Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Rochester Men Arrested on Cocaine Charges Following Chase with PoliceRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brian Cintron, 37, and Edwin Junior Gallardo-Ortiz, 35, both of Rochester, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiring and attempting to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge stated that according to the criminal complaint, a search warrant was executed on a U.S Postal Express Mail Parcel sent from Puerto Rico and addressed to defendant Cintron at a Waverly Place residence. The parcel contained approximately eight kilograms of cocaine. The contents were replaced with “sham” and the parcel was delivered. A law enforcement officer, dressed as a letter carrier, approached the residence, and identified Clinton who stated that he had been waiting a while for the parcel. Cintron took the parcel and left the area about a short time later in a vehicle driven by defendant Gallardo-Ortiz, who had been driving around the area of the Waverly Place residence for at least an hour prior to the delivery of the parcel.
Investigators followed the vehicle, which began traveling at higher rates of speed, passing cars over double yellow lines, failing to use turn signals, using the center turn lane to pass vehicles, running red lights and passing stop signs at intersections. After losing sight of the vehicle for a period of time, the vehicle was observed driving with a flat tire and at a normal speed rate. Investigators again followed the vehicle, which once again sped up. As law enforcement attempted to contain the vehicle, defendant Gallardo-Ortiz attempted to evade one law enforcement vehicle and struck another law enforcement vehicle. The vehicle was stopped, where both Gallardo-Ortiz and Cintron were taken into custody.
Video footage from the area of the vehicle chase showed defendant Cintron getting out of the vehicle and attempting to throw the drug parcel into a dumpster. The parcel didn’t fit in the dumpster, so defendant Cintron went back to the vehicle and spoke with defendant Gallardo-Ortiz, after which he walked around the dumpster and placed the parcel behind the dumpster, where it was later recovered.
The eight kilograms of cocaine seized has an approximate street value in Rochester of between $500,000 and $800,000.
Cintron and Gallardo-Ortiz made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson Magistrate and are being held pending detention hearings on September 8, 2021.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Joshua W. McCallister of the Boston Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Burning of RPD Car During May 2020 Violent Protests in RochesterRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Miguel Ramos, 20, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to rioting for his role in violent protests held in the City of Rochester in May 2020. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie M. Kocher, who is handling the case stated that on May 30, 2020, Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers were assigned to assist with crowd control during protests scheduled at the Public Safety Building (PSB) on Exchange Boulevard. During the late-afternoon/early evening, those protests, being held in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, turned violent and resulted in vandalism, damaged property, looting, and fires.
During the course of the protests, the defendant and others used an aerosol can and an open flame to set fire to a marked Rochester Police Department patrol vehicle parked in front of the Public Safety Building. The burning of the RPD car, which was completely destroyed, was broadcast and recorded on Facebook Live, which streamed the burning online in real time. Ramos also took photographs of himself at the riot and sent those photographs to others via text message to encourage them to participate in the riot.
The plea is are the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan; the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief James VanBrederode; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley; the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, under the direction of Lieutenant Robert Hill; and the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez Jr. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2021, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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Dominican Republic Native Going to Prison for 30 Months Following Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Elison A. Ledesma-Melo a/k/a Carlos Rivera Perez a/k/a Ostin M. Echevarria-Roman, 46, a native of the Dominican Republic, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The defendant will be deported to the Dominican Republic once his sentence is complete.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that in August 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the drug trafficking activities of the defendant who was a retail distributor of heroin in the Buffalo area. Ledesma-Melo traveled to the New York, NY, area to obtain heroin which he then brought back to Buffalo for distribution. On September 11, 2019, investigators conducted surveillance of the defendant’s vehicle as it traveled between the Buffalo area and the New York area. A traffic stop of Ledesma-Melo’s vehicle was conducted on Route 20A in Warsaw, NY. The defendant produced a Puerto Rico driver’s license in the name of Ostin M. Echevarria-Roman with a March 1972 birthdate. Following a brief roadside conversation, during which Ledesma-Melo provided false information and exhibited unusual behavior, a New York State Trooper searched the vehicle. A K-9 narcotics detection dog was also brought to the scene to assist in the search. The K-9 made a positive indication for the presence of narcotics in the rear seat/hatch area. A follow-up search of that area resulted in the recovery of a plastic bag which contained in excess of 100 grams of suspected heroin. Ledesma-Melo was taken into custody.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, and Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
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Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shaneesha White, 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to wire fraud involving benefits connected to a presidentially declared national emergency. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2020 and February 2021, the defendant defrauded the New York State Department of Labor by fraudulently collecting unemployment insurance benefits, to which she was not entitled. White applied for and received benefits in her own name, under false and fraudulent pretenses. The defendant and others also used the personal identifying information of two individuals fraudulently to create benefit accounts and collect benefits in the names of these individuals. The benefit money was deposited into bank accounts held and controlled by the defendant at Key Bank. Key Bank also issued ATM cards in both the White’s name and in the names of the two individuals, which the defendant used to make cash withdrawals of the benefits. As a result of the fraud, the defendant unlawfully collected $48,833.15 in benefits.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It expands states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for benefits. The CARES Act provided for three new UI programs: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA); Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC); and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone; the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Todd Allen; the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr; and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Grasso.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2022, before Judge Vilardo.# # # #
Batavia Woman Arrested, Charged with COVID FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Danielle Tooley, 36, of Batavia, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud and theft of government funds. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between July and December 4, 2020, the defendant and others knowingly used the personal identifying information of other individuals unlawfully to apply for and collect unemployment benefits connected to federal COVID-19 relief programs.
The scheme came to the attention of law enforcement on November 24, 2020, when Tooley was arrested by the New York State Police on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance during a vehicle traffic stop in Bergen, NY. During the interaction with the defendant, troopers observed a crack pipe with white residue inside of Tooley’s vehicle. After the arrest, the defendant’s vehicle was searched, and six New York State unemployment benefit cards were recovered. The benefit cards were issued to individuals other than Tooley. The benefit cards were turned over to the Buffalo Field Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, for further investigation. A subsequent examination of bank records for the benefit cards revealed several indicators of fraud and video footage from ATMs where the cards were used confirmed that the defendant had consistently withdrawn money from the cards. Tooley routinely used the personal identifying information of others in order to apply for and collect unemployment benefits in their names. In total, the scheme resulted in a loss of at least $99,141.39 to the United States.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone; the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Todd Allen; the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Grasso; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase.
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.# # # #
Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Defrauding TJ Maxx Out of Tens of Thousands of DollarsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Raymond D. Stover, 36, of Buffalo, NY, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 29 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $169,330.03 to TJ Maxx Companies, Inc.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that between May 2014 and August 18, 2018, the defendant participated in a multi-state scheme to defraud TJ Maxx Companies, Inc. (TJX) by engaging in receipt-less returns of stolen merchandise. TJX operates various retail chains, including Marshals and T.J. Maxx. During the course of the scheme, Stover stole items from TJX stores, and then returned the stolen merchandise without a receipt in exchange for a Store Value Credit (SVC) using identification documents in his name and the names of aliases he used. The defendant then sold the SVC gift cards he obtained to individuals and pawnshops for cash.
Specifically, on June 4, 2018, Stover entered a Marshalls store on Military Road in Niagara Falls, NY. Video surveillance captured the defendant taking four men's shirts into a dressing room. While inside the dressing room, Stover placed four non-Marshalls shirts, which were concealed under his own clothes, on the Marshalls hangers, and then placed the non-¬Marshalls merchandise on a rack on the sales floor. The defendant then left the store with the Marshalls merchandise concealed under his own clothes and without paying for the items. Later that same day, Stover went to the Marshalls store on Maple Road in Williamsville, NY, and conducted two receipt-less returns of the four shirts he stole earlier in the day, receiving a total of $157.08 loaded onto TJX SVC gift cards.
During the course of the scheme, Stover received a total of $149,360.11 in TJX SVC gift cards. In addition, TJX Investigators spent $19,969.92 investigating the defendant.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
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Buffalo Man Caught with Cocaine in Car Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jaelyn Castro, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, who is handling the case, stated that on May 8, 2021, Buffalo Police officers encountered a vehicle that was parked illegally outside of a store located at the intersection of Hampshire Street and Plymouth Avenue. As officers approached the vehicle, they advised the defendant, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, to remain stationary. However, Castro continued to move around in the driver seat. The officers then asked the defendant step out of the vehicle. During a search of Castro, an officer recovered two large baggies containing suspected cocaine.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2022, before Judge Vilardo.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to 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 James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Soroush Hamedi, 27, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was part of a group of individuals who ran a drug house at 192 Weaver Street in the City of Rochester. The defendant and others sold quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from the house between January 2018 and February 25, 2020. The defendant admitted to trafficking between 160 and 280 grams of fentanyl during the conspiracy.
On February 25, 2020, special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement personnel executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence at 19 Dale Street, Rochester, New York. At the time, the defendant was present inside the residence. During the search, the investigative team recovered, among other things, a clear plastic bag containing 10.064 grams of fentanyl in the basement ceiling at the bottom of a vent pipe after the defendant threw the bag down the vent.
As part of his guilty plea, the defendant admitted to selling a quantity of fentanyl to a 27-year-old female who later suffered a non-fatal overdose.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2021, at 3:00 p.m., before Chief Judge Wolford.
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Rochester Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of Cocaine, Firearm, and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Dixon, 39, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that on at approximately 2:30am on March 11, 2020, officers observed the defendant in the area of Gillette Street, Rochester with an open bottle of alcohol. As other officers arrived, the defendant attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended and searched incident to arrest. During the search, officers recovered 22 grams of cocaine; a loaded semiautomatic pistol; and approximately $586 in United States currency from the defendant’s person. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition based upon a 2004 conviction for Robbery in the First Degree in Monroe County Court.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan 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 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.
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Olean Woman Sentenced for Selling FentanylRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. announced today that Mary Kettle, 38, of Olean, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, butyryl fentanyl, was sentenced to serve four years’ probation by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between July 2018 and December 30, 2018, the defendant conspired with Erin Cameron and others sell butyryl fentanyl. Erin Cameron was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
On October 22, 2018, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force set up a controlled purchase of butyryl fentanyl with Erin Cameron. The delivery of the butyryl fentanyl was made by the defendant. A second controlled purchase of butyryl fentanyl was made on February 6, 2019, and once again Kettle made the delivery.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under the direction of Jason Thompson, Associate Director of the Office of Justice Services; the Southern Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
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Niagara Falls Man Sentenced on Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dante Dolson, 52, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 97 months imprisonment and supervised release for a term of two years by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha A. Coulson who handled the case, stated that between December 2016, and August 24, 2017, the defendant conspired with others to sell cocaine in the Western District of New York On at least four occasions, Dolson coordinated the transportation of 10 kilograms of cocaine to the Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY area for distribution. On each occasion, the defendant worked with co-conspirators to conceal the cocaine within a “trap” hidden under the hood of the vehicle used to transport the cocaine in order to avoid detection by law enforcement.
On August 24, 2017, members of the Niagara Falls Police Department executed a New York State search warrant at a residence on Independence Avenue in Niagara Falls, the associated detached garage, and a vehicle registered to Dolson. The location was the residence of a relative of Dolson. When investigators entered the detached garage, the defendant was observed rolling beneath the garage door to flee from the area. Investigators also noticed that the hood of a minivan in the garage was ajar and a socket wrench was attached to a bolt securing one of the windshield wipers. The defendant had been attempting to open the “trap” contained in the engine compartment of the vehicle and concealed behind a plastic shield underneath the wiper area.
Investigators recovered five full kilos and two half-kilo sized bricks of suspected cocaine wrapped in black plastic sitting on top of the seat cushions of a couch positioned along one of the walls within the garage. $5,000 in cash was also found in another vehicle on the property.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Faso, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
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Rochester Man Sentenced on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Herbert L. Brock, 44, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of felon in possession of firearm, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that at approximately 10:07 p.m. on September 24, 2020 police began investigating a Shotspotter activation in the area of Zimbrich Street in Rochester. During the investigation, police followed a suspect vehicle to Sullivan Street where the driver and sole occupant of the car, later identified as the defendant, exited the vehicle and ran into a home. While the defendant ran into the house he tossed a handgun. Police secured the location and obtained consent to search the vehicle and home. Upon searching the vehicle, officers recovered three fired cartridge cases. The recovered cartridges were compared microscopically with each other and with tests fired in the recovered firearm. Based upon the comparison, a firearms examiner determined that the cartridge cases were fired from the recovered firearm. The defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon a 2005 felony conviction for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan 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 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.
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Rochester Man Sentenced for His Role in Arson During May 2020 Violent Protests in RochesterRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shakell Sanks, 27, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of rioting for his role in violent protests held in the City of Rochester in May 2020, was sentenced to serve five months in prison by U.S. District Judge Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie M. Kocher, who handled the case, stated that on May 30, 2020, Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers were assigned to assist with crowd control during protests scheduled at the Public Safety Building (PSB) on Exchange Boulevard. During the late-afternoon/early evening, those protests, being held in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, turned violent and resulted in vandalism, damaged property, looting, and fires.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on May 30th in downtown Rochester, Sanks assisted others in attempting to light fabric on fire. The fabric was stuffed into the gas tank of a parked car belonging to the City of Rochester Family Crisis Intervention Team (FACIT). At approximately 6:20 p.m., the FACIT car began to smoke and shortly thereafter became engulfed in flames. The car was a total loss.
The sentencing is are the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan; the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief James VanBrederode; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley; the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, under the direction of Lieutenant Robert Hill; and the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez Jr.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking by ForceRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Peter R. Kiwitt, 62, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to sex trafficking by coercion. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated Kiwitt is a registered sex offender who committed this offense while on probation in Monroe County. This investigation commenced in January 2019 after Rochester Police Department officers responded to a residence in the City of Rochester for the report of a fatal overdose involving a minor victim. The owner of the apartment found the minor deceased on his living room floor and called 911. He told officers he brought the minor victim back to his residence to engage in commercial sex acts with her. The investigation determined Kiwitt was sex trafficking the minor victim until shortly before her death, using the victim’s addiction to heroin to coerce her to engage in commercial sex acts with men in the Rochester area.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 22, 2021, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
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 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
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Caneadea Woman Sentenced for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Amanda L. Rickard, 41, of Caneadea, NY, who was convicted of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return, was sentenced to serve 36 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Rickard was also ordered to pay $58,819 in restitution to the IRS and $19,772 in restitution to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that between 2011 and 2018, the defendant prepared income tax returns for friends and acquaintances. During that time, Rickard reported materially false information on her clients’ individual income tax returns.
For example, in April 2018, the defendant prepared and filed a tax return for Client 1, which identified a child, Dependent 1, as Client 1’s nephew and dependent. However, Dependent 1 was not Client 1’s nephew, and Client 1 did not provide support for Dependent 1 during 2017. As a result of the false statement, Client 1 claimed an entitlement to a tax refund to which Client 1 was not entitled.
Between 2011 and 2018, Rickard prepared and filed 23 individual tax returns which identified dependents that the taxpayer was not entitled to claim. The defendant maintained a notebook identifying the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of a number of children—including Dependent 1—whose parents had not claimed them as dependents on their own tax returns. Rickard then used this information to prepare the materially false tax returns on her clients’ behalf. During that same time period, the defendant also prepared and submitted individual tax returns on behalf of taxpayers who had not authorized her to do so.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
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Buffalo Man Sentenced for Breaking into A Railroad CarRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Ray Chrostowski, 26, of Buffalo, who was convicted of breaking into and larceny from interstate carrier facilities, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that between May and June of 2018, the defendant entered on railroad cars containing interstate shipments of freight in transit on nine separate occasions with co-defendants Paul Krieger and Nicholas Birdwell. Working together, they broke into railcars and removed the property therefrom. On one occasion they broke into a railcar carrying automobiles and removed the tires and rims off of two vehicles. As a result of this conduct, the total loss relating to these vehicles was over $4,718.16. A large quantity of Jefferson bourbon valued at $3,118.80 was also stolen.
Defendants Birdwell and Krieger were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia and the CSX Police, under the direction of Chief Sean Douris.
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Lockport Man Charged with Cocaine and Gun Charges After Two Search Warrants at His ResidenceRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that John Davis, Jr., 40, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and unlawful possession of firearms. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the DEA and the Niagara County Drug Task Force began investigating the defendant’s narcotics distribution activities in May 2021 after receiving information that Davis was selling cocaine from his Gabriel Drive residence to various customers in the Lockport area. On May 28, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence and seized approximately 180 grams of crack cocaine and 255 grams of cocaine, approximately $8,031 in cash, narcotics packaging materials, a food sealer, and a scale with cocaine residue in the apartment. A .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun and .22 caliber rifle were also recovered. On August 5, 2021, investigators executed another search warrant at Davis’ residence and recovered approximately 12 grams of cocaine, a digital scale with suspected cocaine residue, packaging material, and more cash.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on August 25, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Grand Jury Indicts Williamsville Man on Multiple Charges of Production and Possession of Child Pornography and Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Michael Regan, 39, of Williamsville, NY, with production and possession of child pornography, and enticement of a minor. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on December 2, 2020, the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force was contacted by the Buffalo Police Department, which believed that the defendant was engaged in a sexual conversation with a 13 year-old-girl (Victim) through social media. Regan, a former corrections officer who identified himself as “Jason,” and the Victim met over Snapchat in late July and continued to chat over the next several weeks on social media. The chats were often sexual in nature with the defendant requesting that the victim send him sexually explicit photographs and videos. As the conversations progressed, Regan made plans to meet the Victim for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. In August, Regan met the Minor Victim and engaged in sexual contact. At one point, the defendant claimed to be a Cheektowaga Police Officer. In addition, investigators uncovered sexually explicit photographs of an additional Victim, who was an infant, produced by Regan, on the defendant’s cell phone.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, 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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Buffalo Man Arrested, Charged with Manufacturing Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Lamborghini Lucas, 33, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with unlawfully manufacturing firearms. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 6, 2021, investigators executed a New York State search warrant at the defendant’s Woodlawn Avenue residence. During the search, a loaded Polymer 80 PF940SC 9mm PMF firearm, also known as a ghost gun, was recovered under a mattress in a bedroom. An additional three Polymer 80 PF940SC 9mm PMF firearms were discovered in a laundry basket full of clothing. A box sent from “JSD Supply,” which sells gun parts kits, was located in the living room. A receipt in the box showed three “PF940SC Full build kit-Minus Frame,” Two “Polymer 80 PF940SC Black,” One “Polymer 80 PF940SC Gray” for a total of $1,259.94. Throughout the residence, investigators also located three Polymer 80 boxes, three polymer 80 jigs, rotary bits, and a power drill. A records check determined that Lucas does not have a license to manufacture or deal in firearms.
The defendant appeared at a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on electronic monitoring.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, and 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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Brazilian Citizen Who Ran Smuggling Organization Going to Prison for More Than 2 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Tiago Mello-Lima, 34, a Brazilian citizen living in Canada, who was convicted of bringing aliens to the United States for commercial advantage or private financial gain, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly, who handled the case, stated that the defendant managed and supervised a smuggling organization. Specifically, on April 28, 2019, while in Ontario, Canada, Mello-Lima and two other individuals, including co-defendant Renan Portela Bandeira De Souza, launched a boat, containing four alien passengers who were not citizens or nationals of the United States, into the Niagara River. In prior negotiations with two of the aliens, the defendant agreed to charge each alien approximately $6,000 to bring them to the United States. Mello-Lima drove the boat from Canada to the United States landing on Grand Island, NY. The four aliens disembarked, and the defendant returned the boat to a dock in Canada. Mello-Lima planned the April 28, 2019, smuggling and arranged for a U.S.-based individual to pick up the aliens on Grand Island and drive them to their final destinations in the United States. Between March 17 and July 2019, Mello-Lima smuggled or aided and abetted the smuggling of six more aliens into the United States.
Co-defendant Renan Portela Bandeira De Souza also pleaded guilty to bringing aliens to the United States for commercial advantage or private financial gain and was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison by Judge Arcara.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent Andrew Scharnweber, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in the extradition of the defendant from Canada to the United States in March 2020.
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Receives Top Prosecutor Award from Women in Federal Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash received the Top Prosecutor Award from Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE). AUSA Tokash was nominated by the Buffalo Office of Homeland Security Investigations for her tireless efforts fighting against human trafficking and advocating on behalf of victims.
AUSA Tokash was a commissioned officer and decorated Veteran in the U.S. Army where she specialized in prosecutions involving victims of sexual crimes before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2019. AUSA Tokash is head of the Special Victims Unit, which is focused on human trafficking, child exploitation and sexual assaults. She also leads the U.S. Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force, coordinating efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement and non-governmental organizations in human trafficking investigations. One of those investigations involved defendant Valentino Shine, Sr., who was convicted following a jury trial of five counts of sex trafficking, and one count each of sex trafficking conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison.
AUSA Tokash is currently completing a 90-day commission on President Biden's Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jonathan Torres, 41, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that between April and November 28, 2018, the defendant conspired with others to sell fentanyl and cocaine in the area of Wilkins Street in Rochester. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Torres supplied fentanyl and cocaine to individuals who would then distribute the drugs to customers in the Wilkins Street area. The defendant also acted as a supervisor by monitoring the quantities of fentanyl and cocaine sold, directing the sales by others, re-supplying street-level workers, and supervising street-level workers who sold the drugs. At least one of the street-level workers was less than 18 years old. Torres used his Raines Park residence to store, package, and manufacture the fentanyl and cocaine for sale.
The plea is the result of an investigation by New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Lyon; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
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Rochester Man Arrested at the Peace Bridge with Cocaine and A Ghost GunRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Luis Amed Colon Molina, 42, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, Jr., who is handling the case, stated according to the complaint, on August 14, 2021, the defendant was encountered at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry after making a wrong tum onto the Peace Bridge. Headed towards Canada initially, Colon Molina apparently realized he was heading towards Canada and turned around coming back through United States Customs. During primary inspection, the defendant stated that he was following his GPS and made a wrong turn onto the bridge. He also stated that he and his wife, who was also in the car, live in Rochester, and were attempting to eat Puerto Rican food in Buffalo. When asked by a Customs and Border Protection officer, Colon Molina stated that did not have any narcotics or weapons.
The CBP office then conducted a random trunk examination and discovered several baggies containing a white powder substance inside a gray fanny pack. The defendant and his wife were then referred for a secondary inspection. Once in customs secondary, Colon Molina stated he was in possession of a pocketknife in the vehicle but again provided a negative declaration for firearms and drugs. During a search of the defendant’s vehicle, the gray fanny pack was removed from the trunk. In addition to the baggies containing a white powder substance, officers also found a digital scale with white powder residue inside the fanny pack. The substance was field tested resulting in a positive presence of cocaine. Officers also recovered a loaded 9mm, Polymer 80 handgun in the vehicle's glove box. The gun did not have a serial number and is considered a “Ghost Gun.” In addition, a review of Colon Molina’s cellular telephone recovered photographs of what appeared to be various other firearms and narcotics.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Former Ironworkers Treasurer Sentenced for Stealing Union FundsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Scott Russell Merritt, 41, of Celoron, NY, who was convicted of theft from a labor union, was sentenced to serve two years probation and ordered to pay restitution totaling $50,850.21 by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that between May 2011, and August 2018, the defendant was the treasurer of Ironworkers Local 470. As treasurer, Merritt embezzled $50,850.21 in union funds to pay various personal expenses.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, under the direction of the Boston-Buffalo District Director Jonathan Russo.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Prostitution Charges Involving Multiple VictimsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., announced today that Michael McDonald, a/k/a George Jackson, a/k/a Rabbit, 42, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to three counts of interstate travel for purposes of prostitution. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John D. Fabian and Aaron J. Mango, who are handling that case, stated that in April 2013, the defendant transported Victim 1 from New York to New Jersey, where the Exxxotica Fan Choice Awards were being held. When McDonald transported Victim 1 to New Jersey, the purpose was for Victim 1 to engage in commercial sex acts in New Jersey. In May 2017, the defendant transported Victim 2 from New York to Florida, where Victim 2 had a court date. When McDonald transported Victim 2 to Florida, the purpose was for Victim 2 to engage in commercial sex acts in Florida. In January 2018, the defendant transported a third victim from New York to Florida, where, among other things, a boat party was planned in Miami. When McDonald transported the victim to Florida, it was for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts.
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 Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 14, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Niagara Falls Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Samuel Zito, 31, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Misha A. Coulson, who is handling the case, stated that sometime in August 2020, the defendant and co-conspirators Marquies McTyere and Alexander Schieppati, arranged for a shipment to be delivered to Freightboy Logistics in Niagara Falls, NY, from Canada. Unbeknownst to Zito and his co-conspirators, on August 6, 2020, the shipment, which contained approximately 600 pounds of marijuana packaged in vacuum sealed bags, had been intercepted by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and was searched. The marijuana had been purchased by Zito and Schieppati from a source of supply in Canada and was intended to be distributed in the Niagara Falls and Buffalo areas. The shipment was tracked by investigators and a controlled delivery was conducted on August 7, 2020. Co-defendant Schieppati picked up the shipment and brought it to a motel in Niagara Falls. Zito, McTyere, and Schieppati were arrested, and investigators recovered $239,850 from a storage facility utilized by McTyere. The money was found in the vicinity of drug packaging materials and was packaged in vacuum sealed bags.
McTyere and Schieppati were previously convicted.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 27, 2021, before Judge Vilardo.
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Ghana National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export Stolen VehiclesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Victor Yao Apeletey, 40, of Ghana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to export stolen motor vehicles. 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 between January 31 and February 14, 2020, the defendant conspired with others to export stolen motor vehicles by purchasing the vehicles using stolen identities, and then having those vehicles driven to Canada under false pretenses to be ultimately exported to the country of Ghana. During the course of the scheme, Apeletey and others fraudulently obtained biographical information for individuals and then used that information to fraudulently obtain identification documents using the individuals’ names but the photographs of co-conspirators.
The stolen identities were used to purchase a 2020 Ford F-450 Super Duty for approximately $106,390.37, and a 2019 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 for approximately $116,835.00. On February 13, 2020, the defendant and others exported and attempted to export the vehicles to Canada under false pretenses, so that they could be shipped to Ghana.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Former Newark High School Faculty Member Going to Prison for 50 Years for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Matthew Holland, 29, of Newark, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography and possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 50 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between 2016 and 2020, the defendant, who was formerly employed as a Teaching Assistant in the Newark, NY, Central School District, and a teacher/assistant at the Canandaigua, NY, YMCA, engaged in a series of child exploitation and child pornography crimes, including coercing minors both known and unknown to him to produce child pornography via social media; surreptitiously recording minors in states of undress in their homes, surreptitiously recording minors in states of undress at a YMCA where he was employed, surreptitiously recording minors and others in states of undress at his Newark photography studio “Illumination Images,” and downloading and possessing hundreds of images and videos of pre-existing child pornography via the internet.
The defendant posed as a 14-16 year-old male and used the Snapchat account “Tjohnson755” and the Instagram account “TimJ755,” to engage minors in sexually explicit conversations. Holland would begin in neutral conversation, then would send pictures of an attractive teenaged boy, before transitioning the conversation to sexual topics and demanding that the minors produce and send to him nude or semi-nude photographs – to include the minors’ faces. The defendant often played upon his victims’ insecurities, paying them compliments and promising that he would delete their photos and would not share them. In some cases, once he obtained nude or semi-nude photographs, Holland would ask for more sexually explicit photographs involving sex acts. If a minor declined, the defendant threatened to share their previous images over the Internet. Since the defendant knew many of the minors through his employment with the Newark Central School District, he sometimes made specific threats involving the minors actual addresses, relatives, and schools, causing the minors, most of whom were 13 to 16 years old, to suffer extreme anxiety and fear.
The defendant’s conduct was first discovered when a minor victim in Virginia reported to police that Holland had coerced her into sending him sexually explicit photographs and videos. An investigation by the Loudoun County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office led to the discovery of dozens of victims in the Western District of New York, and coordination with the Newark Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the Canandaigua Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.
In addition to coercing minors to produce child pornography via social media and the internet, Holland also engaged in the following conduct:
• Between October 2019, and February 14, 2020, while employed as a teacher/assistant at the before and after school childcare program at the Canandaigua YMCA, the defendant was responsible for supervising children 3 to 12 years old. On at least one occasion, Holland entered the family locker room and photographed approximately 5 female children in his care as they were changing out of their swimsuits after swimming in the YMCA pool.
• Between February 18, 2019, and February 20, 2020, Holland surreptitiously recorded a 10-11 year-old girl in various stages of undress in the bathroom of her home in Newark.
• On April 17, 2016, the defendant surreptitiously recorded a 10 year-old female in various stages of undress in the bathroom of her home in Marion, NY.
• Prior to his arrest in May 2020, Holland was also the owner and operator of Illumination Images located in Newark. Using this business, the defendant surreptitiously recorded minors in various states of undress by placing a hidden recording device inside of the studio changing room.The defendant also possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography that he obtained via the Internet, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors, to include toddlers, and children being subjected to violence.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Loudoun County, VA, Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael L. Chapman; the Newark, NY Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Thoms; the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Berry Virts; the Canandaigua, NY Police Department, under the direction of Chief Stephen Hedworth; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
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Cattaraugus Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Melanie Thompson, 47, of Cattaraugus, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey T. Fiut, who handled the case, stated that between January 9, 2017, and March 6, 2020, the defendant took sexually explicit photographs of Minor Victim 1in furtherance of her plan to impersonate Victim 1. Thereafter, Thompson, while impersonating Victim 1, engaged in conversations of a sexual nature with two minor male victims (Victims 2 and 3) and one adult. During those conversations, the defendant solicited a sexually explicit picture from Victim 2; sent, via social media, the sexually explicit photograph she had taken of Victim 1 to Victim 3, receiving two sexually explicit images in return from Victim 3; and while impersonating Victim 1 and engaging in sexual conversations with an adult male over social media, sent such male the sexually explicit photographs she had taken of Victim 1.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Timothy S. Whitcomb.
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Buffalo Man Arrested Following Months of Surveillance Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that James Terrell, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that in the summer of 2019, investigators learned that the defendant was involved in bulk currency money drops. On August 20, 2019, Terrell was observed exchanging a bag. Subsequently, a traffic stop was conducted on the defendant’s vehicle, which he was operating. 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 complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Malik Matthews, 22, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan E. Leydecker and Paul C. Parisi, who handled the case, stated that between June 2018 and October 2019, the defendant sold cocaine to an individual over 50 times. In addition, Matthews sold crack cocaine to an undercover police officer. On June 4, 2019, Buffalo Police Officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Grey Street residence. During the search they seized three loaded firearms, ammunition, two bags of suspected crack cocaine, five digital scales, a bottle of a cutting agent, and a box of sandwich bags.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Former Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to Ponzi and COVID-19 Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY--Christopher A. Parris, 41, formerly of Rochester, NY, and currently of Lawrenceville, Georgia, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud related to a Ponzi scheme, as well as to wire fraud involving the fraudulent sale of purported N95 masks during the pandemic.
“The fraud schemes at issue here, including the purported sales of personal protective equipment that the defendant could not actually provide, are particularly egregious,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting anyone who would try to profit through this kind of conduct.”
“Defendant Parris, together with his co-defendant Perry Santillo, bilked millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors in their Ponzi scheme,” said U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. for the Western District of New York. “Their web of deceit spread far and wide as they purchased established investment advisor or broker businesses from across the country in order to gain access to new victims. This office remains committed to working with all of our partners to identify and bring to justice those who seek to enrich themselves by defrauding others.”
“Preying on companies and the Department of Veterans Affairs as they sought to protect their employees and patients from this pandemic is beyond the pale,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips for the District of Columbia. “The department and our law enforcement partners will catch and stop those who take advantage of public health emergencies to perpetrate such frauds.”
“Financial frauds are grounded in greed, so it's no surprise that when multiple people are behind a single scheme the greed runs deeper and the damage hits harder,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia of the Buffalo Office of the FBI. “The only guarantee in a Ponzi scheme is that it will fall short, and the founders who contrived them will too.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service aggressively conducts investigations of those who fraudulently use the U.S. Mail to facilitate complex fraud schemes,” said Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “Today’s plea demonstrates our ongoing work with law enforcement partners to stop those who are engaged in these types of fraudulent activities.”
“The urgent need to protect veterans and VA health care workers during this fast-moving pandemic required the Department of Veterans Affairs to rapidly purchase personal protective equipment” said Inspector General Michael J. Missal of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “Working with our law enforcement partners, the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) stopped a criminal who was attempting to profit from this horrible crisis and prevented the government and taxpayers from being defrauded of hundreds of millions of dollars. The VA OIG will continue to work zealously to ensure schemes like this are uncovered, investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Since the onset of the pandemic, HSI quickly adapted to investigate the increasing and evolving threat posed by COVID-19-related fraud and criminal activity,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jack P. Staton of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New Orleans Field Office. “This guilty plea is a testament to the commitment we have, along with our law enforcement partners, to protecting the American public in times of crisis.”
The Ponzi Scheme
Between January 2011 and June 2018, Parris conspired with co-defendant Perry Santillo and others to obtain money through an investment fraud, commonly known as a Ponzi scheme. Specifically, in 2007, Parris and Santillo, as equal partners, formed a business known as Lucian Development in Rochester. Prior to approximately July 2007, Lucian Development 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, Parris and Santillo were advised by Ephren Taylor that their investors’ money had been lost. In response, in August 2007, Parris and Santillo 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, Parris and Santillo chose not to disclose the truth to investors that their money, entrusted to Lucian Development for investment in City Capital Corporation, was gone. Instead, Parris and Santillo 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, Parris and Santillo purchased businesses from established investment advisors or brokers who were looking to exit their businesses. Between approximately 2008 and September 2017, Parris and Santillo, using money obtained from prior investors, purchased the businesses of at least 15 investment advisors or brokers, located in Tennessee, Ohio, Minnesota, Nevada, California (five businesses), Florida, South Carolina (two businesses), Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Indiana.
The investment offerings pitched by Parris and Santillo consisted principally of unsecured promissory notes and preferred stock issued by various entities controlled by Parris and Santillo. Potential investors were offered an apparent array of investment options to create the illusion of a diversified investment portfolio. Those investment options included products issued by purported issuers such as First Nationle Solutions (FNS), Percipience Global Corporation, United RL Capital Services, Boyles America, Middlebury Development Corporation and NexMedical Solutions, among others. None of these issuers had substantial bona fide business operations or used investor money in the manner and for the purposes represented to investors. To the extent that an issuer may have had some minor legitimate business activities, it was not profitable, and insufficient revenues were generated to pay investors any returns (let alone return the principal amounts of their investments).
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 Parris, Santillo and other co-conspirators to finance lavish lifestyles of the conspirators, their families and associates; to 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 – all of which were used to keep the scheme going and maintain a façade of legitimate business operations.
Very little investor money was deployed in productive investments, and when so deployed, the investments yielded meager income and were not profitable, or failed altogether. The Ponzi scheme was headquartered and based out of locations in Rochester, with a number of satellite offices around the country. Administrative and banking functions were largely performed out of Rochester. The conspiracy employed a variety of salespeople, including Parris and Santillo, who traveled around the country to meet with and solicit new investors.
Between January 2012 and June 19, 2018, Parris and Santillo obtained at least $115.5 million from approximately 1,000 investors. By the time the scheme collapsed in late-2017/early 2018, Parris and Santillo, doing business through an array of corporate entities, had returned approximately $44.8 million to investors as part of their scheme, but continued to owe investors approximately $70.7 million in principal.
Among the Rochester area victims of the Ponzi scheme were the following:
• A resident of Webster, New York, who held a total asset value of $94,341.89 with a fictitious company known as First Nationle Solutions (FNS), which, as of Dec. 31, 2017, was in fact worthless or close to worthless; and
• A resident of Victor, New York, and his wife, who invested approximately $221,758.67 with FNS and Middlebury Development. The couple received three payments of $2,500 but lost approximately $214,258.67.Parris and Santillo controlled hundreds of different business bank accounts opened under numerous different business names at various financial institutions, including but not limited to Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Genesee Regional Bank and ESL Federal Credit Union. Santillo and Parris directed and authorized the transactions that occurred in the accounts, including deposits, withdrawals, check writing and funds transfers. The various bank accounts were used to transfer money from one account to another. Incoming investor money was routinely transferred through several accounts before the funds were finally spent on whatever purpose Parris and/or Santillo authorized. By moving investors’ funds through various accounts in various entity names, Parris and Santillo were able to conceal and obscure the fact that new investor money was being used to repay earlier investors, finance the operations of the Ponzi scheme, and fund their lifestyles.
Santillo was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
Parris also pleaded guilty in a case originally charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), as well as at least eight other victim companies, in a scheme involving personal protection equipment (PPE). Between February and April 10, 2020, the defendant, as the owner and operator of Encore Health Group, a company based in Atlanta, that purported to broker medical equipment, offered to sell scarce PPE, including 3M-brand N95 respirator masks, to various medical supply companies and governmental entities. In these proposals, Parris knowingly misrepresented his access to, and ability to obtain and deliver on time, vast quantities of 3M N95 masks and other PPE. The defendant falsely represented that he was able to obtain 3M N95 masks directly from authorized sources in the United States, when in fact, he had no ready access to 3M factories or 3M N95 masks or other PPE, no proven source of supply, and no track record of procuring and delivering such items.
For example, in March 2021, Parris offered to sell the VA 125 million 3M N95 masks at a cost of $6.45 per mask. In this process, the defendant attempted to obtain an upfront payment of $3.075 million from the VA, even though he knew at the time that he had no access to the promised masks or present ability to deliver the promised masks.
As part of his guilty plea, Parris admitted that, in addition to attempting to defraud the VA, he actually obtained upfront payments totaling approximately $7.4 million from at least eight clients for 3M N95 masks that he knew he had no access to or present ability to obtain or deliver on time. Parris also admitted that the proceeds of the scheme totaled approximately $6,218,525. In total, Parris sought orders in excess of $65 million for the non-existent PPE equipment.
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Parris is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy regarding the Ponzi scheme, 30 years in prison for wire fraud in connection to a presidentially declared emergency, and 10 years in prison for committing the offense originally charged in the District of Columbia while on release from the Western District of New York.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Joshua W. McCallister of the Boston Division; the FBI, Buffalo Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the IRS, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Acting 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 Nikitas Splagounias, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Region, the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell; the Securities and Exchange Commission; the VA OIG, under the direction of Michael J. Missal, Inspector General, and HSI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jack P. Staton of the New Orleans Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field is handling the prosecution in the Western District of New York, and Trial Attorney Patrick Runkle of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Lallas are handling the prosecution in the District of Columbia.
On May 17, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Former Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Evan Motherwell, 25, of Penfield, PA, formerly of Jamestown NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a mandatory minim penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Misha A. Coulson, who are handling the case, stated that between September 2018, and January 26, 2019, the defendant conspired with Douglas Beardsley and others, to sell methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl for profit. Motherwell would go to Beardsely’s residence to pick up bundles of heroin and “blacks” (approximately 3.5 grams) of methamphetamine. Beardsley fronted the narcotics to the defendant and when Motherwell failed to pay, Beardsley would get mad and try to fight him. During the conspiracy and afterwards, the defendant utilized Facebook to conduct drug trafficking activities, including communication with co-defendants.
Co-defendants Tracey Wynn, Richard Dean, Daniel Harding, and Justin Cusimano were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against co-defendants Douglas Beardsley and Angelo Pollino. 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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Amherst Businessman Charged with Defrauding the Paycheck Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Programs Out of Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Hormoz Mansouri, 67, of Amherst, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and money laundering. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000.
“This defendant is now part of a growing list of individuals that this Office has charged who sought to steal for themselves money which was intended to assist businesses and employees crippled by the pandemic,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “The greed exhibited by such individuals in the face of a national crisis is criminal. This Office will remain vigilant in our effort to ensure that taxpayers dollars are spent appropriately, and we will vigorously investigate and charge anyone, like defendant, who fraudulently seeks to obtain or spend emergency federal aid.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Mansouri filed fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loan applications with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and local financial institutions under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act). Specifically, Mansouri, who controlled eight different business entities, including HLM Holding LLC, El Team Inc., NPTS Inc., 2060 Sheridan Drive LLC, 212 Holden Avenue LLC, 350 Old Niagara Falls Boulevard LLC, 47 East Amherst LLC, and 3600 Harlem Road LLC, applied for 16 different (two per entity) PPP loans and eight different EIDL loans.
As alleged in the complaint, the amount of PPP loans a given entity is entitled to is determined in part by such entity’s average monthly payroll expenses. For each of the 16 PPP loans that the Mansouri-controlled entities obtained, the average monthly payroll was either inflated or completely fabricated. In fact, contrary to the applications submitted, six of the eight entities had no actual employees or payroll expenses at all. Similarly, the Mansouri-controlled entities also made false representations and provided fraudulent documentation in support of EIDL applications. Between March 2020, and May 2021, Mansouri received 16 PPP loans totaling $3,074,000 and seven EIDL loans totaling $450,600. Had Mansouri provided accurate information in support of the applications, his entities would have qualified for significantly smaller loan amounts or no loans at all.
Having fraudulently received over $3,500,000 in PPP and EIDL funds, the defendant is alleged to have engaged in a series of convoluted transactions—during which he moved the loan proceeds between the various business accounts; commingled the proceeds with legitimate business revenues; and transferred the proceeds into different business accounts, personal accounts, a campaign account (in the name of “Mansouri for County Comptroller”), as well as a casino— in order to conceal, disguise, and obscure the source, nature, ownership, control, and location of the funds derived from the fraudulent scheme.
On May 28, 2021, seizure warrants were executed on accounts controlled by the defendant and resulted in the seizure of approximately $1,923,603.
The complaint 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 Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Alden Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brandon Kidder, 37, of Alden, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on May 24, 2019, the defendant possessed images and videos of child pornography, which were stored on his cellular telephone and other electronic storage media. Kidder obtained the images and videos by downloading them from the internet – specifically the dark web. For example, the defendant visited and downloaded images from a dark website featuring “Hurtcore” materials. The term “Hurtcore” means any image or depiction of violent child pornography.
On January 28, 2020, the FBI executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized a number of devices and electronic storage media. A forensic review revealed more than 600 images and videos of child pornography, including images that portrayed prepubescent minors, or minors under the age of 12, as well as 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2021, before Judge Vilardo.
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Rochester Woman Sentenced to A Year in Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution for Her Role in Arsons During May 2020 Violent ProtestsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Mackenzie Drechsler, 20, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of rioting for her role in violent protests held in the City of Rochester in May 2020, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to serve one year and one day in prison, two years of supervised release, and restitution totaling $8,674, $3,775 to the City of Rochester, and $4,899 to the N.Y. State Attorney General’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie M. Kocher, who handled the case, stated that on May 30, 2020, Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers were assigned to assist with crowd control during protests scheduled at the Public Safety Building (PSB) on Exchange Boulevard. During the late-afternoon/early evening, those protests, being held in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, turned violent and resulted in vandalism, damaged property, looting, and fires.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on May 30th in downtown Rochester, Dreschler assisted others in attempting to light fabric on fire. The fabric was stuffed into the gas tank of a parked car belonging to the City of Rochester Family Crisis Intervention Team (FACIT). At approximately 6:20 p.m., the FACIT car began to smoke and shortly thereafter became engulfed in flames. The car was a total loss. Dreschler also set fire to an official vehicle owned by the New York State Attorney General’s Office, after crouching down, placing cardboard inside the vehicle and then walking away. Approximately one minute later, smoke began billowing from the car, and as the fire grew, the car became engulfed in flames. The car was a total loss. Following her actions in the burning of the two cars, Drechsler also participated in breaking glass during looting that took place.
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 Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan; the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief James VanBrederode; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley; the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, under the direction of Lieutenant Robert Hill; and the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr.
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Greece Man with Prior Child Sexual Abuse Conviction Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Hector Savage, 37, of Greece, 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 minim 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 on July 31, 2003, the defendant was convicted in Monroe County Court of Sexual Abuse 1st: Sexual Contact with Individual Less than 11 Years Old. On May 25, 2019, Savage possessed approximately 20 images of child pornography on an Apple iPhone. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors or minors under 12 years old.
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, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
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Elmira Man with Prior Rape Conviction Going to Prison for 20 Years on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeffrey Martin, 37, of Elmira, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, following a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between May 31 and July 19, 2019, Minor Victim 1 slept over at the defendant’s residence on several occasions with the permission of Minor Victim 1’s mother. On at least one of those occasions, Martin took several sexually explicit pictures of Minor Victim 1 with his cellular telephone, knowing that such photographs would be automatically uploaded to his Google online storage account.
The defendant was previously convicted of felony statutory rape in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, on July 19, 2004.
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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Texas Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in Cocaine Conspiracy Stretching from El Paso to BuffaloRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Edgar Pavia, 44, of El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiring to commit money laundering. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $20,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that between October 2017, and December 7, 2018, the defendant conspired with Eduardo Enrique Valdez, Adrian Goudelock, Eric Young, Lance Parker, Jai Hunter, Daniel Sterling, Martin Lopez, Ivan Rene Rios Bustillos, Adrian Grier, Shamar Davis, and Gabrielle McGrady, to sell cocaine and hide the proceeds of their illegal drug trafficking.
On October 2, 2017, Pavia and co-defendant Eduardo Enrique Valdez traveled from El Paso to Cleveland, OH. The defendant admits that while in Cleveland, two co-defendants traveled from Buffalo to Cleveland to pick up 10 kilograms of cocaine to take back to Buffalo. The cocaine was secreted in the spare tire of their vehicle.
Investigators determined that during the course of the cocaine conspiracy, Pavia and his co-defendants frequently rotated their phones, which were almost exclusively utilized in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. The defendant’s phones had frequent contact with both a Mexican source of supply, co-defendant Adrian Goudelock, co-defendant Adrian Grier, and co-defendant Daniel Sterling. Numerous court-authorized wire and electronic communications were intercepted during the investigation. Those interceptions revealed that Pavia was brokering bulk quantity cocaine to multiple areas in the country including Buffalo, as well as locations in Kentucky and Georgia. On July 25, 2018, investigators seized 17 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle of co-defendant Lance Parker. Shortly after the seizure, Pavia was intercepted discussing the seizure with Adrian Goudelock, who suggested to Pavia that they “chill for a few weeks” but then “keep goin.” They also discussed their new phones before ceasing use of their then-current phones.
Co-defendants Lance Parker, Eduardo Enrique Valdez, Ivan Rene Rios Bustillos, Daniel Sterling, and Adrian Grier were previously convicted. Charges remain pending against co-defendants Adrian Goudelock, Eric Young, Jai Hunter, Martin Lopez, Shamar Davis, and Gabrielle McGrady. 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 plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - Buffalo, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; 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; HSI-Louisville; the Kentucky State Police; the Louisville Metro Police; and the Greater Hardin County Drug Task Force.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Rochester Music Teacher Going to Prison for 50 Years After Being Convicted of 74 Charges, Including 61 Counts of Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Philip M. Close, 43, of Rochester, NY, who pleaded guilty to a 74-count indictment, including 61 counts of production of child pornography and 13 counts of possession of material containing child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 50 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles A. Siragusa.
“As a result of this sentence, this defendant will likely spend most or all of the rest of his life behind bars,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Let this case serve as an example to any individual in a position of trust with children—if you seek to exploit children to satisfy your own perverse interests, be prepared to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and potentially to lose your freedom forever.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that from 2016 to 2019, the defendant owned the Close School of Music on West Ridge Road in the Town of Parma and provided private music lessons to children of all ages. During that time, Close hid spy cameras throughout the school and secretly recorded the students, parents, and other teachers. Some of those cameras captured videos of the defendant inappropriately touching his students and himself during lessons. Close also placed two spy cameras in the school’s only bathroom: one under the toilet and one hidden in a watercooler facing the toilet. The defendant intentionally positioned these cameras to record the naked genitals of young girls when they stood up from the toilet. Prior to opening the Close School of Music in 2016, the defendant worked at a different music school. Between 2012 and 2016, he also placed a spy camera in the bathroom of that school and intentionally recorded the naked genitals of young girls when they went to the bathroom.
Between 2012 and 2019, Close produced hundreds of videos of child pornography involving 61 identified minor victims. The youngest victim was four years old. While executing search warrants at the Close School of Music, investigators also discovered 13 devices that contained other images and videos of child pornography.
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; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
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Hamburg Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking A Local News ReporterRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Paul E. Lubienecki, 63, of Hamburg, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to stalking. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant harassed and intimidated Victim 1, a local television reporter, causing the victim to be in reasonable fear of death and serious bodily injury, and causing substantial emotional distress. Specifically, on six separate occasions between August 20, 2019, and February 4, 2020, Lubienecki left harassing and threatening voicemails for Victim 1 relating to the victim’s reporting on the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, which appeared on Channel 7 WKBW. The defendant left these voicemails with the intent to harass and intimidate Victim 1. Lubienecki used a TracFone cellular telephone with a phone number that appeared as “unknown” when he left these voicemails.
“While the First Amendment guarantees freedoms regarding both religion and expression,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy, “it does not protect a pattern of conduct—such as that admitted to by this defendant—which causes substantial emotional distress or creates a reasonable fear of the death or serious bodily injury to another.”
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 East Aurora Police Department, under the direction of Chief Shane Krieger.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 9, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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U.S. Attorney Kennedy Announces Results of VIPER Task Force Through July 30, 2021Read the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., announced today the cumulative results of the Federal Violence Prevention and Elimination Response (VIPER) Task Force, a 60-day surge aimed at removing violent gun offenders from the streets of Rochester and Buffalo to enhance public safety and reduce violent crime. For the slightly over three-week period between July 7 and July 30, 2021, the following results were achieved in Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls through VIPER:
• District Wide
o Firearm Related Arrests – 125
o Narcotics Related Arrests - 217
o Violent Felony Arrests - 142
o Firearms Seized - 68
• Rochester
o Firearm Related Arrests - 69
o Narcotics Related Arrests - 41
o Violent Felony Arrests - 86
o Firearms Seized - 51
• Buffalo/Niagara Falls
o Firearm Related Arrests - 56
o Narcotics Related Arrests - 176
o Violent Felony Arrests - 56
o Firearms Seized - 17To date, 18 defendants have been adopted for federal prosecution, and 52 other defendant’s arrests are currently being reviewed to determine whether federal prosecution is appropriate.
“These latest numbers suggest that the all hands-on-deck, collaborative approach promoted by the VIPER Task Force is yielding positive results,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Violent offenders, drug traffickers, and those with illegal guns are—or, at least, should be—starting to realize that they are the focus not only of the attention of every law enforcer in our community—but the attention of a growing number of community members themselves. Hopefully, that realization will cause those considering whether illegally to possess or use a gun to think twice and help them to recognize that they will only find lasting respect and protection once they choose to put the gun down.”
The VIPER Task Force involves enhanced information sharing, enhanced proactive investigations and prosecutions, and the improvement relations between the community and law enforcement.
Members of the VIPER Task Force include the United States Attorney’s Office, under the direction U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Robert F. Judge; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division. VIPER Task Force members in Rochester also include: the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan. VIPER Task Force members in Buffalo also include: the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Chief Byron Lockwood.
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Cheektowaga Man Arrested on Charges of Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Kenneth Ritchie, 30, of Cheektowaga, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 50 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on July 16, 2021, an individual contacted the Cheektowaga Police Department and reported observing child pornography on a cell phone belonging to the defendant. The individual stated that he met Ritchie on the Grinder chat application and then met him in person at the defendant’s residence in Cheektowaga. While at the residence, the individual stated that Ritchie showed him images and videos containing what he believed to be child pornography. The individual told the defendant that he was disgusted by what he observed and told him he was reporting him to the police.
The individual took Ritchie’s cell phone, went to Cheektowaga Police Headquarters, and showed investigators two of the photos that the defendant had shown him. One of the photos was a sexually explicit photo of a boy under five years old (Victim). The second photo was a sexually explicit photo of Ritchie holding the same little boy. During the execution of a search warrant on the defendant’s cell phone, investigators recovered additional sexually explicit images of the Victim. The search also recovered additional videos and images containing child pornography on the cell phone, several of which appeared to be obtained through the Telegram application.
The defendant appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy for a detention hearing today and was ordered held.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Assistant Chief Brian Gould, and 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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Retired School Teacher Arrested and Charged with Enticement of A Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard W. Scherer, 70, of Depew, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, on June 28, 2021, the FBI received information regarding the defendant from a citizens group known as Predator Poacher, which maintains a website and YouTube channel. The group maintains several online accounts that purport to be minors of various ages, using the accounts to chat with adults who later meet for sexual contact. These contacts are recorded, the individuals interviewed, and the videos then posted to the group’s platforms. A member of the group made contact with Scherer on the Instagram account richard_scherer. The defendant believed the member was a 13-year-old girl. The communications between the two were sexual in nature and culminated with a planned meeting at a retail store on Amherst Street in Buffalo. When Scherer arrived, the group confronted him outside the store and interviewed him for about 58 minutes, during which he allegedly admitted that he is a pedophile. The Buffalo Police were called following the interview.
Subsequently, investigators accessed Scherer’s communications with the purported 13-year-old girl, which occurred between April and June 2021. During those communications, which became graphic and sexual in nature, the defendant mentioned he was a teacher, who taught sexual education in the past. On June 27, 2021, Scherer arranged to meet the purported 13-year-old girl the following day, and when he showed up for that meeting, the defendant was confronted by members of Predator Poacher. The final text from Scherer was “I’m here.” According to the complaint, the defendant also communicated with a purported eight-year-old girl through Predator Poacher, during which the communications also became graphic and sexual in nature.
Scherer was a teacher for approximately 25 years in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. A report obtained from the school system during the investigation stated, “On June 13, 2011, the parent of a 4th grade student, [redacted by MCPS], came to the school and made a report to an assistant principal about some concerns she had regarding possible inappropriate behavior by Mr. Scherer while interacting with students.” The report stated that the student related that when the defendant has lunch with a particular student, “he pulls her to him and hugs her, that he has patted her rear end and hips, and that he pressures her to each lunch with him.” The parent advised that her daughter and the daughter’s friend are often pressured to each lunch with Scherer. In September 2011, the Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools sent a letter to the State of Maryland Superintendent of Schools. The letter stated, “this is to notify you that Mr. Richard W. Scherer, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools, resigned after notice of allegations of misconduct involving a student. I recommend that Mr. Scherer’s certificate be revoked.” The defendant’s teaching certificate was subsequently revoked.
A search of the defendant’s cell phone recovered two images of child pornography.
Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 716-843-1680.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Stephen Belongia, Special Agent-in-Charge.
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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Registered Sex Offender Arrested and Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Juan Quinones-Rivera, 39, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on April 21, 2021, New York State Parole contacted the FBI after a parole officer, while conducting a search of defendant’s room, discovered that he had a cell phone, which was a violation of his parole. During a cursory search of the device, the parole officer located Snapchat chats and text messages between Quinones-Rivera and a female (Victim). A subsequent search of the phone recovered numerous images and videos of suspected child pornography. In addition, investigators recovered sexually explicit text conversations between the defendant and Victim, during which Quinones-Rivera requested and received approximately 50 videos and photos from the Victim. In May 2021, the FBI contacted the Greene County, Virginia Sheriff's Office for assistance in identifying the Victim. After doing so, investigators searched the Victim’s cell phone and located an image that was also found on the defendant’s phone.
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 New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; and the Greene County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Steven Smith.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Local Media Production and Political Consulting Firm Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that LSA Strategies LLC, a media production and political consulting firm located in Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to wire fraud and faces a penalty up to $500,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling 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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
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Buffalo Man Who Ran Cross-Country Drug Conspiracy Going to Prison for More Than 10 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Antwan Hugley, a/k/a Twan; a/k/a Anthony Carter; a/k/a Juan Luis Rodriguez-Martinez; 42, of Atlanta, GA, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities, was sentenced to serve 130 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that between 2010 and June 29, 2016, the defendant conspired with others to sell cocaine. Hugley obtained kilogram bricks of cocaine from Georgia and Texas for distribution in the Buffalo area and elsewhere. At various times in 2013 and 2014, the FBI seized cocaine from multiple individuals who purchased their cocaine from the defendant. Also in 2014, the defendant possessed a firearm while in a vehicle with his wife. It was Hugley’s firearm, and he possessed this firearm at other times during drug transactions.
In 2015 a Greyhound bus entered Canada via the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. Law enforcement officers searched a bag, which had originated in Atlanta, GA, found it to contain five kilograms of cocaine. The bag was intended for delivery in Buffalo and belonged to Hugley. A Greyhound employee in Buffalo reported that an unknown man came to pick up the luggage in Buffalo, but abruptly walked away when told “I hope your luggage wasn't the one with a lot of drugs.”
In 2016, Hugley was arrested in Orlando, Florida and found to have in his possession a driver's license with his picture in the name Juan Luis Rodriguez-Martinez. He also had a piece of paper with the social security number for Martinez and several credit/debit cards in that name. The defendant had a bank account in that name which revealed nearly $90,000 in and out of the account in about 15 months. The expenses were primarily related to hotels, planes, and rental cars in Houston, Atlanta, and Rochester, NY, which were locations associated with the Hugley’s drug-trafficking activity.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Stephen Belongia, Special Agent-in-Charge, and the Houston Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Troy Finner.
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Three California Residents Plead Guilty to Failing to Assist Customs Officers at Local Border CrossingsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Ahmad Sami, 46, Ceasar Sami, 21, and Rania Alkanj, 33, all of Corona, California, pleaded guilty to failing to assist customs officers. The charges carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey T. Fiut, who is handling the cases, stated that in 2018, the defendants drove or attempted to drive multiple luxury vehicles into the United States without declaring to customs officers that the vehicles were intended to be sold within the United States.
On June 3, 2018, Ahmad Sami and Ceasar Sami drove a Range Rover into the United States through the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. On June 27, 2018, at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry, Ahmad Sami entered the United States in a black GMC Sierra, and Alkanj entered in a Ford F-150. On two other occasions in June 2018, Ahmad Sami and Alkanj traveled across the Rainbow Bridge together in a Jeep Wrangler and a white GMC Sierra. In July 2018, the defendants attempted to transport three additional vehicles into the United States, but each vehicle was denied entry. On July 16, 2018, at the Blue Water Bridge Port of Entry in Port Huron, Michigan, Ahmad Sami attempted to cross the border in a Toyota Camry and Alkanj attempted to cross in a Toyota RAV4, but customs officers turned away each of these vehicles. Less than a week later, Ceasar Sami tried to drive a Chevy Colorado into the United States at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry, but this vehicle was also denied entry.
The defendants failed to declare to customs officers that the vehicles were intended to be sold within the United States, resulting in each defendant owing duty and related fees to the United States Government. Ahmad Sami owed $20,681.09; Alkanj owed $15,735.99; and Ceasar Sami owed $965.71.
The pleas are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Ahmad Sami and Ceasar Sami are scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy on August 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. and September 24, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., respectively. Alkanj is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. on August 24, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Joshua Sattora, 37, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to receipt of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that between December 26, 2017, and August 13, 2018, the defendant 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, the defendant 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 is awaiting sentencing.The plea is a result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2021, before Judge Wolford.
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Rochester Drug Dealer Going to PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jakeel Irvin, 27, Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to distribute, and distributing, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 71 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that the defendant conspired with others to sell fentanyl in the area of Wilkins Street in Rochester between April and November 28, 2018. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Irvin utilized 133 Thomas Street to store, manufacture, and distribute controlled substances. On November 28, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at the Thomas Street residence and recovered 81 baggies containing cocaine, 203 baggies containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, assorted drug paraphernalia, and packaging materials. A second search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence on Bernard Street in Rochester and approximately $1,598 in the proceeds of illegal drug distribution were recovered. Irvin acted as a supervisor in the conspiracy, directing at least one other individual who worked at the Thomas Street drug house and who worked on Wilkins Street in the City of Rochester.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
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