known to be utilized by Burt. During the search, three handguns with defaced serial numbers were recovered. In 2013, Burt was convicted on a federal charge of distributing crack cocaine and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing on January 19, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Schroeder.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Timothy Foley, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, 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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Buffalo Man Arrested Following Months of Surveillance Going to Prison for Five Years on Crack Cocaine 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 James Terrell, 37, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that in the summer of 2019, investigators learned that Terrell was involved in bulk currency money drops. On August 20, 2019, Terrell was observed exchanging a bag and a traffic stop was conducted on Terrell’s vehicle. Investigators seized $80,110 and two cellular telephones from inside the center console of the vehicle. On April 9, 2020, Terrell was observed leaving an Earl Place residence with a package, which contained a kilogram of cocaine.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
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Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Drug ChargesRead 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 Jun N. Martinez, 28, 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, 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl; 400 grams or more of fentanyl; 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who are handling the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Martinez received several large packages of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin via mail from an out of state source. He also provided large quantities of crystal methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl to an individual known to law enforcement, who then sold the drugs to others for profit. The individual then provided additional funds to Martinez for more narcotics.
During a trip in September 2020, to acquire more narcotics, Martinez’s vehicle was stopped by an Illinois State Police Trooper. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 9,589 grams of methamphetamine, 3,157 grams of fentanyl, 2,241 grams of cocaine, and marijuana products. In October 2020, during the execution of a search warrant at Martinez’s Wescott Street residence, investigators recovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a drug ledger and approximately $62,000.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kruskall, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2022, before Judge Sinatra.
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Westfield Woman Going to Prison for Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Health Care AgencyRead 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 Alicia Raynor, 44, of Westfield, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud and filing a false tax return, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison and 18 months home detention by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $799,625.27.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Ippolito and John D. Fabian, who handled the case, stated that while working as the business manager for Compassion at Home, Inc., Raynor opened an account with Intuit, Inc., a payroll and payment processing service located outside the state of New York, and used the accounting software package Quickbooks to make payments into the Intuit account. Raynor then diverted money from Compassion at Home’s bank accounts to accounts that she controlled. In order to avoid detection, Raynor disguised Quickbook entries to make it appear that the payments were to Bank of America, Capital One, or Compassion at Home employees.
Between August 2015 and June 2016, Raynor fraudulently diverted approximately $238,871.58 from the company’s bank account. In addition, for the tax years 2013 through 2016, Raynor received $1,214,444 in payments from Compassion at Home that she did not report as income on her tax returns for those years. The Internal Revenue Service estimates tax owed for these tax years is $370,005.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Steven Belongia, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, and the Westfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Genther.
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Justice Department Awards More Than 10-Million to Support Criminal Justice Initiatives in the Western District of New YorkRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that the Justice Department has awarded grant funding to 17 organizations totaling $10,369,180, to support criminal justice initiatives across the Western District of New York.
“These grants have been awarded to a variety of school districts, police departments, social service agencies, and local governments across the 17 counties of the Western District of New York,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “The funding will be used to address deadly gun violence, human trafficking, and provide services to victims of crime. The funding will also allow a number of the grantee organizations to be proactive, focusing on youth suicide prevention, mentoring, and youth engagement.”
Grants have been awarded to address the following areas:
Human Trafficking:
• The International Institute of Buffalo has been awarded three grants totaling $2,015,000 to combat human trafficking through collaboration between law enforcement and service providers, to provide housing assistance grants to victims of human trafficking, and to provide services for youth victims of labor trafficking.
• The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. has been awarded $800,000 to provide legal services to victims of human trafficking.
• Erie County has been awarded $750,000 for efforts to combat human trafficking.Victims Services:
• The Seneca Nation of Indians has been awarded $422,695 to provide culturally appropriate victim services.
Services for Youth:
• Compeer West, Inc. has been awarded $1,200,000 to support expansion of its multi-state mentoring program.
• The Sodus Central School District has been awarded $999,936. Sodus, along with the Lyons and Newark Central School Districts, will serve five high need rural school buildings. The Forming Attachment to Reduce Risk program will improve student safety for over 1,900 students.
• The North Rose-Wolcott Central School District has been awarded $989,902 for the Improving School Safety by Re-Engaging Youth Initiative. The district will partner with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office to focus on 9th - 12th graders.
• The Seneca Falls School District has been awarded $526,191 to focus, along with the Romulus and South Seneca School Districts, on preventing youth suicide. With a high rate of suicide in Seneca County, the district will focus on training, prevention, and intervention to respond to student mental health in an effort reduce the number of students who contemplate, attempt, and/or commit suicide.
• The Olean City School District has been awarded $424,997 from the COPS School Violence Prevention Program for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools.Law Enforcement Initiatives:
• Monroe County has been awarded $436,734 to ease the backlog of items awaiting DNA testing at the Monroe County Crime Laboratory.
• The City of Buffalo has been awarded $257,047 to support criminal justice initiatives.
• The City of Rochester has been awarded $164,896 for violence prevention, crisis intervention services, and victims assistance.
• Erie County has been awarded $45,000 to prosecute cold cases using DNA in Buffalo and Erie County.
• The City of Niagara Falls has been awarded $40,648 to support criminal justice initiatives.
• The Research Foundation for the State University of New York at Geneseo has been awarded $27,399 for police body worn cameras for the SUNY Geneseo Police Department.
• The City of Jamestown has been awarded $18,150 to purchase portable radios for the Jamestown Police Department.Reentry and Recidivism Initiatives:
• Monroe County has been awarded $700,000 for its Swift, Certain, and Fair Program, which focuses on reducing recidivism of firearm offenders.
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester has been awarded $218,413 to support the Steuben and Livingston Counties Second Chance Reentry Program.Opiate Initiatives:
• Chautauqua County has been awarded $899,910 to create the Chautauqua Comprehensive Addiction Response and Evaluation System (Chautauqua CARES), a county-wide, multi-sector network of law enforcement, behavioral health, and other community agencies collaborating to increase the accessibility, timeliness, and effectiveness of help for individuals with substance use disorders and their families.
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Niagara Falls Woman Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl That Led to an 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 Dallas Porter, 36, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to possession with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 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 in February 2021, Porter participated in supplying fentanyl to two individual users which resulted in overdoses, one of which was fatal. On February 7, 2021, the Lockport Police Department responded to a 911 call at a 7-11 on Park Avenue. Officers arrived and found one individual in a vehicle in the parking lot and another inside the 7-11 on the floor, both were unresponsive and unconscious. After locating a baggie containing a white powdery substance, first responders administered Narcan. The individual in the car became responsive and survived. The individual inside the store did not survive, dying as a result of “acute fentanyl intoxication.” Porter was subsequently arrested and at the time of her arrest was found with methamphetamine in her possession.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kruskall and Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 30, 2022, before Judge Skretny.
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Jamestown Man and Woman Indicted by A Federal Grand Jury for 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Garson E. Butcher, 29, and Alisha D. Centi, 26, both of Jamestown, NY, with distribution of fentanyl causing death, narcotics conspiracy, and using and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life.
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 Centi conspired with others to possess and sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. On March 29, 2020, Butcher and Centi are accused of selling fentanyl which resulted in the death of an individual identified as T.R. In addition, Butcher and Centi allegedly used residences on Fairview Avenue and Roland Road to manufacture and distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michel J. Roemer and are being held pending a detention hearing.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kruskall, 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.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Filing A False Tax ReturnRead 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 Richard Stenhouse, 76, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Williams M. Skretny to filing a false tax return. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that Stenhouse received approximately $397,942 in salary payments from the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church that he did not report as income on his tax returns for the tax years 2014 through 2018. The Internal Revenue Service estimates the taxes due for these tax years is $95,896.
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christina Scaringi.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
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Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead 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 Shelby Holcomb, 33, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan T. Cullinane and Meghan E. Leydecker, who handled the case, stated that in August 2007, Holcomb was convicted of robbery in Erie County Court and as a result is legally prohibited from possessing ammunition. On June 12, 2019, the Buffalo Police Department executed a search warrant at his Olympic Avenue residence and recovered 119 rounds of ammunition.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
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Falconer Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges After Stalking, Harassing, and Threatening Multiple Minor VictimsRead 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 Yusef E. Malik Myrick, 22, of Falconer, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn M. Carter, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Myrick is accused of engaging in both online and sexual relationships with numerous minor females. When the relationships ended, Myrick cyberstalked, harassed, and threatened the minor females and their families with both physical and psychological harm. Myrick communicated with and sexually exploited at least seven victims primarily through Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. He used names such as Azrael Lust and Chi Fazo on Facebook, Sef Johnson on Instagram, and Lovely Lil Sociopath and Antwan Johnson on Snapchat.
“I commend our law enforcement partners for tracking down this defendant, who is accused of engaging in a pattern of threatening behavior to numerous minor victims and taking him into custody” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “I would encourage other victims to come forward and report any unlawful experience they may have had with Myrick.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff James B. Quattrone stated, “As we continue working alongside our Federal, State, and Local partners we are able to arrest predators like this defendant. We must continue the interagency cooperation and working partnership with our community to eliminate these types of crimes and keep vulnerable people safe.”
Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to contact the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office at 716-753-4973, the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 716-464-6070, or [email protected].
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone; the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting 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 Going to Prison for Throwing A Burning Basket into Buffalo City Hall During Violent ProtestsRead 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 Courtland Renford, 22, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of rioting, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who handled the case, stated that on May 30, 2020, the defendant participated in the looting and rioting of a 7-11 convenience store located on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Summer Avenue in Buffalo. At approximately 10:10 p.m., a large group shattered the front door of the 7-11 and began looting the store. Renford was one of the first individuals to enter the 7-11 and his conduct was captured on surveillance footage.
Later that same evening, at approximately 11:25 p.m., Renford participated in a public protest near Buffalo City Hall, resulting in significant property damage and looting. During the protest Renford threw a burning laundry basket into a broken window of Buffalo City Hall, resulting in a fire inside the building. Buffalo firefighters extinguished the fire, which damaged and/or destroyed items inside Buffalo City Hall.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
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Ontario County Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography and Methamphetamine 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 Timothy Wright, 33, of Phelps, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. Wright also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa M. Marangola and Katelyn M. Hartford, who are handling the case, stated that in July 2019, Snapchat reported a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving a Snapchat subscriber who uploaded two files of suspected child pornography. A subsequent investigation determined that the Snapchat subscriber was Timothy Wright. On May 18, 2020, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Wright’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices, including a cell phone, a laptop, and a hard drive. A forensic analysis of the electronic devices uncovered approximately 8,462 images and video files of child pornography. These included a video and images of Wright sexually abusing a minor child.
On July 29, 2020, Wright provided methamphetamine to his wife and co-defendant Alicia Wright who then sold the methamphetamine to an undercover police officer. After the controlled purchase was complete, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Wrights’ residence on Bear Street in Phelps, NY. Investigators recovered approximately $10,000 in United States currency, approximately 64 grams of methamphetamine, and a digital scale. Alicia Wright was charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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New Jersey Man Going to Prison for 20 Years for Producing Child Pornography and CyberstalkingRead 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 Myers, 37, of Freehold, NJ, who was convicted of production of child pornography and cyberstalking, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that between December 2016 and August 2017, Myers, using the names “CJ Mikowski” and “Colin James,” communicated via Facebook with five minor girls, who ranged in age from 13-16 years old and lived in the Western District of New York. Myers, who pretended to be a boy close in age to the minor girls, coerced or attempted to coerce, each of the minor girls into sending sexually explicit visual depictions of themselves. Myers also transported one victim from New York State to New Jersey and engaged in sexual intercourse with her, and distributed sexually explicit images of the victim over Facebook.
Between March and August 2017, Myers, while residing in New Jersey, contacted four of the victims, made the victims believe that he was in a relationship with them and requested that they produce additional sexually explicit images of themselves. Myers told the victims that if they did not send him these images, he would distribute previously sent images of the victims. This caused the victims to suffer substantial emotional distress as a result of repeated and sustained harassment.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Kidnapping A Postal CarrierRead 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 Mark Rogers, 38, Joseph Way a/k/a Gus, 36, and Tashara Levans, 37, all of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to the kidnapping of a federal employee. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that on November 16, 2019, in the area of Second Street and Central Park in Rochester, the defendants kidnapped a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier while she was delivering mail. Rogers and Way confronted the mail carrier about a package she delivered to them. The package did not contain cocaine, which Rogers and Way were expecting, and the two men accused the mail carrier of taking the narcotics. Rogers and Way directed the mail carrier to a vehicle driven by Rogers’ girlfriend Tashara Levans. Over the next two hours, Levans drove Rogers and Way as they threatened to shoot and kill the mail carrier and her children if she did not provide either the cocaine, they believed she had stolen, or $70,000, which was the street value of the cocaine. Eventually, the mail carrier was released unharmed.
The conviction is the result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 11, 2022, before Judge Geraci.
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Rochester Man Going to Prison for Receiving 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 Joshua Sattora, 37, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that between December 2017, and August 2018, Sattora and co-defendant Rebecca Woodin engaged in a series of text messages during which Woodin sent approximately 14 sexually explicit images of a minor to Sattora. During this same time, Sattora also sent images of child pornography to Woodin. In total, Sattora possessed at least 923 images and 362 videos of child pornography on two cellular telephones and three computers. Rebecca Woodin was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 180 months in prison.
The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
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Justice Department Awards More Than 17.5 Million to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Rochester Institute of Technology was awarded $148,584 to administer PSN grant funds in the Western District of New York.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“Like many areas across the country, several communities in Western New York are experiencing an increase in violence, particularly gun violence,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “These Project Safe Neighborhood funds will allow us to continue working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners on proactive efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities.”
Grant funds will support the Crime Analysis Centers in Erie, Niagara, and Monroe Counties. The funding will be used to support crime analysts who will focus on efforts to identify and reduce violent disputes.
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
In addition to awarding PSN funding, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has also awarded to other organizations in the Western District of New York, including:
• The International Institute of Buffalo has been awarded $2,015,000 to combat human trafficking through collaboration between law enforcement and service providers, to provide housing assistance grants to victims of human trafficking, and to provide services for youth victims of labor trafficking.
• Compeer West, Inc. has been awarded $1,200,000 to support expansion of its multi-state mentoring program.
• Monroe County has been awarded $700,000 for its Swift, Certain, and Fair Program, which focuses on reducing recidivism of firearm offenders.
• The City of Rochester has been awarded $164,896 for violence prevention, crisis intervention services, and victims assistance.
• The City of Niagara Falls has been awarded $40,648 and the City of Buffalo has been awarded $257,047 to support criminal justice initiatives.
• The Seneca Nation of Indians has been awarded $422,695 to provide culturally appropriate victim services.
• The City of Jamestown has been awarded $18,150 to purchase portable radios for the Jamestown Police Department.
• The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. has been awarded $800,000 to provide legal services to victims of human trafficking.The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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CBL/BFL Gang Member Convicted of Two Murders in Aid of Racketeering, and Multiple Other Charges, Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead 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 CBL/BFL Gang member Dalvon Curry, 25, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of two counts of murder in aid of racketeering; racketeering and narcotics conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve life in prison plus 25 years by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul C. Parisi and Seth T. Molisani, and Christopher O. Taylor, of the Department of Justice Organized Crime and Gang Section, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that the defendant was a member of the CBL/BFL Gang which stands for, among other things, “Cash Been Long” and “Brothers for Life.” Identified as a “shooter” in the gang, Curry shot and killed rival gang member Jaquan Sullivan on December 5, 2015. He also shot and killed Xavier Wimes on January 1, 2017.
The gang was formed around 2009 and operated primarily in the City of Buffalo at the Towne Gardens Housing Complex, which served as a central hub for the gang. Many members lived within the housing complex, and many housing units were used to store firearms and narcotics. Members utilized parking lots and a retail plaza adjacent to the Towne Gardens to distribute narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and other controlled substances.
The gang used violence, including murder and attempted murder, threats, and intimidation to defend their territory against rivals and anyone deemed to be a threat. Any attack on a member of their gang typically resulted in retaliation by all. Members and associates also used social media, such as Facebook and Snapchat, to display gang affiliation, brandish firearms, display quantities of currency and narcotics, and show participation in violent acts. They also produced, sang, and appeared in music videos at locations in and around the gang's territory that promoted the enterprise and its activities.
CBL/BFL gang members also threatened witnesses who they suspected might testify or provide information to law enforcement about the crimes committed by the gang.
Twelve other CBL/BFL Gang members and associates were previously convicted and sentenced. They include:
• Shawn Woods, a/k/a Pif;
• Michael Walker, a/k/a Yam;
• Mikel Lowe, a/k/a L-O;
• Aaron Mack, a/k/a Dean, a/k/a Deano;
• Shameris Washington, a/k/a GB;
• Maurice Rice, a/k/a Reese;
• Miquise Jones, a/k/a Scaife;
• Dajon Nettles, a/k/a Gucc;
• Larell Watkins, a/k/a 90-Ls;
• Larry Watkins, Jr.;
• Larquon Watkins, a/k/a 90; and
• Rashad Rose, a/k/a Gotti.This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Kruskall, 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; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
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Wyoming County Man Going to Prison for Attempting to Have Sex with 11-Year Old GirlRead 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 Daniel Hays, 42, of Bliss, NY, who was convicted of attempted receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve five years in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who handled the case, stated that during April and May of 2021, Hays engaged in sexually explicit online and text communications with an individual who he believed to be an 11-year-old girl. In reality, the child was an undercover New York State Police Investigator working with the Department of Homeland Security. During the conversations, Hays discussed having sex with the child, and asked the child to produce and send to him naked photographs. On May 11, 2021, Hays traveled approximately two hours from Bliss to the child’s home in the Western District of New York, in order to have sex with the child. Hays was arrested upon his arrival at the meeting place, at which point he was found to be in possession of candy that he purchased as a gift for the child.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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New York City Man Going to Prison for Illegally Accessing Hundreds of Snapchat Accounts and Send Nude PhotosRead 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 David Mondore, 30, of New York, New York, who was convicted of accessing a protected computer without authorization and, by means of such conduct, furthering the intended fraud and obtaining anything of value, was sentenced to serve six months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that between July 2018 and August 2020, the defendant gained unauthorized access to, and control of, Snapchat accounts belonging to third parties. After doing so, Mondore often located nude “selfie” photos saved in the victims’ “My Eyes Only” folder, which the defendant then saved to his own phone. Mondore gained unauthorized access to Snapchat accounts belonging to 14 victims in the Western District of New York. The defendant admits that he gained unauthorized access to at least 300 Snapchat accounts belonging to victims both in the Western District of New York and elsewhere.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Michigan Man Who Led Law Enforcement on A High Speed Chase from Lewiston to Dunkirk Sentenced to Home ConfinementRead 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 Donyell Williams, 27, of Michigan, who was convicted of high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint, was sentenced to serve six months home confinement and two years’ probation by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on March 5, 2021, at approximately 9:54 p.m., Williams was driving a Jeep Commander with Ohio license plates on the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Co-defendant Johnny Greer, 19, was a passenger in the vehicle. As the defendants drove towards the Lewiston Port of Entry, they failed to stop for federal inspection despite numerous “stop” signs posted by Customs and Border Protection. Williams instead proceeded to accelerate through a commercial truck lane and then drove around a tire deflating strip. While being pursued by CBP officers and the New York State Police, Williams drove on the I-190 south to I-90 west at speeds ranging from 95 mph to 110 mph. A few hours later, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on March 6, 2021, the Jeep Commander was located on the side of the road in the vicinity of Dunkirk, NY, and Williams and Greer were arrested.
Greer was previously convicted and sentenced to serve six months in prison
The sentencing is 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, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Jennifer H. Gottstine.
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Local Media Production and Political Consulting Firm Sentenced on Wire Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that LSA Strategies LLC, a media production and political consulting firm located in Buffalo, NY, which was convicted of wire fraud, was ordered to pay restitution totaling $8,283.59 by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that Steven M. Casey organized LSA Strategies under the laws of New York State on June 6, 2012. Between August 20 and September 19, 2012, LSA Strategies devised a scheme to defraud a candidate (Candidate 1) running for the New York State Senate 60th District.
Steven Casey provided consulting services to Candidate 1, including arranging for campaign mailings to be printed by Company 1. In doing so, Casey requested that Company 1 increase each of its invoices to Candidate 1 by a specified amount. However, Casey did not inform Candidate 1 of the increase in the amount of the invoices, rather Casey led the candidate to believe that he was working on a voluntary basis. Candidate 1 was unaware that Company 1’s invoices were being increased to provide sums of money to Casey and LSA. After Candidate 1 paid the invoices, Company 1 paid LSA the amount by which the invoices had been increased. In total, Company 1 paid LSA $8,283.59.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Former Rochester Housing Authority Chair Convicted by A Federal Jury on 28 Counts Including Multiple Fraud Charges, Money Laundering and Lying to 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 a federal jury has convicted George H. Moses, 52, of Rochester, NY, on 28 of 29 counts for his role in defrauding three nonprofit organizations; Rochester Housing Charities (RHC), which provides housing to the elderly and disabled; the North East Area Development (NEAD), which assists low-income residents in the northeast quadrant of Rochester; and Quad A for Kids, which provided after-school and extended-day learning programs at some elementary schools in the Rochester City School District. Moses was also the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA). The charges include mail fraud, wire fraud, federal program fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, and lying to the FBI. The charges cumulatively carry a maximum penalty of more than 200 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard A. Resnick, Melissa M. Marangola, and Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that Moses used money from the RHC and grant funds earmarked for the community for his own personal use, including to purchase a vehicle, a time share in Florida, a cruise, tickets to a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, health products, car repairs for his family’s vehicles, personal credit card payments, and multiple trips to Canada to visit his girlfriend at the apartment they had in Canada. Moses also paid wages to approximately 17 family members employed by NEAD and RHC.
In addition to defrauding Rochester Housing Charities and the Rochester Housing Authority, Moses was also convicted of:
• Two counts of lying to the FBI regarding his hiring of Adam McFadden as a subcontractor for RHC in 2015. McFadden, a former city councilmember, pleaded guilty to defrauding RHC with respect to the subcontract and is awaiting sentencing. Moses concealed the fact that he hired McFadden after McFadden was forced to resign as the Interim Executive Director of the RHA.
• Defrauding the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). As Executive Director of the NEAD, Moses applied for a $125,000 grant for renovation of the Freedom Market, owned by Freedom Community Enterprise Inc., a subsidiary of NEAD. After receiving the grant, Moses and a co-conspirator Shirley Boone tricked DASNY into believing that NEAD paid Freedom Community $45,000 for construction work which never occurred. As a result, DASNY reimbursed NEAD $45,000 to which it was not entitled. Moses used the funds to pay wages to his family members employed by NEAD.
• Five counts of filing false tax returns for the years 2014 through 2018. He failed to report income he received from NEAD and the RHC, as well as took false deductions with respect to his wife’s cleaning business and falsely claimed childcare expenses.“As a leader in the Rochester Housing Authority, George Moses was in a position of trust with access to public funding intended for those most in need in our community,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “As a federal jury concluded, George Moses broke that trust, stole public funding, and will now face the consequences for the choices he made.”
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Machelle Jindra, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford who presided over the trial.
Batavia Man Previously Convicted of Possessing Child Pornography Is Going Back to PrisonRead 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 Matthew Barber, 53, of Batavia, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography and violating supervised release, was sentenced to serve 147 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that in April 2007, Barber was convicted on a federal charge of possessing child pornography and sentenced to serve 74 months in prison and five years’ supervised release. Barber’s supervised release was revoked on July 5, 2017, after he was unsuccessfully discharged from sex offender treatment. As a result of this violation, Barber was sentenced to six months in prison and five years of supervised release.
On May 20, 2020, Barber was found in possession of and using a cell phone and a USB device to view child pornography. A forensic examination of the cell phone and USB device recovered over 1,000 images and 200 videos of child pornography on the two devices. Barber was subsequently charged and convicted of possession of child pornography.
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 Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould; the Batavia Police Department, under the direction of Chief Shawn Heubusch; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
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Orange County, NY, Man Charged with Threatening A State Official and A Federal JudgeRead 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 grand jury has returned a two-count indictment charging Daniel DeGroat, 30, of Middletown, NY, with mailing threatening communications. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, in November 2020, the defendant mailed threatening communications to the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and a federal judge.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; and the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal Jury Convicts Buffalo Man Who Led Multi-Million Dollar Narcotics Conspiracy That Stretched from Mexico to Buffalo Along with Two Co-defendantsRead 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 following a five-week trial, a federal jury has convicted Adrian Goudelock, a/k/a AD, a/k/a Ace, a/k/a Ace Boogs, 39, of Buffalo, NY, of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five kilograms or more of cocaine, attempted possession and possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine, and money laundering conspiracy. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $20,000,000 fine. In addition, co-defendants Shamar Davis a/k/a Fatboy, 42, and Jai Hunter, 42, were also convicted at trial of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Jeremiah E. Lenihan, and Seth T. Molisani, who prosecuted the case, stated that Goudelock was a leader in a major narcotic trafficking operation that stretched from Mexico to Buffalo. An investigation into the trafficking operation began in October 2017 following the seizure by HSI Special Agents of approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine and $259,960 in U.S. currency that was being shipped from El Paso, Texas to Buffalo. The investigation utilized intercepted wire and electronic communications through court-authorized wiretaps. Intercepted calls and messages revealed that bulk shipments of cocaine were delivered to Goudelock in the Buffalo area. A total of 27 kilograms of cocaine and nearly $1,000,000 in bulk U.S. currency was seized in 2017 and 2018. The investigation also determined that over 50 additional kilograms of cocaine were delivered to Buffalo during the conspiracy.
During the course of the investigation, nine co-defendants were identified, charged and convicted in the case:
• Eduardo Enrique Valdez
• Edgar Pavia
• Eric Young
• Lance Parker
• Daniel Sterling
• Martin Lopez
• Ivan Rene Rios Bustillos
• Adrian Grier
• Gabrielle McGradyThe investigation has also resulted in the arrest of 21 additional defendants in the Eastern District of Kentucky and the Northern District of Ohio, and seizure of over an additional $2,000,000 and approximately 41 kilograms of cocaine.
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 verdict 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, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas.
Adrian Goudelock is scheduled to sentencing on April 7, 2022, before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. who presided over the trial of the case. Shamar Davis and Jai Hunter are scheduled to be sentenced on April 5 and April 6 respectively, also before Judge Sinatra.
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Dansville Teacher 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 Derek Hagen, 29, of Batavia, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with producing, receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2020, Snapchat sent a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a user that had uploaded images of child pornography to a group chat. After tracing the user to Western New York, NCMEC alerted the New York State Police, who subsequently identified the defendant.
On July 20, 2021, investigators confiscated two computers and a cell phone from Hagen’s apartment in Mount Morris, NY. A forensic analysis uncovered a pattern of child exploitation activity on the devices with the defendant actively producing and distributing child pornography in online chats. During the chats, Hagen and the other individuals traded child pornography and discussed specific children that they had sexually abused or wanted to sexually abuse. To date, analysts have recovered approximately 50,000 of images and videos of child pornography on Hagen’s devices.
The complaint further states that the defendant worked in several teaching, substitute teaching, and child-care positions in the Western District of New York, including at the Brockport Childhood Development Center; the Batavia City School District; the Pembroke Central School District; and most recently with the Dansville Central School District.
Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to contact Homeland Security Investigations at (716) 464-6070 or [email protected].
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Brooklyn Man Arrested, Charged with Hacking into Online Accounts of Wegmans CustomersRead 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 Maurice Sheftall, 23, of Brooklyn, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with fraud and related activity in connection with computers and wire fraud. The charges 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 according to the complaint, the defendant is accused of obtaining the credentials, including logins and passwords, of customers who had accounts on the wegmans.com website. Sheftall attempted to access approximately 74 different customer accounts, with approximately 59 of these attempts proving successful. Subsequently, the defendant placed approximately 25 fraudulent orders of groceries and other goods, totaling approximately $10,000.
Sheftall made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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.
# # # #Rochester Man Going to Prison for More Than 10 Years for Violent CarjackingRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Jacob R. Loyd, 21, of Rochester, N.Y., who was convicted of carjacking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 123 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassie Kocher and Matthew McGrath, who handled the case, stated that at approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 16, 2019, two victims (Victim A and Victim B) were sitting in a vehicle in the area of 115 Gothic Street in Rochester when Loyd and two others approached the vehicle. Loyd pointed a firearm at Victim A’s head and said, “don't do anything stupid, don't look up or I'll blow your head off,” and he ordered the victims to get out of the car. As Victim A exited the car, Loyd struck him in the head with the firearm. Loyd and the two others then drove away in the vehicle. Police officers recovered the vehicle at approximately 8:25 p.m. near 146 Alphonse Street in Rochester. The radio and hubcaps had been removed from the vehicle. Loyd was taken into custody a short time later with 15 bags of cocaine and a revolver in his possession.
The case was brought by the U.S. 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 Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David M. 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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Rochester Felon Going to Prison on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that John Moore, 37, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that Moore has four prior felony drug convictions in Monroe, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. In April 2020, Rochester Police officers were called to Tremont Street for a report of a man named John in a blue minivan with a gun. Upon arrival, officers saw Moore near the driver door of the blue minivan before he quickly entered a nearby house through the front door. Officers subsequently recovered a silver revolver with an obliterated serial number under the driver seat of the blue minivan.
The case was brought by the U.S. 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 Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David M. 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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Little Valley Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in A Nearly $1,000,000 COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Adam Arena, 44, of Little Valley, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived proceeds for his role in fraudulently obtaining and laundering nearly $1 million in funds from the COVID-19 relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins and Cory E. Jacobs of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, who are handling the case, stated that in May 2020, Arena reinstated his previously inactive business, ADA Auto Group, which had been inactive since 2018. Arena then provided his date of birth, social security number, address, and ADA Auto Group’s Employer Identification Number, Articles of Incorporation, along with a bank account number, for the purpose of facilitating the preparation of a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. On July 27, co-defendant Amanda J. Gloria submitted a PPP loan application for ADA Auto Group to a financial institution via email seeking a $954,000 loan. Along with the application, Gloria submitted fraudulent supporting documents, including tax forms and payroll reports. These documents claimed ADA Auto Group employed 50 people in 2019 with an annual payroll of more than $4.4 million. On August 10, 2020, Arena directed the financial institution to wire the proceeds of the approved PPP loan for ADA Auto Group into a business account controlled exclusively by him. On September 11, 2020, Arena paid Gloria approximately $24,135 in PPP funds for facilitating the submission of the fraudulent PPP loan application. None of the funds Arena received were ever used for business-related expenses.
Charges remain pending against Amanda J. Gloria. 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.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
The Fraud Section leads the Department of Justice’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the CARES Act. In the months since the CARES Act was passed, Fraud Section attorneys have prosecuted more than 100 defendants in more than 70 criminal cases. The Fraud Section has also seized more than $65 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real-estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/cares-act-fraud.
Anyone with general information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
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Jamestown Woman Sentenced for Allowing an Alleged Drug Dealer to Conduct His Drug Trafficking Operation Out of Her ResidenceRead 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 Chelsey Hunt, 30, of Jamestown NY, who was convicted of maintaining a drug-involved premises, was sentenced to time serve and three years’ probation by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha Coulson, who handled the case, stated that between January and December 2018, Hunt rented the second floor of a residence on Linden Avenue in Jamestown. While living there with her children, Hunt allowed co-defendant Douglas Beardsley to live in the attic. Beardsley conducted a methamphetamine and heroin trafficking operation from the attic. Hunt took an active role in assisting the operation, such as helping with Beardsley’s customers and providing information about police activity around the residence. Hunt also sold small amounts of narcotics for Beardsley and purchased narcotics for her personal use as well.
Charges remain pending against Douglas Beardsley. 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.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; 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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Rochester Man Going to Prison for 30 Years for Production 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 Jeremy Hernandez, 30, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of producing child pornography, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in September and October 2018, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received information from Tumblr, an electronic service provider, that a user had uploaded several images of child pornography to a blog on Tumblr’s platform. The information was forwarded to investigators at the New York State Police who identified the defendant as the source.
On October 24, 2019, investigators seized several digital devices, including two cell phones, belonging to Hernandez. A forensic analysis uncovered images and videos on the cell phones, which depicted the defendant sexually abusing an 11- to 12-year-old minor on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2019.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; Monroe County Child Protective Services, under the direction of Commissioner Thalia Wright; the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, under the direction of Executive Director Deb Rosen; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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