Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Buffalo man going to prison on gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gilbert Santiago, 39, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
In August 2019, a search warrant was executed at Santiago’s residence in the City of Tonawanda. Investigators recovered a .22 semi-automatic rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition. In December 2013 and July 2014, Santiago was convicted in Erie County Court of felony crimes and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. In addition, in February 2020, Santiago was found in possession of approximately five grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
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Prior felon pleads guilty to drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Robert L. Robinson, 50, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
According to the plea agreement, on June 7, 2024, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Robinson’s Sterling Avenue residence, during which approximately 125 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition, and $35,869.00 in cash were seized. Robinson was taken into custody following the search warrant execution. Robinson was previously convicted of felony crimes in 2003 and 2011 and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Rochester man going to prison for his role in financial fraud scheme involving stolen checksRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Sheldon Marquis Adams, 26, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Between March and September 29, 2023, Adams conspired with others to obtain hundreds of checks that had been stolen from U.S. Postal Service mailboxes in the Rochester, NY, area. Adams and his co-conspirators would then forge or alter the checks with the intent to obtain money from the associated bank accounts. Adams used social media to recruit individuals to cash or deposit the checks into their own accounts and withdraw the money before the issuing bank detected the fraud. If the individuals successfully cashed the checks, they would give the money to the members of the conspiracy in return for a small payment. On September 29, 2023, in furtherance of the conspiracy, Adams was found in possession of 15 pages of blank check stock paper and approximately 335 checks that had been stolen between April and June 2023 from U.S. Postal Service blue collection boxes. Some of the checks had been altered by washing them with acetone.
The scheme involved approximately 227 individual victims and 36 business victims, in addition to the victim financial institutions, and stolen and altered checks totaling approximately $516,912.17.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Postal Inspector-in-Charge Jason Buckley, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to his role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Steven Hoskins, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.
According to the plea agreement, between December 2022 and November 2024, Hoskins conspired with others to coordinate the shipment of cocaine from California to Buffalo through the mail and through the use of secret compartments in vehicles that were transported across the country. Hoskins would obtain anywhere between five and 50 kilograms of cocaine a month, which he would sell and distribute in the Western District of New York. On three separate occasions in July, August and September 2023, Hoskins delivered drug proceeds totaling $439,840.00 to an individual he believed was a member of the drug trafficking organization but was in fact an individual working with law enforcement. Hoskins distributed over 450 kilograms of cocaine throughout this conspiracy.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo/Rochester comprises agents and officers from HSI, the FBI, DEA, ATF, and IRS-CI, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Fitzsimmons, Meghan E. Leydecker, and Elizabeth M. Palma. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Grand jury indicts Jamestown man and Buffalo woman on narcotics conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brandon Murray, 41, of Jamestown, NY, and Latika Saintkitts, 35, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. In addition, Saintkitts is charged with distribution of crack cocaine and fentanyl.
According to the indictment, between 2021, and September 2024, Murray and Saintkitts conspired with others to possess and distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. In addition, on April 3, 2024, Saintkitts possessed and distributed crack cocaine, and on June 14, 2024, she possessed and distributed fentanyl.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Murray and Saintkitts were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Murray was detained pending a detention hearing on April 13, 2026, and Saintkitts was released on conditions.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Grand jury indicts Buffalo man on multiple COVID related fraud chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 10-count indictment charging Brandon Millender, 24, of Buffalo, NY, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and concealment money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine up to $500,000.
According to the indictment, between April 2021, and August 2025, Millender conspired with others to defraud financial institutions, financial service companies, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting fraudulent Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan applications and PPP loan forgiveness applications. The applications contained information regarding non-existent businesses, including payroll expenses and revenue. Millender carried out the scheme by:
- creating, using, and maintaining numerous e-mail addresses using the names, or variations of the names, of other individuals without knowledge or permission. In addition to names, he used social security numbers, addresses, and other personal information of these individuals.
- creating bank accounts, credit card accounts, on-line profiles, and CashApp/Block accounts, which he then used to receive proceeds of the scheme, conceal proceeds of the scheme, and spend proceeds of the scheme.
Affected financial institutions included Key Bank, Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC, Benworth Capital Partners, CashApp/Block, and the Small Business Administration.
In addition, between June and August 2025, Millender sought to obstruct the federal investigation of the conspiracy by attempting to influence an individual to provide false and misleading information to federal investigators.
Between April 21 and May 11, 2021, Millender conducted financial transactions involving property, which included the proceeds of some of the unlawful activity. Millender did so knowing that the transactions were designed to conceal and disguise the nature, ownership, and the control of the proceeds.
In total, the scheme involved over $140,000 in PPP loan proceeds.
The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Millender was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and released on conditions.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Two Jamestown men charged in superseding indictment with selling fentanyl causing serious bodily injury, Hobbs Act robbery and kidnappingRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Blake D. Smith a/k/a Sweets, 50, and Willie Graham a/k/a Wu, 45, both of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, Hobbs Act Robbery, kidnapping, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, Smith is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distribution of fentanyl causing serious bodily injury. Both defendants face a maximum of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between February 2017, and January 2024, Smith and Graham conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, and others, to sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Jamestown area. During the conspiracy, Smith possessed a firearm.
Between May 9 and 11, 2023, Smith sold fentanyl causing serious bodily injury to individuals identified as R. P. and D.C.
On March 8 and 9, 2023, the defendants kidnapped an individual identified as D.D. and robbed a $25,000 check from D.D. In furtherance of the robbery, a firearm was brandished.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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California man going to prison for more than 10 years for his role in cross country narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that La D. Huynh, 43, of Chula Vista, California, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 126 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Huynh, a California-based drug trafficker, supplied quantities of methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana to other members of the conspiracy, including Jun Martinez, a Jamestown-based drug trafficker. In 2019, after receiving a large amount of methamphetamine, there was a payment issue between Martinez and Huynh, and Martinez stopped taking calls from Huynh. Sometime in 2020, Huynh and Martinez started their narcotics operations again, and Huynh began shipping quantities of cocaine, heroin/fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the mail, from the San Diego, California, area.
In September 2020, Martinez traveled to the San Diego area and met with Huynh and co-conspirator Kevin Hughes, receiving large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. After the transaction, Martinez and Hughes started to travel back to the Western District of New York. During the return trip, on September 15, 2020, an Illinois State Police Trooper stopped Martinez and Hughes. A search of the vehicle yielded approximately 6,359 grams of methamphetamine, 3,157 grams of fentanyl, 2,241 grams of cocaine, and marijuana products. Martinez and Hughes were arrested and charged by Illinois State law enforcement.
On October 16, 2020, local law enforcement executed a search warrant at Martinez’s Wescott Street residence, recovering 438 grams of methamphetamine and approximately $62,000 in cash. On July 9, 2021, California law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Huynh, recovering narcotics in the trunk. A search warrant was then obtained. During the execution of the warrant, investigators found two cardboard boxes containing a total of 101 kilograms of cocaine.
Defendant Maritnez was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Defendant Hughes was previously convicted and sentenced.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Juan Sosa, 30, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon N. Gonzalez, who is handling the case, stated that on May 22, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Sosa’s Northlane Drive residence, during which they seized approximately 193 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, approximately 142 grams of cocaine, approximately 16 grams of dipentylone, $4,813 in cash, a loaded pistol, an assault rifle with a sawed-off barrel, and drug paraphernalia. The warrant, executed as part of a large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation, was one of multiple warrants executed at locations throughout Monroe County. Sosa has three prior felony convictions in Monroe County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Webster Police Department, under the direction of Dennis Kohlmeier, Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi, the New York State Police, under the direction Major Amie Feroleto, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County Crime Analysis Center.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before Judge Wolford.
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Jamestown man going to prison for his role in Jamestown drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jaquez Thomas, 22, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between 2020 to 2022, Thomas distributed quantities of fentanyl and cocaine he received from Joseph Zaso. Thomas utilized Facebook and Cash App to conduct his drug trafficking activities. During the conspiracy, he supplied quantities of fentanyl to Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer.
Thomas also conspired with Jose Maisonet in 2022. In Spring of 2022, Jamestown Police officers conducted three controlled purchases from Jose Maisonet. In July 2022, a search warrant was executed at Thomas’ Allen Street residence. During the search a loaded handgun, and drug paraphernalia were seized. A search warrant was also executed at Maisonet’s Forest Avenue residence, during which quantities of suspected crack cocaine and methamphetamine, digital scales, cell phones, and $2,715.00 in cash was seized.
Joseph Zaso, Joseph Thayer, and Justin Yuchnitz were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Jose Maisonet was previously convicted and sentenced in a separate case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Prior felon arrested, charged following incident involving shooting of police officer and standoffRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Christopher Marcinkowski, 39, of Dunkirk, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with maintaining a drug involved premises and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Garrett Fitzsimmons, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in February 2026, the DEA began assisting the Chautauqua County Narcotics Unit with an investigation of Marcinkowski’s drug trafficking activities. In February and March 2026, investigators conducted two separate garbage pulls at a residence on Franklin Avenue in Dunkirk associated with Marcinowski. Numerous plastic baggies were located with residue that tested positive for the presence of cocaine. On March 24, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at the Franklin Avenue residence. As the execution of the warrant began, an individual, later identified as Marcinowski, fired two rounds from a firearm, one of which struck an officer. A standoff then took place for several hours, during which Marcinowski told the police negotiator that he shot the officer. After several hours, he surrendered without further incident. After the residence was cleared, officers seized approximately 197 grams of suspected psychedelic mushrooms, approximately 11 pounds of suspected marijuana, three firearms, approximately $30,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.
Marcinowski has three prior federal convictions. In October 2013, he was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In November 2021, Marcinowski was convicted of distributing cocaine.
Marcinowski will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy on April 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, and the Dunkirk Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Witkowski.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Olean man pleads guilty to drug chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Isaiah Josiah Dre Riley, 23, of Olean, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that in December 2024, law enforcement observed Riley make sales of crack cocaine utilizing a 3rd Avenue residence in Olean as his base of operation. On January 14, 2025, investigators executed search warrants at the residence, seizing quantities of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and $2,579.00 in cash. Riley was taken into custody at the scene.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
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Jamestown woman sentenced for her role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anabell Santiago, 53, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, maintaining a drug involved premises, and being a user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that in November 2023, a search warrant was executed at a Van Buren Street residence, during which law enforcement seized cash, a quantity of fentanyl, pills, and drug paraphernalia. As law enforcement was securing the apartment, Anabell Santiago’s husband and co-defendant Santos Santiago attempted to destroy his fentanyl causing a large amount of fentanyl to go airborne. Two officers inhaled the cloud with one experiencing physical effects requiring medical attention.
In March 2024, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Anabell Santiago. In April 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at the Santiago’s Whitley Avenue residence, seizing fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone, two loaded pistols, ammunition, $30,369.00 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. The defendant admits the seized U.S. currency converts to at least 300 grams of fentanyl. Anabell Santiago admits that at the time of her possession of the firearms, she was an unlawful and habitual user of fentanyl. On January 15, 2025, Anabell Santiago pleaded guilty in Chautauqua County Court to possession of more than four ounces of fentanyl.
Santos Santiago was convicted and sentenced to serve 132 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to drug chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Antonio Rivera-Perez, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Fitzsimmons and Katerina Powers, who are handling the case, stated that on January 22 and January 28, 2025, the DEA conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Rivera-Perez. On April 22, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rivera-Perez’s Langfield Drive residence, seizing approximately 1,072 grams of powder cocaine, 198 grams of crack cocaine, 190 grams of fentanyl, a Glock 19 handgun, several firearm magazines, ammunition, approximately $3,500 in U.S. currency, and drug paraphernalia.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 11, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
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Registered sex offender arrested on multiple new child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John Peterson, 42, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography by a person with a prior child pornography conviction, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from the messaging app Kik that two files of suspected child pornography were uploaded between June 14 and June 16, 2025. The files were uploaded with the username “hardinny41_mkc” and were shared with other Kik users. On July 05, 2025, NCMEC received another CyberTip from Kik that a file of suspected child pornography was uploaded on June 28, 2025 by someone with the username, hardinny4_mf7” and had also been shared with other Kik users. Subsequent investigation traced the uploaded files to Peterson. On December 3, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on Peterson’s person, seizing his cell phone. A forensic analysis identified approximately nine image files and five video files of suspected child sexual abuse material. Some of the images included infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children.
Peterson is a level 1 sex offender following a 2010 misdemeanor conviction in Carroll Town Court for Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16 Year of Age. He was subsequently convicted in 2023 in Chautauqua County Court of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16 Years of Age and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
Peterson made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on April 2, 2026.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Florida man who traveled from Florida to Western New York to have sex with a minor going to prisonRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik, 23, of Orlando, Florida, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who handled the case, stated that in February 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik, who was 21 years old at the time, began communicating with a 16-year-old minor victim on social media. Between February 2024 and April 2024, the minor victim sent a video file and two image files depicting the minor victim to Cardoso Tehovnik, each of which constituted child pornography.
In late April 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik flew from Florida to the Western District of New York and rented a hotel room to meet the minor victim in person. On April 27, 2024, the minor victim met Cardoso Tehovnik in the hotel room and the two engaged in sexual intercourse. Between April 2024 and June 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik continued to communicate with the 16-year-old victim on social media. On June 4, 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik again traveled to the Western District of New York to meet the minor victim. Cardoso Tehovnik picked up the minor victim from her school and left the district with the minor victim, intending to take her to Florida. Law enforcement located Cardoso Tehovnik with the victim in New Jersey and Cardoso Tehovnik was arrested and taken into custody.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari, with assistance from the Beach Haven, NJ, Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Markoski.
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Prior felon going to prison on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric Rivera, 39, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute of 400 grams or more fentanyl and being felon in possession of ammunition, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who handled the case, stated that on March 14, 2024, the Niagara Falls Police Department was executing a search warrant at an Ontario Avenue residence. Shortly after entering the residence, an investigator looked out the back door and saw a male throw a shopping bag over a fence, jump over the fence, and run, before entering an abandoned garage next door with the bag, and then exiting without the bag. The male looked back toward law enforcement vehicles, while attempting to hide. Investigators quickly located the male identified as Rivera. A narcotics detection K-9 dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in the back of the garage, where investigators located the bag Rivera was seen holding. Investigators seized approximately 18 grams of cocaine and fentanyl, 642 grams of heroin and fentanyl, approximately eight grams of cocaine, 1511 grams of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, magazines, and ammunition.
In March 2007, Rivera was convicted in Erie County Court of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division.
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Albion man going to prison for receipt of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Norman Kelly, 69, of Albion, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that on October 20, 2023, Kelly arrived at the Port of Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Michigan, on a flight from Incheon, South Korea. During an inspection of his baggage, Kelly removed a cellular phone from his pocket, and had a computer bag, which contained a laptop computer, and four USB thumb drives. Due to a lack of eye contact during questioning, inconsistencies in his travel story, and nervous behavior, the devices were authorized to be examined. A Customs and Border Protection officer examined the cell phone, laptop and one of the thumb drives and discovered what appeared to be suspected child pornography. Subsequent investigation determined that between March 12 and September 20, 2023, Kelly used his laptop computer to entice minors to engage in sexually explicit behavior for the purpose of producing images, which he would receive via the internet. On March 12, 2023, Kelly received a sexually explicit image of a female child, approximately 10-12 years old. On July 20, 2023, he received a sexually explicit video file of an infant female, approximately 1.5 to three years old. Kelly possessed approximately 475 image files and 377 video files of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images included depictions of violence against children.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Additional assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, Michigan.
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Prior felon going to prison on new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar F. Hernandez III, 24, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor following a prior conviction under New York law relating to possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who handled the case, stated that in December 2022, Hernandez was convicted of Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court and sentenced to serve six years of probation. On June 18, 2024, Hernandez used Instagram to share two child pornography videos with another Instagram user, who he believed to be a minor. Hernandez used a cellular telephone to upload the videos to Instagram and share them with the other user. On May 14, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Hernandez’s residence, during which law enforcement seized a number of electronic devices, including a cellular telephone, which contained 15 images of child pornography.
The sentencing of the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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PhD student arrested, charged with multiple child pornography charges and enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tristan Bass-Krueger, 32, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, distribution and possession of child pornography and enticement of a minor. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 12, 2026, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a mother that her 14-year-old child (minor Victim 1), had sent and received sexual images to and from an adult male, and may have been having a sexual relationship with the adult male. The mother turned minor Victim 1’s cell phone over to investigators. An initial search of the cell phone revealed a Tinder Account created by minor Victim 1 and a Tinder profile user identifying as “Tristan,” who was messaging with minor Victim 1. The bio of “Tristan’s” account stated: “PhD at UR, love art and literature, good food, travelling and gathering new experiences.” Investigators also discovered conversations between minor Victim 1 and “Tristan” that were sexual in nature. The two then began to message off the Tinder application and through WhatsApp. Subsequent investigation determined that “Tristan” was Bass-Krueger.
The complaint further states that late on the night of February 4, 2026, Bass-Krueger is suspected of picking up minor Victim 1 at home with the two spending approximately five hours together before minor Victim 1 returned home. On February 8, 2026, Bass-Krueger sent minor Victim 1 a message stating: “I really like you an am looking forward to hanging out tomorrow, but tbh I see this relationship ending in heartbreak for you, the age gap just too big to work out long term and I’m risking serious jail time that’ll start to weigh on me more and m.” On February 9, 2026, Bass-Krueger and minor Victim 1 exchanged messages, discussing the fact that someone may have found out about their sexual relations. Bass-Krueger sent a message stating: “If you suspect anything delete all our communication and vids.” Investigators also discovered messages that minor Victim 1 exchanged with a friend, during which minor Victim 1 stated: “I had sex with him . . .” Minor Victim 1 also stated that Bass-Krueger took videos of their encounter. Investigators located the video on minor Victim 1’s phone.
Bass-Krueger was arrested in Atlanta, GA, on March 25, 2026, and made an initial appearance in the Northern District of Georgia. He is being detained and will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jamestown man going to prison on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Aaron Miller, 32, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Miller bought and sold methamphetamine and cocaine for profit and for his own use. He received large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from co-defendant Jun Martinez, a Jamestown drug dealer, and from others. Miller then distributed the drugs to other individuals in the Jamestown area, for profit.
Co-defendants Jun Martinez, La Huynh, and Antasia Babcock were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster.
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Repeat felon convicted on drug charge by a federal jury going back to prisonRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Julio Perez, 65, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. McGrath and Brandon N. Gonzalez, who handled the trial of the case, stated that in June 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Perez’s residence, seizing approximately an ounce of fentanyl and nearly $10,000 in cash. The warrant was part of a large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. Warrants were also executed at multiple locations in both Monroe and Ontario Counties. At the time the search warrant was executed, Perez was on supervised release following federal narcotics trafficking convictions in 2018 and 2002.
Perez was convicted of this latest charge by a federal jury in November 2025. With a third narcotics trafficking conviction, the Court determined that Perez is a career offender, resulting in an enhanced sentence.
The sentence is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
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Bronx man pleads guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and ID theftRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edwin Robles, 38, of the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, co-conspirator Vance Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with Robles and co-conspirators Edward Richardson and Michael Herrera, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts.
On February 5, 2025, the defendants drove to a Northwest Bank branch in Lockport, within the Western District of New York. Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal of from the account of an individual residing in Erie, PA. Ashley also purchased a bank check using funds from the account. That same day, the defendants drove to another Northwest Bank branch in Williamsville, within the Western District of New York, and again Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal from an account and purchased a bank check using funds from the account of a victim from North East PA. Also on February 5, 2025, Robles unlawfully the identification of another person during a felony violation.
The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is $91,300.00.
Ashley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jesus Ramos aka Manny, 42, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-defendant Lamont Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. In July 2020, Ramos provided his identification information and social security number to Lamont Brown, knowing that it would be used to obtain money that he was not entitled to. After he provided his personal information to Brown, Ramos received a check totaling $11,454 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank, owned by Lamont Brown. These funds were later withdrawn and spent. Ramos did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico and was therefore legally ineligible to receive the PUA funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. The total loss amount to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the actions of Ramos and others involved in the scheme was $67,524.
Brown was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Cuba man pleads guilty to operating a marijuana grow operationRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel S. Ackerman, 59, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 50 or more marijuana plants, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that Ackerman operated and maintained a marijuana grow and distribution center on Farnsworth Road in Cuba. On October 10, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant, seizing 475 growing marijuana plants, 124 dried marijuana plants, approximately 2,097 grams of processed marijuana, 10 glass jars containing liquid concentrated cannabis, three tubes of concentrated cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, scales, and multiple cell phones. In addition, investigators seized a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, the Cuba Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dustin Burch, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Scott Cicirello, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
Buffalo man pleads guilty to attacking postal carrierRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a Jacob D. Ortiz, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to assaulting a federal employee resulting in bodily injury, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that on September 9, 2025, a United States Postal Service (USPS) Letter Carrier approached the mailbox of a residence on Columbus Avenue in South Buffalo and observed Ortiz on the front porch of the house. Without any warning or provocation, Ortiz descended the front steps and lunged toward and tackled the letter carrier (victim) to the ground. Ortiz then began punching the victim repeatedly with his fists, forcing the victim to use their hands to protect their face as Ortiz delivered punches to the victim’s face, head, and midsection. Ortiz temporarily stopped, but then charged a second time, forcing the victim to flee the scene for their own safety. Ortiz gave chase but was unable to catch up, allowing the victim to get to safety. As a result, the victim sustained bodily injury, including a bump on the back of the head, several contusions to other parts of the head and face, and bruises and scrapes to their elbows and knees.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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United States Attorney’s Office collects more than $68,000,000 in 2025 based on fraud, waste and abuseRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York recovered more than $68,000,000 in 2025 through settlement agreements and enforcement actions.
In 2025, the ACE Unit settled False Claims Act (FCA) cases, including cases that arose under the FCA’s qui tam or whistleblower provision. Among the settlements:
- Pfizer, on behalf of Pfizer’s subsidiary Biohaven, paid more than $50,000,000 to settle allegations that Biohaven paid kickbacks to providers in return for the providers prescribing Biohaven’s drug Nurtec.
- Five cases involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud, which will result in the recovery of more than $10,000,000.
The ACE Unit also settled non-False Claims Act related matters, including self-disclosed overpayments to federal health care programs and several claims involving the federally funded Railroad Retirement Board pension program.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo praised the work of the ACE Unit stating, “The settlements and recoveries achieved by the ACE Unit in 2025 demonstrate this Office’s commitment to protecting taxpayer money. My office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse involving government programs and hold those responsible accountable”
The ACE Unit is the civil arm of the United States Attorney’s Office that investigates and pursues civil claims to recover money lost to fraud and other misconduct under the Federal False Claims Act. The False Claims Act allows the government to recover both the underlying loss amount and adds to the amount a damage multiplier. Many of these cases result from individuals or entities with inside information about fraudulent conduct.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud are encouraged to report information to federal authorities. Information about fraud involving federal health care programs can be reported to HHS Office of Inspector General (1-800-HHS-TIPS) or the FBI (1-800-CALL-FBI). Information about COVID-19 fraud can be reported by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) 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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Suspected Bloods members arrested on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ronnie Powell, 40, and Daniqua S. Dixon, 34, both of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, 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 P. Richard Antoine, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Buffalo Police Department and the Buffalo Police Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the criminal activities of the Bloods, a violent street gang operating in and around the City of Buffalo. Numerous members of the Bloods have been identified as well as gang territory located on the east side of Buffalo. Members have been arrested by several police departments for violent criminal acts, including drug and firearm trafficking. Bloods gang members are known to commit violent criminal acts in furtherance of the gang to protect gang-controlled territory and houses associated with the gang.
Powell and Dixon are suspected Bloods gang members, in part because of various gang-related tattoos indicating gang membership and their associations with other Bloods gang members. The investigation determined that Powell and Dixon are narcotics traffickers who supply various individuals. On March 18, 2026, a search warrant was executed at a South Domedian residence utilized by Powell and Dixon, during which investigators seized two loaded firearms, a brick of suspected cocaine, quantities of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $10,333.00 in cash. Also on March 18, 2026, investigators conducted a traffic stop and placed Powell under arrest.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Craig Macy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam.
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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Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lamont Brown, 37, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. Brown and his recruits obtained personally identifiable information and used that information to obtain PUA funds from the Puerto Department of Labor and Human Resources. Brown received a portion of the PUA funds the recruits received as payment for allowing them to participate in the scheme. In July 2020, Brown personally received a check totaling $10,122.00 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank within the Western District of New York. He later withdrew and spent the funds. The money was issued through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Brown did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico. The total loss to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the scheme was $67,524.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Illegal alien from Mexico charged with alien smugglingRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andres Carrillo-Hernandez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with alien smuggling, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of three years in prison, and a maximum of 10 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Evan K. Glaberson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 15, 2026, Buffalo Border Patrol agents received information regarding possible alien smuggling. Agents were told that multiple subjects, including two adult males and an adult female carrying a small child, were spotted on infrared camera inflating a raft on the Canadian shoreline at Boyers Creek. The subjects then boarded the raft and began crossing the upper Niagara River, heading to the United States shoreline. Border Patrol agents proceeded toward the possible landing site near a residence on West River Road in Grand Island, NY. The raft was located, and the raft driver, later identified as Carrillo-Hernandez, was taken into custody for illegally entering the United States and suspected alien smuggling. Agents, who then heard a child crying, discovered another adult male, an adult female, and an infant child. The adult male and female were also arrested for illegal entry into the United States. Carrillo-Hernandez admitted to federal agents that he was paid approximately $2,000 to transport the two adults and child, via raft, from the Canadian shoreline to the United States. Subsequent investigation determined that Carrillo-Hernandez, and the three individuals smuggled across the river, had not applied for or received any authorization or approval to enter the United States.
Carrillo-Hernandez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on March 24, 2026.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.
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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Texas woman pleads guilty for her role in cross country narcotics conspiracy originating in MexicoRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Shannell Gosine, 28, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Donna Duncan, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that between April 2023, and February 20, 2025, Gosine conspired with others to sell cocaine that came from Mexico and was transported from Texas to multiple locations throughout the United States, including Buffalo. Gosine’s role was primarily that of a drug courier and the receiver of bulk currency for counting. She personally made numerous trips with bulk cocaine to Buffalo and took numerous trips back to Texas with bulk U.S. currency.
On April 8, 2023, the Ohio State and Highway Patrol seized 18.93 kilograms of cocaine from a co-conspirator who was attempting to transport the cocaine from Texas to Buffalo. On December 12, 2023, Tennessee’s 23rd Drug Task Force seized $100,000 in U.S. currency from Gosine and one of her co-conspirators, some of which currency had come from Buffalo. On May 7, 2024, the Ontario County, NY, Sheriff’s Office seized 9.3 kilograms of cocaine and 3,528 grams of pure methamphetamine from a co-conspirator during a traffic stop. On a typical trip, Gosine or her co-conspirators transported approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine to Buffalo and additional kilograms of cocaine to other destinations.
Gosine was arrested in April 2025, along with six other defendants, including: Winnie Taru Woods a/k/a Ru, Sharron McCullough a/k/a Black, Marlon Holt, Jr. a/k/a Scooter a/k/a Professor, Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr., Ian Dyer, and Norman Patillo. Gosine is the second to be convicted.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo/Rochester comprises agents and officers from HSI and the FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Enforcement Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Ontario County, NY, Sheriff’s Office, the 23rd Judicial Taskforce, Tennessee, as well as Homeland Security Investigations in NY, and Houston and Austin, Texas.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Jamestown man pleads guilty to sex trafficking conspiracy and drug conspiracy chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kelvin Thomas, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between October and December 2022, Thomas conspired with Zaid Mendoza and Cora Waddington to conduct a sex trafficking operation involving two individuals with drug addictions, Victim 1 and Victim 2. As part of the conspiracy, Thomas, Mendoza, and Waddington, provided shelter to the victims at a W. Main Street residence in Falconer, NY, and provided them with food, clothing, and daily quantities of heroin/fentanyl in exchange for their performance of commercial sex acts for money, with the proceeds going to Mendoza. Thomas assisted the operation by securing and communicating with commercial sex buyers, posting online advertisements with photographs of Victim 1 and Victim 2 on Skipthegames.com, transporting Victim 1 and Victim 2 to “out calls” away from the residence, and providing protection and assistance to sex trafficking victims while they were on out calls. In exchange for his assistance, Thomas was paid in drugs by Mendoza or Waddington.
Thomas’s involvement in the sex trafficking conspiracy also involved him in Mendoza and Waddington’s drug trafficking operation. He distributed heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine for Mendoza and Waddington, in addition to using the drugs himself. Between August 30 and October 30, 2023, investigators conducted three controlled purchases fentanyl and methamphetamine from Thomas. On November 1, 2023, a search warrant was executed at a Newland Avenue residence associated with Thomas, during which quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine HCL were seized.
Mendoza and Waddington were previously convicted.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Former Western New York man sentenced for lying while testifying during his fraud trialRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael W. Luehrsen, 41, of Miami, Florida, who was convicted of perjury, was sentenced to serve three years’ probation by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Luehrsen will also pay approximately $2,000,000 in restitution and forfeit approximately $2,000,000 in assets, including investments and real estate proceeds.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Grace Carducci, who handled the case, stated that in February 2022, Luehrsen testified under oath in his previous jury trial before the United States District Court for the Western District of New York as follows:
Q. Mike, I want to start by talking about your dad. You told Mr. Kruly that on the days that those prescriptions were faxed you were not in town, is that what you said?
A. That’s correct.
Q. Can you tell the jury, where were you?
A. On June 27, 2014, I was actually in California visiting Cornerstone Pharmacy with two physicians. On July 11, of 2014, I was in Boston, Massachusetts.
Q. And how do you remember that?
A. I have photographs from my phone showing me in those particular cities.
Evidence from Luehrsen’s cellular telephone shows that the testimony quoted above was false. Photographs on the cell phone establish that he was, in fact, in Buffalo on July 11, 2014. In addition, telephone records and financial records established that Luehrsen was in Buffalo on that date. At the time of this testimony, Luehrsen was being tried for, among other crimes, conspiring to commit health care fraud. It was a matter material to the trial whether or not Luehrsen was in Buffalo when an altered compound prescription form was faxed from his father’s home located in the Western District of New York.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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Buffalo woman pleads guilty to her role in conspiracy to steal mailRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexandria Duncan, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that between October 9 and October 14, 2024, Duncan conspired with co-defendant Timothee S. Tidwell to steal mail from receptacles in Hamburg, NY, and take articles from inside the letters and envelopes that were stolen. For instance, in the early morning hours of October 14, 2024, Duncan drove a vehicle to Camp Road with Tidwell, who exited the vehicle and approached a row of mailboxes outside the post office on Camp Road with a postal arrow key he was not legally entitled to possess. After Tidwell exited the vehicle, Duncan drove the vehicle across the street to a gas station where she was approached by a Village of Hamburg Police officer. While the police officer interacted with Duncan, Tidwell fled the scene.
Duncan and Tidwell used a postal arrow key to open various mailboxes in the Hamburg area to steal multiple mail items. On October 14, 2024, law enforcement recovered opened and unopened mail addressed to other people from Duncan’s vehicle. The opened mail included checks from various individuals and businesses and totaled approximately $369,104.92.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Village of Hamburg Police, under the direction of Chief Richard Schara, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Jamestown woman arrested, charged with possession of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Taylor Hernandez, 31, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on January 15, 2026, members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant of Hernandez’s person and her Falconer Street residence, seizing approximately 181 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 23.5 grams of suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and $4,165.00 in cash.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal grand jury indicts former Rochester school teacher for promoting prostitution from his residenceRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Eric Simpson, a/k/a Major Hands, 66, of Macedon, NY, with use of interstate facilities to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate a prostitution enterprise. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Chalbeck, who is handling the case, stated that Simpson was recently a public-school teacher in Rochester, who lived on Canandaigua Road in Macedon, NY. According to the indictment, between 2021, and December 2025, Simpson maintained and utilized his Canandaigua Road residence as a location where commercial sex workers met with customers and engaged in commercial sex transactions. Simpson regularly promoted, managed, and carried on prostitution parties, arranging to have commercial sex workers present and available to perform commercial sex acts with himself and with those he invited to the parties.
Simpson promoted the prostitution parties via email. In these emails, he detailed how many women would be present, sometimes identifying them by first name. Simpson managed the terms of the prostitution parties, including setting a cover charge for admission to the party, designating what rooms and other accommodations would be available, and telling prospective customers where to park, to avoid being parked too close to his house. The emails directed customers to negotiate “donations” for services directly with the “dancers.”
In addition to the prostitution parties, Simpson promoted, established, and carried on prostitution activity by authorizing commercial sex workers to use his residence to meet with customers and engage in prostitution services even when he was not present. Simpson utilized the internet to advertise which commercial sex workers were working out of his residence, and to inform prospective commercial sex customers what specific sex acts the commercial sex workers would perform.
Simpson was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Macedon Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Colella, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jamestown man pleads guilty to multiple sex trafficking charges and drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Zaid Mendoza a/k/a Diamond, 47, of Jamestown and Falconer, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to narcotics conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more methamphetamine, and heroin, and three counts of sex trafficking by force. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between 2020, and December 2022, Mendoza was a manager and supervisor of a drug trafficking organization, utilizing drug runners, drivers, and associates to sell his drugs and collect his debts. During the conspiracy, Mendoza bought and sold fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin for profit. He used his West Main Street residence to manufacture, distribute, and use the drugs. On October 6, 2022, law enforcement stopped a vehicle Mendoza was a passenger in and recovered methamphetamine from the driver and approximately 25 grams of fentanyl on Mendoza.
On December 7, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Mendoza’s residence, recovering cash, approximately 34 grams of fentanyl, approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately a gram of a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, a semi-automatic pistol, and a large capacity magazine.
In 2000, Mendoza met Victim 1 and pursued her for sexual activity. Victim 1, who was addicted to drugs, believed that if she had sex with Mendoza, he would give her heroin/fentanyl. Consequently, Victim 1 had sex with Mendoza in exchange for drugs on three occasions.
In the Spring of 2022, Mendoza met Victim 2 at a drug house in Jamestown. She was also a heavy drug user and knew that Mendoza was a drug dealer. In June 2022, Victim 2 met Mendoza at a motel in Jamestown. Victim 2’s understanding was that she would engage in sexual activity Mendoza and that he would give her drugs. This occurred on several other occasions in July 2022.
Between October and December 2022, Mendoza conspired with co-defendants to force Victim 3 and Victim 4 to engage in a commercial sex act. Both victims struggled with drug addictions. Victim 3 and Victim 4 were provided shelter at Mendoza’s residence as well as food, clothing, and daily quantities of fentanyl in exchange for their performance of commercial sex acts for money. The proceeds went to Mendoza. The co-conspirators utilized the website “Skipthegames.com” to find customers.
Charges are pending against co-defendant Kelvin Thomas. Cora Waddington was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Federal grand jury returns 39 count indictment charging Tonawanda man with production, distribution and possession of child pornography, and traveling across state lines to have sex with a minor victimRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 39 count indictment charging Trevor Knapp, 34, of Tonawanda, NY, with 15 counts of production of child pornography, two counts of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, one count of distribution of child pornography, 19 counts receipt of child pornography, and two counts possession of child pornography. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 930 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in April 2024, a 17-year-old minor female contacted the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department stating that she was being harassed by a 32-year-old male named Trevor Knapp online. The minor victim met Knapp in 2020, when she was 13 years old, on the friend finding website called “mylol.” As the two began communicating, the conversations became sexual in nature. Knapp sent sexually explicit videos of himself to the minor victim and he asked that she send naked images of herself, but she declined. However, the minor victim would get out of the shower naked while the two were video chatting and Knapp would screen capture an image of her. The two also messaged through Google Chat and Knapp utilized multiple Google email accounts. The minor victim, who was uncomfortable with how he was talking, would delete or block Knapp but he would utilize a new account to regain contact. Knapp also located the minor victim’s Instagram account and messaged her on that platform as well. The minor victim advised Knapp multiple times of her real age.
The minor victim requested for months that Knapp leave her alone, stating that she had a boyfriend. Knapp then requested images of the minor victim and her boyfriend having sex. He also sent her a naked image of a second minor victim, a female living in Pennsylvania. The two minor victims began communicating, and the second minor victim described Knapp as “the pedophile.” Subsequent investigation traced Knapp back to the Western District of New York.
On October 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Knapp’s residence, during which investigators seized two of his cell phones, both of which were found to contain child pornography. A preliminary search recovered a sexually explicit video that included Knapp and the first minor victim.
The indictment includes charges relating to six minor victims, one of which Knapp is accused of traveling in interstate commerce to have sex with the victim on two occasions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean Connolly, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Corey Flatau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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 Randolph postal employee pleads guilty to stealing gift card from the mailRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Melissa Olson, 47, of Randolph, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of mail by postal employee, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated Olson was hired by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2023 as a rural carrier associate assigned to the Randolph Post Office. Between April and May 2023, Olson opened a stamped, first-class mail envelope that had been entrusted to her for delivery and removed a Visa gift card from the envelope. Olson also admitted that on various dates in 2023, she opened various envelopes and mail that were entrusted to her for delivery, and rifled through the items, delaying their delivery.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Jamestown man pleads guilty to fentanyl charge and kidnappingRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a Dwayne Lowery aka Chi Chi, 31, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and kidnapping, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donna M. Duncan, Joshua A. Violanti, and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that on December 7, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lowery’s West Cowden Place residence, seizing approximately 59 grams of fentanyl, $1,140 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Prior to the search warrant, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lowery at his residence.
In mid-October 2023, Lowery invited an individual (Victim) to a North Union Street residence in Olean, NY. For the next approximately 22 days, the Victim was held by Lowery at various locations, including residences associated with Lowery in Buffalo and Olean, and a Buffalo hotel. When the Victim attempted to flee, Lowery physically prevented her from doing so. During this time, the defendant regularly provided the Victim with narcotics. On November 3, 2023, the Victim escaped Lowery’s Buffalo residence, went to Buffalo Police headquarters, and reported that she was being held against her will.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Ron Richardson.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Georgia man going to prison for his role in fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lorenzo Jones, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated ID theft, was sentenced to serve 34 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that between January and September 2022, Jones, along with co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price, and Montez White, and others, conspired to defraud financial institutions. Members of the conspiracy would travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to the Western District of New York, and steal genuine checks from businesses. Using those checks, they would create fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of the businesses. Members of the conspiracy then recruited individuals to cash the fraudulent checks, buy clothes for the individuals to make them appear to be construction workers or laborers, and then drive them to area financial institutions and direct them to cash the fraudulent checks. If the checks were successfully cashed, the individuals received a small payment. Specifically:
- in January 2022, Jones, Price, and two others flew from Atlanta to Buffalo and drove an individual to various KeyBank branches to cash or attempt to cash fraudulent checks drawn on the KeyBank accounts of a business based in Elma, NY, and a second business based in Tonawanda, NY.
- in March 2022, Price and two others came to Buffalo from Atlanta and drove three individuals to M&T Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches to cash, or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of businesses based in Tonawanda, Clarence, NY, and Sanborn, NY.
- in September 2022, Jones, Clark, Price, and White flew from Atlanta to Rochester, NY, and drove six individuals to M&T Bank branches, KeyBank branches, Northwest Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches, to cash or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of two businesses based in Rochester, and one based in Alden, NY.
The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, Is $64,979.67.
Co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price and Montez White were all previously convicted.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto.
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Jamestown man and woman charged with narcotics conspiracy in superseding indictmentRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging James Jackson, 39, and Alicia Osar, 37, both of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. In addition, Jackson is charged with maintaining a drug involved premises.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between 2018, and February 2025, Jackson and Osar conspired with Ernest W. Brown, Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell fentanyl. In addition, between 2019, and 2021, Jackson is accused of using a Bush Street residence in Jamestown to manufacture and sell heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Defendant Jackson is being detained, defendant Osar is released on conditions. Defendants Brown and Zaso were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo/Rochester comprises agents and officers from HSI and the FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott D. Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Bronx man pleads guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and ID theftRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Herrera, 45, of the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, co-conspirator Vance Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with Herrera, and two other co-conspirators, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts.
On February 5, 2025, the defendants drove to a Northwest Bank branch in Lockport, within the Western District of New York. Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal of from the account of an individual residing in Erie, PA. Ashley also purchased a bank check using funds from the account. That same day, the defendants drove to another Northwest Bank branch in Williamsville, within the Western District of New York, and again Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal from an account and purchased a bank check using funds from the account of a victim from North East PA. Also on February 5, 2025, Hererra illegally used the identification of another person during the commission of a felony.
The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is $91,300.00.
Ashley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Rochester felon facing new chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Legend Davis, 22, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2024, Davis was convicted in the Western District of New York of possession of a postal key and theft of mail and sentenced to serve three years’ probation. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing ammunition.
On December 16, 2025, Rochester Police officers responded to an address for a report of harassment. The caller stated that a car full of individuals came to their house, beeped the car horn, and called for them to come outside. According to the caller, Davis was one of the occupants of the vehicle and said, “you gonna lie down,” and “it’s on today, ya’ll going to see me light it up,” and made firearm gestures and pointed to his waistband. The incident led to United States Probation officers conducting home visits on December 16, 2025, on January 21, 2026 at Davis’s Rauber Street residence. An officer asked Davis if there was anything in the residence that he was not permitted to possess. He admitted that he possessed ammunition. Officers located nine rounds of ammunition.
Davis made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was held pending a detention hearing.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo/Rochester comprises agents and officers from HSI and the FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, and United States Probation, under the direction of Clifford D. Jackson, Chief Probation Officer.
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 going to prison for selling fentanyl that led to a deathRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Herschel Dawson, 35, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of distribution of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGrath, who handled the case, stated that in April 2022, members of the Brockport Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a fatal fentanyl overdose at a Gordon Street residence. After a thorough investigation by local law enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, into the circumstances of the overdose, Dawson was identified as the drug dealer responsible for distributing the fatal dose of fentanyl. The investigation, which included an undercover purchase, also determined that Dawson was engaged in drug dealing for several years prior to the overdose incident.
The sentence is the result of an investigation by the Brockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Paul Wheat, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Prior felon pleads guilty to gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Derrel Lemorn Moore, Jr. a/k/a Derrel Austin, 47, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that in January 1996, Austin was convicted of multiple felony charges in Erie County Court, including kidnapping, burglary and robbery. Part of his sentence included lifetime parole. On February 17, 2022, New York State Parole officers and the Niagara Falls Police officers searched Austin’s 7th Street residence, seizing approximately 17 grams of cocaine, 44 grams of fentanyl, 40 suboxone packages, and a pistol.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Prior felon pleads guilty to cyberstalkingRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel Richter, 47, of Middle Island, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to cyberstalking. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that, between December 24, 2023, and March 27, 2024, Richter sent hundreds of threatening and sexual emails via the internet to Victim 1’s personal email address. He threatened not only Victim 1, but members of her family as well. For instance, over a two-day period in February 2024, Richter sent over 50 email messages to Victim 1’s personal email address, including one email mentioning Victim 1’s son by name. He also sent multiple emails and/or Google voicemails to Victim 1 on an almost daily basis, which became more threatening as time progressed. Richter threatened to visit Victim 1 in person and threatened to kill her. In March 2024, Richter traveled from California to the Western District of New York, where he was arrested at a local hotel. Law enforcement found photos of Victim 1, handwritten notes of Victim 1’s phone number, as well as a black knit ski mask, and several bottles of women’s hair dye in Richter’s hotel room.
In September 2020, Richter was convicted of interstate communication of threat to injure in the Western District of New York and was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
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Prior felon arrested on gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tehran Muhammad, 40, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribute, crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2025, the DEA and Buffalo Police began investigating the fatal overdose of an individual at Sisters of Charity Hospital. According to the complaint, on February 13, 2025, a victim was discovered unresponsive inside of a bathroom stall at the hospital. Burned tinfoil with suspected fentanyl was found near the victim, who was admitted to the hospital. The following day, February 14, 2025, the victim was pronounced dead due to non-traumatic anoxic brain injury caused by drug intoxication and overdose.
Investigators reviewed the victim’s medical records, cellular telephone, and surveillance footage from the hospital near the time of the overdose. They discovered that beginning on February 12, 2025, the victim began communicating with a “Cuzo Dope,” who was later identified a Muhammad. According to text messages, the victim reached out to Muhammad to purchase drugs on February 12 and February 13, 2025. Cell phone data and surveillance video also indicate that both the victim and Muhammad were in the area of the hospital near the time of the overdose. Subsequent investigation also included two controlled purchases from Mohammad.
On February 27, 2026, search warrants were executed at Muhammad’s Seminole Parkway residence, during which investigators seized a rifle, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. In 2005, Muhammad was convicted of Attempted Burglary 1st and Rape 1st and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Muhammad made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on March 4, 2026 before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Craig Macy.
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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Fentanyl dealer going to prison for 144 monthsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Wayne McDaniels, 42, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that in November 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at McDaniels’ Maria Street apartment. Law enforcement seized over 400 individually packed bags of fentanyl, significant quantities of bulk fentanyl and cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and two loaded firearms. The search warrant was part of a larger investigation into a group of drug dealers that had been selling fentanyl and crack cocaine from various drug houses for years. McDaniels was a leader in the group. One of these drug houses included a Jay Street residence, where McDaniels’ six-month-old nephew died from a fentanyl overdose on August 1, 2022.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of David Cirencione, and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET).
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Lancaster man going to prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexander Grupp, 33, of Lancaster, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that in March 2018, Grupp was convicted in New York State Court of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than sixteen years of age, and sentenced, in part, to 10 years' probation. In October 2022, Grupp communicated with a 15-year-old girl using the instant messaging application, Discord. During these conversations, Grupp persuaded the victim to send him nude pictures of herself.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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