Northern District of New York

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brian Gill, age 60, of Andes, New York, was sentenced Friday to 5 years’ probation and restitution in the amount of $117,015.40 for a charge of social security fraud.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge, Boston/New York Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Gill admitted that between January 2021 and November 2023, while Gill was actively collecting social security disability benefits, Gill was also managing and personally engaging in physical labor for a tree services company he owned and operated.  Gill also admitted he concealed from the Social Security Administration (SSA) the fact that he was working and falsely stated on a SSA form that he had not been working.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Social Security Disability fraud is a serious offense that robs taxpayers of funds needed to assist those who are truly unable to work. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, people who try to game the system, like this defendant, are identified and held accountable.”

“Individuals who deliberately conceal work activity while receiving Social Security disability benefits undermine programs intended to support those with legitimate needs,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, SSA OIG, Boston/New York Field Division. “We remain committed to investigating allegations of fraud and working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who exploit these programs are held accountable.”

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed conditions of supervision that included regular reporting to a probation officer; at least monthly restitution payments to the SSA; reporting to probation officials regarding income and earnings; and prohibitions against drug use and firearms possession.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Offices of the New York State Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Gillis and Adrian LaRochelle prosecuted the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - As part of America’s 250th Birthday celebration initiative, the United States Attorney’s Office is proud to support McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center through a gift-in-kind donation drive benefiting children and families in crisis.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III led the effort recognizing the important partnership McMahon Ryan brings to United States Attorney’s Office in support of victims.

McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center provides immediate assistance to children facing abuse and trauma, while offering healing through counseling, advocacy, and support services. The organization also works to educate and empower the community to help prevent future abuse. Project Safe Childhood and Human Trafficking cases receive wraparound care through the Child Advocacy Center, providing critical services and support for victims and their families.

FAUSA Sarcone Said: “As we celebrate the 250th Birthday of America we are reminded of the values that formed this great nation, Liberty, Service and Civic Responsivity, all ideals that shine bright through the work of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. Our office was glad to participate in this collection and looks forward to our continued partnership.”

This effort was made possible through the generosity and participation of employees of the Syracuse and Binghamton United States Attorney’s Offices, as part of the ongoing Freedom 250 celebration. Freedom 250 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – In recognition of America’s 250th birthday the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office is proud to support Wellspring through a gift-in-kind donation drive.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III led the effort recognizing the important partnership Wellspring brings to United States Attorney’s Office in support of victims.

Wellspring is the domestic violence and sexual assault services resource for Saratoga County residents and the sexual assault services resource for Washington County residents. Wellspring’s mission is to support survivors and engage our community to end relationship and sexual abuse.

In recognition of this event First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said “As our office celebrates the 250th birthday of our nation, we are reminded that one group alone cannot do it all.  We are proud to collect and donate these items in support of our partners’ mission and to support victims.  Their partnership and resources are a vital piece of the puzzle during the often long and complex investigations and prosecutions surrounding their work.”  

This effort was made possible through the generosity and participation of employees of the Albany and Plattsburg United States Attorney’s Offices, as part of the ongoing Freedom 250 celebration. Freedom 250 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility.

 

Jefferson County Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt and 

Possession of Child Pornography

ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Yerdon, age 55, of Adams Center, New York, pled guilty in federal court May 7th, to charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, admitted that on May 13, 2025, he possessed multiple images and videos of child pornography that he had downloaded from the internet including material depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as five months old. The defendant also possessed nude images of a 7-year-old child Yerdon had created during a trip Yerdon took with the child to the Albany, New York area.

At sentencing, which is currently scheduled for September 8, 2026, in Syracuse, New York, Yerdon faces 15 to 40 years in federal prison for the receipt charge and 10 to 20 years for the possession charge. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release between 5 years and life. Yerdon will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

“This defendant will now face 15-40 years behind the walls of federal prison for his unconscionable actions” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “When caught before, New York State allowed Mr. Yerdon to face probation, furthermore, release him from supervision after serving only one-third of his sentence.  This soft on crime approach allowed this defendant to continue preying on young children and reoffend. Thanks to the efforts of the New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for catching this predator yet again, my office was able to aggressively prosecute Mr. Yerdon and ensure will now truly face justice for his crimes.” 

Yerdon was previously convicted on October 22nd, 2004, in Jefferson County Court for Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by A Child less than 17 Years of Age.  Mr. Yerdon was sentenced to 10 years’ State Probation and received an early discharge February 15th, 2007.

HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan: “James Yerdon’s reprehensible conduct—including his deliberate exploitation of a child in his care and his collection of images depicting the abuse of extremely young children—lays bare the profound threat posed by predators who target those least able to protect themselves. HSI Albany, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities and upholding the safety and trust of the public we serve.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Although these types of investigations are difficult, we will continue to seek justice for those who have been victimized. No child should be placed in harm’s way of sexual exploitation and endure the physical, emotional, and psychological suffering it inflicts.  I thank our State Police members, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations for their firm, proactive work on this case.”

The case was investigated by HSI and NYSP with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Emery Moore, age 57, of Schenectady, New York pled guilty May 20th, to distributing methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm as a felon. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam and Schenectady Police Chief Brian Whipple made the announcement. 

As part of his guilty plea, Moore admitted that on five occasions from March through July, 2025, he sold methamphetamine and cocaine in Schenectady, including at his home and on a playground.  Moore further admitted that when DEA agents executed a search warrant at his home in July 2025, they recovered three guns, 50 rounds of ammunition, and 91 grams of cocaine that he intended to sell. Moore was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law because he had been previously convicted of numerous felonies, including state drug and gun offenses.      

“Thanks to the fine work of the DEA and Schenectady Police Department, this repeat offender will be spending a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison where he can no longer poison our streets.” Said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “My office along with our partners are committed to Project Safe Neighborhoods by deploying the resources of the federal government to stop the crime and drug abuse plaguing our communities.”

“Drugs and weapons too often go hand in hand. Today’s guilty plea from Emery Moore serves a clear reminder that justice will be delivered to those who flood our communities with illicit drugs” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities and enhancing public safety.” 

Schenectady Police Department Chief Brian Whipple stated: “This guilty plea is another powerful example of what can be accomplished through strong local and federal partnerships to get deadly guns and dangerous drugs off our streets. Every firearm and narcotic removed from our community has the potential to save numerous lives and prevent devastation throughout our community.”

When he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe on September 9, 2026, Moore faces a combined mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of up to life, a maximum fine of up to $5,500,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes that the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Moore has been detained since his July 1, 2025 arrest.  

The DEA investigated the case with significant assistance from the Schenectady Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – George Shimell, age 29, of Plattsburgh, New York, formerly of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was detained, May 14, 2026.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

The defendant was arrested on May 11, 2026, for possession of child pornography. A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to his arrest.

In making his detention decision, U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro stated that Shimell is a danger to the community. 

The defendant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, supervised release for life, a fine of $250,000, restitution to victims, and sex offender registration.  The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

First Assistant United States Attorney John Sarcone said: “We thank HSI and the NYSP for their tireless work in this case that, once again, resulted in an alleged child predator brought in to face justice. This arrest and detention should serve as a warning to all who seek to exploit children: we will pursue you relentlessly, and we will ensure you face the full force of the law.”

HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan: "As alleged, this defendant’s possession of child sexual abuse material is among the most depraved conduct we investigate, and individuals who collect and trade in this material revictimize children again and again. HSI Albany utilizes every tool at our disposal, including and especially strong partnerships with our federal, state, and local counterparts, to identify, target, and confront child predators wherever they operate.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Implementing effective response strategies to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation, cyber enticement and any crimes against children is paramount in keeping our communities safe. The New York State Police stand firm on the mission to assist in the prosecution of those who use the internet to gain access to and victimize our children. I thank our law enforcement colleagues for their partnership and coordinated efforts on the monumental task of keeping all children safe from predators.”

HSI and NYSP are investigating the case. Also assisting on the investigation were the NYSP Special Operations Response Team (SORT), United States Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plattsburgh City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc

PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK – Three unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in Massena, New York were closed yesterday after an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration after receiving information from law enforcement in Massena.  The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli, HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis, USBP Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua, St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle , Clinton County Sheriff Dave Favro, Massena Police Chief Cody Wilson, Plattsburgh Police Chief Jarrod Trombley.

“Since appointed to lead this office, it has been my priority to improve collaboration between federal partners and local law enforcement.” Said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “This operation is a shining example of that collaboration. Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who believes they can exploit this region for criminal activity: the full resources of the federal government, working alongside our state and local partners, are now aligned, coordinated, and committed to shutting these operations down.”

“Yesterday, with the assistance our law enforcement partners, the DEA New York Enforcement Division conducted an operation which targeted three illegal and unlicensed marijuana dispensaries and numerous locations in upstate New York along the Northern Border” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “This operation resulted in the seizure of over 1000 lbs. of marijuana and THC related products, 40 pounds of suspected Methamphetamine, and approximately 20 illegal firearms, including assault style weapons and firearms equipped with extended magazines. Thanks to the strong partnership between the DEA and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are securing our northern border, dismantling illegal operations, and holding accountable those responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with illicit drugs and violence.” 

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli Stated: "The success of Operation Weed Out demonstrates the incredible partnerships at every level of law enforcement on the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). When we leverage our resources, we're able to deliver impactful results like this seizure, that undoubtedly make our communities safer. The North Country communities should know this collective team is laser focused on finding the individuals responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs and weapons on our streets and ensuring they are brought to justice." 

Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York Harry T. Chavis, Jr. Stated: “We remain committed to ensuring that every business operating in this district follows the law and puts community safety first. These unlicensed dispensaries chose profit over public health, and our team worked closely across agencies to trace the financial flows behind their illegal operations. By following the money, we are able to disrupt the profit incentives that drive this conduct and make clear that such schemes will not be tolerated,”

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle Stated: “This was a great law enforcement collaboration with our federal and local partners to help keep our community safe, especially the youth of the community. This collaboration ensures that illegal marijuana shops don’t continue to operate in our county.”
“This case is a perfect example demonstrating the impact of strong interagency partnerships. The multi-agency members Safely executed a well-designed plan after an in-depth methodical investigation resulting in a much safer community.” Said Clinton County Sheriff David Favro

According to civil forfeiture complaints filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Uncle Crandy’s, Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co., and Famous A’s were distributing marijuana and marijuana products without obtaining the necessary licenses from the State of New York.  Each dispensary also allegedly sold products prohibited by New York State law.  For instance, Famous A’s sold THC products that look like candy bars; Uncle Crandy’s sold THC gummies advertised as containing more than 10 times the limit; and Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co. Bank, sold marijuana products with cartoon labels.  Uncle Crandy’s and Famous A’s also allegedly distributed marijuana to an underage law enforcement officer.

The DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, Massena Police Department, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and Plattsburgh City Police Department are investigating the case with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Brown is handling the civil forfeiture. 

 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gary Yorkshire, age 69, of Scotia, New York, was sentenced May 12, 2026, to 120 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for the attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.  Yorkshire was arrested as part of Operation Restore Justice. 

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Yorkshire admitted that on or about May 1, 2025, he communicated with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of a person he believed to be a 12-year-old child.  Upon arriving at a pre-determined location, Yorkshire paid $250 cash to an undercover agent so he could engage in “regular sex” with the child.  Yorkshire was arrested by law enforcement shortly thereafter.

 
“Prosecuting those who prey on our children is amongst the most important work we do at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” Said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III.  “This Administrations commitment to our children via Operation Restore Justice should be a clear message to anyone wishing to engage in nefarious crimes against children, you will be caught and you will face justice.  Mr. Yorkshire will be spending the next 120 months behind bars and upon release be an octogenarian subject to additional post release supervision to ensure he does not seek to reoffend.”

In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also ordered Yorkshire to pay a $5,000 fine. Yorkshire also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli stated: “Operation Restore Justice highlighted the tremendous partnerships on FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. By leveraging those partnerships, we removed eight dangerous predators from our communities in just five days. As Mr. Yorkshire heads to federal prison for the next decade, FBI Albany will continue to work with those partners at every level of law enforcement to swiftly identify, investigate, and bring to justice any predator looking to harm our children.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Paulbeck and A.J. Vickey prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jarell Davis, age 40, pled guilty on April 29, 2026, to possessing child pornography and admitted to having a 2001 rape conviction in Georgia. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said: “I applaud the outstanding work of HSI on investigating this repeat defendant. Now he is facing at least a decade in prison and will not be able to further victimize the children whose abuse images he apparently delighted in viewing. I commend the actions taken by every company that appropriately flags this behavior and brings it to the attention of the authorities, and I look forward to continued cooperation with companies to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of sexual offenders like this defendant.”

During his guilty plea hearing, Davis admitted that he was convicted of statutory rape in Georgia in 2001. He also admitted that, in 2022, he knowingly possessed about 775 child pornography files, including some that depicted sex acts between children, within an application on his cellphone designed to look like a calculator.

Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: “By concealing hundreds of files containing child sexual abuse material, this defendant—previously convicted for statutory rape—showed clear disregard for the safety of children. These investigations are vital to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities and ensuring that offenders are held fully accountable. HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding children and pursuing those who exploit them.”

At his sentencing on August 27, 2026, Davis faces between 10 and 20 years in prison, a supervised release term of at least five years and up to life to start of Davis is released from prison, a fine of up to $250,000, special assessments, forfeiture of the property used to commit the offense, and restitution to victims. In addition, Davis will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

HSI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Fulton County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ryan Michael Mowrey, age 39, of Caroga Lake, New York, pled guilty in federal court to distribution of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Mowrey admitted that between April and May of 2025, he began communicating online with an undercover law enforcement officer (the “UC”) that Mowrey believed to be the parent of an 11-year-old female child. As part of those communications, Mowrey expressed his interest in engaging in sexual contact with the child and ultimately sent the UC a video of child pornography to prove Mowrey could be trusted.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Mowrey distributed child pornography in what appears to be an effort to gain access to a child he wanted to sexually abuse. However, before Mowrey was able to engage in the heinous acts he openly discussed with the UC, he was arrested and will now spend years in federal prison.”

At sentencing, which is currently scheduled for September 1, 2026, in Utica, New York, Mowrey faces a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison, a mandatory minimum term of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  Mowrey will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: "With this plea, Mr. Mowrey is guaranteed to spend at least five years in federal prison for his despicable behavior. FBI Albany’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force will continue to use every resource at our disposal to aggressively investigate these predators and hold them accountable for their disturbing actions.”

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Defendant, Cecilio Wareham, age 48 of Queens, New York, was sentenced on May 11, 2026 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino to 63 months in Federal Prison to be followed by a term of three years of supervised release. The sentence stems from his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Wareham previously admitted to supplying his co-conspirator, Greg Tejada, with quantities of cocaine for redistribution, including over 2 kilograms of cocaine that were seized from Tejada in October 2024.

The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso; and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT).

In April 2025, ten defendants, including Wareham, were indicted for their roles in drug trafficking organizations that distributed large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in and around Kingston, New York and other areas of Ulster County. The charges in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The organizations are alleged to have distributed over 11 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of grams of cocaine base. Through the execution of search warrants in Ulster County and additional enforcement actions, law enforcement seized over five kilograms of cocaine and 270 grams of cocaine base.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Cecilio Wareham will spend the next 63 months in federal prison due to his role in a distribution network poisoning our streets. Wareham and his accused associates were identified and indicted thanks to strong collaboration between law enforcement partners at the local and federal levels.  Together their efforts uncovered this operation and have removed these deadly drugs from our streets.”

HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso: “Today’s sentence represents the culmination of a long-term joint effort to uncover and disrupt the organizations pushing dangerous narcotics into our neighborhoods. HSI New York, in close coordination with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to target and root out the pipelines, intermediaries, and groups that profit from addiction. We will not waver in our mission to protect our communities and bring traffickers to justice.”

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa stated: “Removing the threat of dangerous narcotics trafficking in our county is one of the main directives of the URGENT task force. Illegal drug use in our county leads to other serious crimes. I want to thank our Federal, state and local partners for the collaboration and hard work in this case.”

The remaining defendants, all of whom are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, would face the following minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment upon conviction:

Additionally, Damon Dunn, Raymond Robinson, Greg Tejada, Kristine Scibelli, Xavier Patterson, and Richard Johnson are charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Aidan White and Damon Dunn are charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. 

The charges in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

This case is being investigated by HSI; the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with URGENT (the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement and Narcotics Team); Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, Valhalla.

Assistant United States Attorneys Paul DerOhannesian and Douglas Collyer are prosecuting the cases.

These prosecutions are 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.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – On April 24, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone met with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service New York Division Inspector in Charge (INC) Ketty Larco-Ward and Targeted Risk Analytics & Criminal Enforcement (TRACE) Team Leader Ruben Del Valle to receive a presentation on the TRACE Task Force.

TRACE is a newly established intelligence-driven task force focused on partnering with local and state law enforcement to primarily investigate mail theft, fraud, and financial crimes. The task force, which is dedicated to the New York Metropolitan area, has helped identify criminal enterprises operating across county and state laws.

FAUSA Sarcone stated: “My Office is always willing and eager to collaborate with law enforcement partners dedicated to rooting out crime. I am impressed by the initiatives undertaken by the TRACE team so that the tools at their disposal are effectively used, and their results speak for themselves. I look forward to what I expect to be a fruitful partnership.”

INC Larco-Ward stated: “Cooperation and collaboration with our law enforcement partners are one of the most effective weapons against crime, and we continue to enhance our technological and investigative efforts, in conjunction with persistent prosecutorial teams like NDNY to combat postal crimes such as mail theft, complex fraud and financial crimes schemes.  These cases require specialized tools and coordination, and this task force allows us to identify patterns, disrupt operations early, and protect victims before the damage spreads.”

Pictured above (left to right): Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Northern District of New York First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, and TRACE Team Leader Ruben Del Valle.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel Lanfrit, age 50, was sentenced May 13, 2026, to 60 months’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release for possession of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

When he pleaded guilty, Lanfrit admitted that he had traveled to Canada and then arrived at a port of entry to seek admission back into the United States. The defendant traveled with his cell phone and a tablet. When the defendant’s devices were searched at the port of entry, both devices contained images of child pornography. The defendant possessed nearly 400 images of child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “This defendant’s conduct shows his sick perversion, bordering on obsession, when he went on vacation to Canada and brought two devices containing child pornography. The images were available to him wherever he was and whenever he wished. The images of child pornography were distinct and different on each device, explaining why the defendant needed to take both with him on vacation so he could have access to his full collection. When the defendant arrived back in the United States, we discovered the devices containing the child pornography and moved to prosecute him. I thank Customs and Border Protection and HSI for their work in bringing this individual to justice.”

HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan: “Daniel Lanfrit’s possession of nearly 400 images of child sexual abuse material fueled the exploitation of children, inflicted lasting harm on vulnerable victims, and posed a serious threat to the safety of our communities. Every one of these horrific images represents a real child who was abused. HSI Syracuse, working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and our law enforcement partners, will continue to protect children and the public from further harm, and hold accountable those who fuel this cycle of victimization.”

In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi in Utica also ordered Lanfrit to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victims. Lanfrit also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted the case.
 

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

An Indian national pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to smuggle aliens from India across the northern border with Canada into the United States.

According to court documents, Shivam LNU, 22, directed smuggling operations beginning from at least October 2024 through June 2025, coordinating the illegal transport of aliens across the U.S.-Canada border into the Northern District of New York. The defendant’s role was to coordinate drivers to pick up aliens from the border and transport them further into the United States, specifically to stash houses around Northern New York and to hotels in Plattsburgh, New York. The defendant, who expected to be paid for his role, paid his drivers for each alien they smuggled. On Jan. 25, 2025, the defendant directed a co-conspirator to smuggle 12 aliens from India and the United Kingdom from Canada into the United States. The defendant paid his co-conspirator $100 per alien smuggled. On Jan. 26, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop two vehicles traveling in tandem near the U.S-Canada border. Both vehicles accelerated to avoid agents, triggering a pursuit. One vehicle went off the road and became immobilized, while the other was later stopped in Mooers, New York. The vehicles contained a total of 12 illegal aliens.

Shivam pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and three counts of alien smuggling for financial gain. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York, and Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

HSI Rouses Point and U.S. Border Patrol Burke Station are investigating the case, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 455 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 400 U.S. convictions; and more than 345 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Deputy Chief Rami S. Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Trevor Metterhauser, 41, of Pennsylvania was sentenced on May 8, 2026, to 80 years in prison for attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography. The aggravated sexual abuse and sexual exploitation charges involved two toddlers, one located in upstate New York and the other in Texas.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Metterhauser admitted that he was convicted of possessing child pornography in Pennsylvania in 2011. In November 2022, Metterhauser conspired with Brandon Whitford to sexually exploit an approximately 4-year-old girl in the Northern District of New York. Metterhauser traveled from his home in Pennsylvania to Whitford’s home in New York, where Metterhauser made recordings that depicted the child naked. Whitford sexually assaulted the child shortly after Metterhauser left, recorded that content, and sent it to Metterhauser.

In December 2022, the defendant agreed with Carlos Julian Ruiz to sexually assault an approximately 2-year-old child and to record that abuse. Metterhauser traveled from Pennsylvania to Texas to commit the assault and record his sexual abuse of the 2-year-old child.

When Metterhauser was arrested in the Northern District of New York in early 2023, he had with him multiple electronic devices that contained the recordings of his sexual assault of the Texas victim; child pornography he received from Whitford depicting the New York victim; and child pornography he obtained from the internet.

In addition to the 80-year imprisonment term, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino imposed a lifetime term of supervised release, ordered $78,000 of restitution to victims, and required Metterhauser to pay a $1,000 special assessment.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “This defendant deserves to spend every minute of the rest of his life behind bars, and today’s sentence ensures that is just what will happen. Although nothing will take back the monstrosities he inflicted on very young, vulnerable children, I am proud that the FBI and my Office have done everything in our power to stop him and prevent him from victimizing more children. To the families of the victims and parents everywhere, please know that we will stop at nothing to take criminals like this defendant off the street—for good.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “This powerful sentence is indicative of the sick and twisted behavior of this prolific predator. Trevor Metterhauser’s horrific abuse spanned multiple states and caused immeasurable harm to the children he hurt. With this sentence, he will now die in federal prison. We would like to thank our colleagues at FBI San Antonio for their assistance with ensuring the victims in this case received justice. FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to dedicate every resource necessary to investigate and hold accountable these depraved individuals who are preying on our children.”

Whitford and Ruiz have each pled guilty to offenses related to their roles in the abuse of the victims.

FBI-Albany and FBI-San Antonio investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Benjamin A. Gillis are prosecuting it with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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A dual Canadian American Citizen pleaded guilty today for his role in a human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of a family, including two children under the age of three, in the St. Lawrence River.

According to court documents, Timothy Oakes, 35, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, was a key facilitator in a human smuggling organization (HSO) that smuggled aliens from Canada into northern New York. Oakes, working with the HSO, routinely smuggled aliens into the United States by piloting boats across the St. Lawrence River. Additionally, Oakes used his home on Cornwall Island, Ontario as a staging area for aliens before the HSO smuggled them into the United States. Oakes earned approximately $1,000 for every alien whom he smuggled into the United States.

Beginning in and around 2023, the defendant worked with an HSO that smuggled aliens from mainland Cornwall, Ontario, Canada to Cornwall Island and through the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve into the Northern District of New York. The organization routinely smuggled aliens from various countries, to include Romania and India. The organization arranged for aliens to stay in local motels in Cornwall before they were transported to the border area of the reserve. The organization would then transport aliens from mainland Cornwall to Cornwall Island and stage the aliens along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Other members of the organization would then transport the aliens by boat over the St. Lawrence River to drivers who transported them further into the Northern District of New York. The defendant’s role in the organization was to stage aliens at his home and, at times, transport the aliens by boat across the river.

On the night of March 29, 2023, Oakes transported a family of four Romanian nationals to a public boat launch on the tip of Cornwall Island.At approximately 9:30 p.m., Oakes brought his boat to the boat launch where he left it and the Romanian family for his brother Casey Oakes to use to bring the aliens across the river into the United States. While in transit, and shortly thereafter, the boat capsized due to severe weather. As a result, the Romanian family and Casey Oakes died. The defendant proceeded with the transport despite members of the alien smuggling organization being aware of the dangerous weather conditions on the St. Lawrence River, specifically high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility.

Oakes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain, and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 11 and faces a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 32, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 45, both of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve, New York, and Janet Terrance, 46, of Hogansburg, New York, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, Oct. 8, 2024, and March 6, 2025, respectively. Co-conspirators Stephanie Square, 53, and Rahsontanohstha Delormier, also known as Storm, 31, both of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, were extradited to the United States from Canada in 2025 at the request of the U.S. government and are awaiting trial.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York and Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office made today’s announcement.

HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Square and Delormier.

The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 455 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 400 U.S. convictions; and more than 350 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Trial Attorney Lindsey Roberson of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – On May 4, 2026, Tyler Toomey was sworn in as the Public Affairs Specialist for the Northern District Of New York U.S. Attorney’s Office.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “I am proud to welcome Tyler Toomey to our team and look forward to utilizing his experience and expertise in media relations and community affairs to highlight the good work the men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office and our Federal partners are doing.”

Toomey, a Syracuse-area native who resides in Oswego County, will lead communication and public outreach efforts on behalf of First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District. In this role, he will coordinate media relations and assist in issuing communications about major prosecutions and public safety initiatives in support of the Department of Justice mission.  Toomey comes to the U.S. Attorney’s Office after serving as a staffer in the New York State Assembly for former Minority Leader William Barclay and most recently Minority Leader Ed Ra.

WASHINGTON — An alien from Mexico pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in an international human smuggling conspiracy that illegally brought aliens from Mexico, Central, and South America across the northern border with Canada into the United States for profit.

According to court documents, Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 24, was a leader in an alien smuggling organization (ASO) while he was living illegally in Kansas City, Missouri. The ASO smuggled hundreds of aliens into the United States. Once the aliens were inside the U.S., the ASO employed drivers to pick them up and drive them further into the country. The defendant personally participated in and coordinated smuggling events with other leaders of the ASO. During one smuggling event in May 2023, a van carrying aliens became involved in a high-speed chase with U.S. Border Patrol. Border Patrol had to stop their pursuit due to the risk to the public. Ultimately the local sheriff’s department used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle after it failed to yield.

Sanchez-Solis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and five counts of alien smuggling for commercial advantage and private financial gain. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York, and Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office made today’s announcement.

FAUSA Sarcone stated: “The defendant was a leader of an alien smuggling organization that smuggled hundreds of aliens into the United States during the prior administrations unprecedented open border policy. The defendant has ties to Canada and Mexico, but he coordinated many of the smuggling events while he was also illegally living in the United States. This defendant exploited Canada’s lax visitor visa policy and used Canada as a waypoint for unvetted aliens traveling from Mexico looking for a way into the United States. This conviction sends a message that the North Country will not tolerate illegal immigration along its border, and the Northern District of New York and its federal partners in law enforcement will identify, apprehend, and prosecute alien smugglers to the fullest extent of the law.”

HSI SAC Erin Keegan stated: “By pleading guilty, Edgar Sanchez-Solis has admitted his role in an international human smuggling conspiracy that moved dozens of aliens through Canada into northern New York for profit and put the public at risk with dangerous high-speed attempts to flee from law enforcement. His conviction is a significant blow to that criminal network and sends a clear message that HSI Rouses Point and our partners with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Border Patrol will not tolerate smugglers who exploit our borders and endanger our communities.”

HSI Rouses Point and U.S. Border Patrol Burke Station investigated the case, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham for the Northern District of New York and Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.

The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 455 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 400 U.S. convictions; and more than 345 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juston McDowell, age 25, of Laurinburg, North Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in prison for unlawfully dealing in firearms without a license.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, McDowell admitted that between March 2022 and February 2025, he acquired multiple firearms, including handguns and switches, in North Carolina and then sold the firearms in Albany, New York, and elsewhere. McDowell also admitted that he did not have a license that would allow him to deal in firearms. 

FAUSA John A. Sarcone III stated: “Juston McDowell is responsible for putting numerous firearms in the hands of individuals who sought to circumvent laws designed to keep our communities safe. His actions were dangerous and caused additional unregulated firearms to enter our neighborhoods. Yesterday’s sentence sends a message: If you illegally bring guns into my District, you will be punished. I commend the hard work and determination of our partners at ATF and AUSA Belliss for bringing this dangerous individual to justice.”

ATF SAC Bryan DiGirolamo stated: “This sentencing holds accountable an individual who unlawfully trafficked firearms across state lines, putting dangerous weapons—including machine gun conversion devices—into our communities. ATF is committed to disrupting the illegal flow of firearms that drive violence, and this case underscores the critical role of partnership in that mission. We thank the ATF NY Albany Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York for their dedication to this investigation and prosecution.”

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year term of post-release supervision.

ATF investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted this case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

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An illegal alien from Mexico pleaded guilty today for his role in an international human smuggling conspiracy that illegally brought aliens from Mexico and Central and South America across the northern border with Canada into the United States for profit.

According to court documents, Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 24, was a leader in an alien smuggling organization (ASO) while he was living illegally in Kansas City, Missouri. The ASO smuggled hundreds of aliens into the United States. Once the aliens were inside the U.S., the ASO employed drivers to pick them up and drive them further into the country. The defendant personally participated in and coordinated smuggling events with other leaders of the ASO. During one smuggling event in May 2023, a van carrying aliens became involved in a high-speed chase with U.S. Border Patrol. Border Patrol had to stop their pursuit due to the risk to the public. Ultimately the local sheriff’s department used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle after it failed to yield.

Sanchez-Solis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and five counts of alien smuggling for commercial advantage and private financial gain. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 10. He faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York, and Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office made today’s announcement.

HSI Rouses Point and U.S. Border Patrol (BP) Burke Station investigated the case, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham for the Northern District of New York is prosecuting the case.

The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 455 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 400 U.S. convictions; and more than 345 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Paige Kincheloe, age 27, of Glen Park, New York pled guilty on May 5, 2026, to accessing with intent to view child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of her guilty plea, Kincheloe admitted that, in May through August 2024, she engaged in social media chats on Telegram with a man in Colorado who sent her several child pornography files, including some depicting very young children engaged in sex acts with adults, and that she viewed those files. She admitted further that she sent messages back indicating how much she liked the material and asking for him to send her more child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said: “This defendant’s admitted conduct is deeply disturbing. She not only viewed child pornography, but she encouraged someone else to send it to her, normalizing the sexual abuse of children and apparently being gratified by it. The defendant should have gotten help for her depraved instincts, but instead she committed crimes and victimized children. Now, she will the pay the price.”

FBI SAC Tremaroli said: “Ms. Kincheloe’s actions are deeply depraved and incredibly damaging to the victims, especially considering she requested more videos be sent. This plea ensures she will spend time in federal prison for that victimization. FBI Albany’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force remains steadfast in our mission of aggressively investigating these sick predators and bringing them to justice for terrorizing our most vulnerable.”

At sentencing on September 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi, the defendant faces a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a post-release term of supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, a $250,000 fine, various special assessments, restitution to victims, and will be required to register as a sex offender upon her release from prison.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based upon the statute the defendant violated, the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

FBI investigated the case with the assistance of the New York State Police and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Adrian LaRochelle are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Today, Devin Ravine a/k/a “Derek Johnson,” age 21, of Riverside, California, pled guilty to receiving child pornography and transferring obscene material to a minor. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he contacted a 15-year-old child on a dating application, sent her pictures of his erect penis, and then directed her to produce sexual video files. The victim complied, ultimately sending him a sexually explicit video of herself.

The victim came forward to law enforcement after FBI agents visited her school, which is located in the Capital Region, as part of its ongoing efforts to educate students about internet safety and sextortion.

At sentencing on September 4, 2026, which will take place before the Hon. Anne M. Nardacci in Albany, the defendant faces at least 5 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life, forfeiture, and restitution. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

FAUSA Sarcone stated: “The arrest of this defendant was one of the first of many significant efforts against child exploitation taken by my Office under my leadership. I commend the brave victim for coming forward; the FBI for prioritizing educating our children about the dangers of the internet, and then swiftly investigating and arresting this defendant; and those in my Office who helped shepherd this case from charge to conviction. Let what happened to this defendant serve as a warning: Whether you are in California or in my own backyard, if you exploit a child in my District, you will be found, and I will secure justice for your victim.”

SAC Tremaroli stated: “The FBI Albany team is incredibly proud of the brave student who came forward after our presentation, and we remain committed to that important outreach. Our children need to know there are dangerous predators like Mr. Ravine out there looking to exploit them, but they also need to know that when they come forward, their FBI will respond with the full force of our agency and its partners to track those predators down and ensure they head to prison just like in this case.”

The FBI Albany Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the FBI Riverside Field Office, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Rick Belliss and Mikayla Espinosa are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jeremy Soutar, age 46, pled guilty on April 28, 2026, to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

During his guilty plea, Soutar admitted that, while on post-release supervision for a prior conviction for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree in New York, and while required to register as a sex offender, he attempted to entice what he thought was a 14-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity.

At sentencing set for August 26, 2026, Soutar will receive a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, be placed on supervised release after serving his term of imprisonment for at least five years and up to life, could be fined up to $250,000, and will be required to forfeit to the government the property he used to commit the offense. In addition, Soutar will have to register as a sex offender.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said: “My Office will always prioritize the investigation and prosecution of recidivist sex offenders like Soutar, who commit or try to commit sex crimes against children despite having already been punished for doing just that. Since a sentence of twelve years in state prison did not rehabilitate him, he gets to spend another decade in prison—this time, a federal penitentiary. I thank the FBI, the New York State Police, and the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent investigation.”

Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli said: “With this plea, Mr. Soutar’s history of predatory behavior comes to an end, and he will spend at least a decade in federal prison unable to harm our children. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to leverage the strength of our incredible law enforcement partnerships to aggressively investigate any individual looking to harm our most vulnerable citizens.”

The FBI, the New York State Police, and the Cayuga County Sherffi’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alden Fuller, age 50, of Syracuse, New York, appeared in federal court on April 24, 2026, on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. On April 27, 2026, Fuller was ordered detained pending trial. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

According to the criminal complaint, on April 23, 2026, Fuller, who is a previously convicted sex offender, was found in possession of a cellular telephone with a large volume of child pornography. Fuller had purchased the child pornography from another user of an online social media messaging application. The material Fuller purchased included videos of children as young as six years old being sexually abused.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “As alleged, this defendant was so eager to obtain videos of children being sexually abused that he was willing to pay for it. This is not only reprehensible, but it also helped fuel the online market for material depicting the sexual abuse of children. This is all despite a prior conviction and 6-year state prison sentence. Now, this defendant faces decades in federal prison if convicted, which is exactly where every brazen repeat sexual offender belongs.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan stated: “As a previously convicted sex offender, Alden Fuller’s alleged crimes highlight the ongoing threat posed by individuals who prey on children. This arrest underscores the critical importance of HSI’s partnerships with federal, state, and local counterparts to safeguard neighborhoods and hold criminals accountable. HSI Syracuse, together with the law enforcement community, will never stop fighting for children and other at-risk victims, and will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to exploit them.”

The charge of receiving child pornography filed against Fuller carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 40 years. The charge of possessing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release between five years and life. Fuller will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

HSI is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – On April 8, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone hosted an all-hands meeting at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Syracuse alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. 

The meeting focused on the U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF’s shared mission, past accomplishments, current priorities, and future coordination efforts.  Criminal Division Chief Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Deputy Chief Nicolas Commandeur also delivered remarks, emphasizing continued interagency collaboration and a commitment to upholding federal law. 

FAUSA Sarcone stated: “ATF agents work alongside federal prosecutors in my Office every day to ensure the safety of the citizens of this District. I am grateful for their partnership and continued collaboration, which has saved countless lives and prevented untold harms, particularly from violence caused by guns and the dangerous criminals who illegally use them.”

SAC DiGirolamo stated: “Violent crime reduction is a shared responsibility, and our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office is central to that mission. Together, we are leveraging intelligence, investigative tools, and prosecutorial strength to target the most dangerous offenders and make our communities safer.”

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BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – A collaborative operation between federal, state and local agencies has led to the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illicit drugs and 20 firearms over the past year in Broome County.

The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Craig L. Tremaroli, and Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar.

The operation – called Operation Clean Sweep – led to the seizure of 475 grams of fentanyl, 63 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.374 kilograms of liquid methadone, 350 grams of crack cocaine, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 2.6 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms, and 400 pounds of marijuana and THC products. It also led to the seizure of 20 firearms illegally possessed.

“Since I was appointed to lead this Office on March 17, 2025, one of my top priorities has been improving and solidifying the collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement in this District, because this collaboration saves lives,” said FAUSA Sarcone. “I have worked tirelessly to achieve that goal and ensure that none of the 32 counties we serve was left behind in the process. This is no truer than in Broome County, where the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff and the dedicated members of state and local law enforcement finally—after 5 long agonizing years of ‘social justice,’ e.g., ‘bail reform’ legislation that stripped away law enforcements ability to investigate, arrest, detain and prosecute violent criminals—with the help of my office and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s Department of Justice, our law enforcement partners in the Northern District of New York can once again use every legal tool at their disposal compliments of the U.S. Department of Justice to once again maximize its ability to protect the public from those who possess illegal firearms, traffic illegal drugs that destroy lives, families, and communities.”

FAUSA Sarcone continued: “I am thrilled to announce some of the stellar results of Operation Clean Sweep along with my partners in combatting crime: the fine law enforcement officials of the Broome County District Attorney’s office led by DA Paul Battisti, the Sheriff’s office led by Fred Akshar, the Binghamton, Vestal, Johnson City and Endicott Police Departments, and our great partners in the New York State Police Troop C, and our federal partners, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI, USPIS, and IRS-CI. I assure the public that these incredible seizures and arrests are just part of many successful operations to come in the Northern District of New York.”

“All of this has been removed from the street because Broome County law enforcement is collaborating with our federal, state and local partners,” DA Battisti said. “We have incredible members of law enforcement here in Broome County and every day this collaboration gets stronger.”

SAC Tremaroli stated: “Operation Clean Sweep was a remarkable success because of the incredible partnerships we have at every level of law enforcement within Broome County and beyond. Because while we all may wear a different badge, every one of us has the shared mission of keeping our communities safe and we know we can best accomplish that mission when we work together.”

Sheriff Akshar stated: “The interagency partnership of Operation Clean Sweep should send a clear message to those who continue to peddle poison in our community, to those who possess illegal firearms, and to those who choose violence and put the lives of our community members in danger in Broome County: We are coming for you and you will be held accountable. Our community demands it.”

Pictured above (left to right): Sheriff Akshar, FAUSA Sarcone, DA Battisti, and SAC Tremaroli.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ryan Catello, a.k.a. “Stabzone,” a.k.a. “Mors,” age 24, of Ravena, New York, appeared in federal court yesterday after being charged with receiving child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

According to the criminal complaint, between March 18 and March 27, 2026, Catello sexually exploited at least two minors by coercing them into self-producing images of child pornography, and he received those images files via the Internet.

The complaint also alleges that Catello is a member of “764,” a criminal organization of Nihilistic Violent Extremists (NVE) operating within the United States and abroad. Those involved with “764” and related NVE networks methodically target vulnerable, underage populations by using social media to encourage the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Members of 764 seek to desensitize young people to violence and break down societal norms regarding violence. They normalize the possession, production, and sharing of explicit CSAM and gore material to corrupt and groom their victims toward future violence, gain notoriety among other members of the network, and spread fear for the purpose of accelerating chaos under the 764 ideology with an aim toward the disruption of society.

“Ryan Catello, an alleged member of the nihilistic violent extremist group ‘764,’ has been charged for allegedly receiving sexually explicit content of minors via the Internet. Preying on our nation’s children, who are among the most vulnerable members of society, is beyond comprehension,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “I thank the FBI and the New York State Police for their hard work and the sacrifices they make every day to keep our communities safe. I also recognize the importance of social media platforms that take steps to alert law enforcement to crimes like the ones alleged here. I encourage all companies in a position to do something about child sexual exploitation to be as aggressive as possible in identifying predators and making sure they are held accountable.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “As alleged in the complaint, Mr. Catello is a suspected member of the disturbing Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) group ‘764’ who preyed on minors and coerced them to send him explicit photos. The FBI, together with our partners at the Northern District of New York, is laser focused on investigating the predators connected to this sick network and ensuring they are brought to justice for their disturbing behavior.”

The charge filed against Catello carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Catello had an initial appearance yesterday in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 1, 2026.

The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping and Allen J. Vickey are prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Cyril Kobey, 57, and Israel Montano, 46, both of San Diego, California, and Daniel Beckerman, 59, of Ballston Spa, New York, have pled guilty for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic kilograms of methamphetamine from San Diego, California into the Capital Region.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Kobey and Montano conspired with Beckerman and others to distribute over 3 kilograms of pure crystal methamphetamine to the Northern District of New York between March 2019 and July 2020.  The investigation into Beckerman, Kobey, and Montano, dubbed Operation Crystal Express by law enforcement, began in 2019. Law enforcement was able to dismantle the trafficking operation in a matter of months through the use Title III wiretaps and undercover operations.

Beckerman, Kobey, and Montano pled guilty for their roles as follows:

• Beckerman and Kobey pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine. At sentencing on June 11, 2026, they each face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, a term of supervised release between 5 years and life, and forfeiture of ill-gotten gains.
   
• Montano pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 or more grams of methamphetamine. If United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing on August 27, 2026, Montano will be sentenced to at least 72 months and up to 87 months in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, a term of supervised release between 4 years and life, and forfeiture of ill-gotten gains.

“The defendants’ pipeline of filth from California to Saratoga is officially closed,” FAUSA Sarcone said. “I commend the FBI and my prosecutors for swiftly and completely dismantling this operation and bringing these defendants to justice. As this case shows, our reach does not stop at the borders of our District. If you introduce poison into our communities, we will find you and bring you to justice.”

SAC Tremaroli stated: “These guilty pleas ensure these criminals will spend time in federal prison for trafficking dangerous drugs into our communities. The success of Operation Crystal Express clearly illustrates the strong law enforcement partnerships on our Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The FBI, together with these partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and dismantle these dangerous criminal enterprises looking to poison our communities through the sale of illegal narcotics.”

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Paulbeck also prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the 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 Albany comprises agents and officers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations; FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service; ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations; Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Office of Border Patrol; CBP – Office of Field Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; Coast Guard Investigative Service; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Secret Service; and the Department of State / Diplomatic Security Service. The prosecution is being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael Fegley, Jr., age 32, was sentenced on April 27, 2026 to 108 months’ imprisonment and 15 years’ supervised release for transporting child pornography and traveling with intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity with what he thought was a 13-year-old child. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

When he pled guilty, Fegley admitted that he traveled from Florida to the Northern District of New York intending to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a purported 13-year-old child. He also admitted that he brought with him about 1,000 images and videos depicting child pornography that he had obtained on the internet.

In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Fegley to pay $25,000 in restitution and various special assessments. Fegley also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said: “The sentence of nearly a decade in prison and another decade and a half of post-release supervision will help protect the public from further crimes by this dangerous offender. He not only traveled hundreds of miles to meet who he thought was as child for sex, but he also brought with him approximately 1,000 child pornography files. My Office is committed to working with our agency partners to successfully prosecute anyone who comes into the Northern District of New York intending to harm a child.”

“The sentencing of this predator sends a clear message: those who cross state lines to target and exploit children will face the full force of justice,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Buffalo. “HSI will pursue offenders wherever they go and ensure they are held accountable for their actions. The unwavering determination of HSI Albany and our partners ensures that those who threaten the safety of children are stopped and brought to justice.”

HSI and the New York State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jacob Netzel, age 33, of Oneida, New York, pled guilty on April 23, 2026, in federal court to distribution and possession of child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Steven G. James, Superintendent of the New York State Police, made the announcement.

As part of his plea, Netzel admitted that between approximately April 2022 through November 2024, he used several social networking, messaging, and file-sharing applications to distribute and receive child pornography. In May 2023, Netzel engaged in a conversation over social media with an individual whom he believed to be a 12-year-old girl but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. In their conversation, Netzel sent the undercover officer multiple videos depicting child pornography. Netzel also used social media apps to trade child pornography online. For example, Netzel participated in group chats in November 2024 during which he both received child pornography from other users and distributed child pornography to other users. Netzel also admitted that he knowingly possessed child pornography on his cell phone when it was seized by state police.

FAUSA Sarcone stated: “This defendant’s actions were truly vile. He traded videos and images with other sick individuals showing the sexual abuse of our society’s most vulnerable members: children. My Office is grateful for the constant and aggressive pursuit of these most dangerous people by HSI, the NYSP, and all our law enforcement partners who are committed to stopping these violent crimes.”

HSI SAC Keegan stated: “Jacob Netzel used social media and file sharing platforms to trade and collect child sexual abuse material and send graphic videos he believed were going to a 12-year-old girl.  Fortunately, law enforcement intercepted his predatory conduct before greater harm could occur. HSI Syracuse, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, and the New York State Police remain committed to protecting our community and removing those that pose a serious threat to children.”

Superintendent James stated: “Crimes involving the exploitation of children are among the most disturbing we investigate, and they will not be tolerated. This case highlights the critical importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local partners in identifying those who prey on children online and holding them accountable. The New York State Police remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who engage in this type of criminal behavior and to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

The distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.

Netzel’s sentencing is currently scheduled for August 18, 2026, before United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi in Utica, New York. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

HSI and NYSP investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Taiel Gookool, age 31, was sentenced on April 17, 2026, to 35 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci for exploiting four different minors and possessing child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

In 2018, Gookool was convicted of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree in Connecticut, a statutory rape offense involving a victim between 13 and 15 years old. He was required to register as a sex offender as a result. In 2024, he sexually exploited four teenage females, subjecting all of them to vaginal sex and three of the four to mouth-to-penis contact. The defendant created or had the victims create videos of the sexual abuse.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Though Gookool was sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment for his 2018 conviction, he served just over 2 years of that sentence because the rest was suspended. This left him inadequately punished and totally undeterred, repeating the same conduct with multiple victims not only after his release but while still on probation for it. His 35-year sentence ensures that the community will be protected for decades to come. I applaud the work of the FBI and the New York State Police in bringing this dangerous sexual predator to justice.”

Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremorli said: “Mr. Gookool, a registered sex offender and pathological predator, will spend the next three and a half decades in federal prison for refusing to change his sickening behavior. While he remains behind bars and unable to harm our most vulnerable, the FBI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice for the victims of these dangerous criminals.”

FBI-Albany investigated the case with assistance from FBI-New Haven and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Stephen Gullotti, age 59, of Albany, New York, was charged on Monday by criminal complaint for stealing and converting to his own use an FBI patrol car in the parking lot of the FBI’s Albany Field Office on April 10, 2026.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

According to the criminal complaint, Gullotti climbed the fence surrounding FBI Albany in the late evening of April 9, 2026. While on FBI property, Gullotti got into an unlocked FBI GMC truck in the parking lot and drove it around the secure parking lot, moving between parking spots and attempted to leave the premises at about 4:54 a.m. in the morning on April 10. Gullotti was later apprehended by security officers and detained.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Gullotti’s alleged unauthorized jaunt through a secure federal lot was a brazen display of judgment that ended exactly where one might expect: in handcuffs. While the perpetrator managed to gain access to the FBI’s parking lot, he was unable to enter the building and is now facing a federal charge. This case serves as a blunt reminder that those who attempt to disrupt federal operations or violate the security of our law enforcement partners will be met with immediate and decisive action.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “As alleged in the complaint, Mr. Gullotti illegally gained access to the FBI Albany parking lot but was not able to enter our building. While this incident is troubling, it proves our building and information are safe thanks to our security protocols. Let this be clear, we have zero tolerance for those who attempt to compromise the safety and integrity of our workspaces. We would like to thank our partners at Albany PD for their swift assistance with this investigation and our colleagues at the Northern District of New York for recognizing the severity of the allegations concerning Mr. Gullotti and charging him federally.”

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge filed against Gullotti carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The FBI and the Albany Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting the case.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Little M. Johnson, age 21, of Albany, New York, pled guilty on Tuesday in federal court to possession of child pornography.

The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

As part of his guilty plea, Johnson admitted that on October 9, 2025, while on probation for a 2023 conviction for Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, in violation of New York Penal Law, he possessed numerous videos of child pornography, including some that depicted children as young as three years old being sexually abused.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Children should be protected, not exploited to satisfy the deviant sexual desires of individuals like this defendant. This is why the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners have made it our priority to root out and punish anyone engaging in such conduct to the fullest extent of the law.”

Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo, stated: “This plea by a repeat offender who collected images of children being sexually abused underscores the profound and lasting harm these crimes inflict on victims and our community. Success in these cases depends on strong partnerships among HSI, prosecutors, law enforcement, and the public. We urge anyone with information about child exploitation to come forward, so together we can stop these predators and protect our most vulnerable children.”

Because of Johnson’s prior state conviction, the charge of possession of child pornography carries a term of imprisonment of between 10 and 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Johnson will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Johnson’s sentencing is currently scheduled for August 17, 2026, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany, New York. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

HSI investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mark Nacht, age 65, of Waltham, Massachusetts, was arrested on Friday, April 10, 2026, on charges of attempted enticement of a minor. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The complaint alleges that between December 18, 2025, and April 10, 2026, Nacht exchanged sexually explicit messages online with an undercover agent in Albany whom he believed would allow him to engage in sexual contact with a 13-year-old relative. Nacht also directly communicated with another undercover agent he believed was the 13-year-old girl to groom her to engage in sexually explicit activity. On April 10, 2026, Nacht travelled from Massachusetts to Albany with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 13-year-old girl. Nacht was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “As alleged, this defendant sought to prey on an innocent young girl and inflict terrible harm on her. Thanks to this incredible sting operation and others like it, parents can sleep more soundly tonight. Every day, we are working with our law enforcement partners to lock up pedophiles who would seek to exploit children in our communities.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “As alleged, Mr. Nacht left his home in Massachusetts to travel to Albany to have sexual contact with an individual he believed to be a minor. Instead, he found FBI Albany’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force waiting to arrest him. This arrest should send a clear message that the FBI is committed to aggressively investigating these dangerous predators and ensuring they are held accountable for their disturbing actions.”

Following the initial appearance on April 10, 2026, Nacht was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending a detention hearing on April 14, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart.

The charge filed against Nacht carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. If convicted, Nacht would also be required to register as a sex offender.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The FBI are conducting this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Andrew Catalone, age 72, of Youngsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026 to unlawfully possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Farhana Islam, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) SAC Naomi Gruchacz.

Catalone was a nurse practitioner who owned a medical practice with offices in Auburn and Fulton, NY. Catalone regularly prescribed controlled substances to his patients. He also collected from patients drugs that he had prescribed and which they had not used. Catalone was not authorized by federal law to collect these drugs.  Catalone then distributed some of those drugs to other patients in the form of loose pills, without a prescription.  Catalone failed to document these encounters in the patients’ medical files or record any treatment rationale for providing the controlled substances.  He also failed to check the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing (I-Stop), which is New York State’s prescription monitoring program, and which Catalone was required by state law to consult every time he dispensed a controlled substance. As Catalone knew, each distribution of returned pills was not for a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of Catalone’s professional practice.

On February 22, 2022, Catalone possessed approximately 32 grams of oxycodone that he had received from patients to whom he had previously prescribed the oxycodone. He stored the oxycodone in his Auburn office.  Catalone intended to distribute at least some of that oxycodone in the same illegitimate manner as described above.

Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Anthony Brindisi in Utica, NY on August 18, 2026.  If the court accepts the parties’ plea agreement, Catalone will receive a term of imprisonment of 52 months and a 3-year term of supervised release.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Medical professionals are entrusted with ensuring that dangerous controlled substances, like oxycodone, are distributed in a safe and appropriate manner.  Catalone abused that trust and put his patients and the public at risk. Now he will pay the price.”

“Health care professionals are not above the law and must be held to the highest standards, especially when dealing with controlled substances,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Andrew Catalone knowingly chose to put profits above the health and well-being of those lives he took an oath to help. His actions are no different from those of any drug trafficker. The DEA remains steadfast to in targeting those fueling an already deadly and highly addictive opioid crisis.”

“The defendant in this case, a nurse practitioner, took advantage of his privileges as a medical provider and intentionally diverted controlled substances and ignored the safeguards in place to prevent their flow into the community,” stated SAC HHS-OIG Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect essential programs and hold accountable those whose actions could result in potential patient and community harm.”

The DEA’s Albany Diversion Group investigated this case. HHS-OIG, the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and the Auburn Police Department also assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe is prosecuting the case.

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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Eric Petrie, age 32, of Oswego County, pleaded guilty on April 8th to distribution of a controlled substance. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

As part of his plea, Petrie admitted that between January 2022 and February 2023, he knowingly and intentionally distributed the controlled substance N,N-Dimethylpentylone, commonly referred to as “molly,” to customers in and around Oswego County. The defendant further admitted that he obtained the molly from multiple sources, including by purchasing directly from other individuals and by delivery through a website. The defendant admitted that he then repackaged the molly and sold it to customers.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated, “We will not tolerate those who poison our community for profit. Today’s guilty plea is a testament to the strong partnerships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and both federal and local law enforcement agencies. While our state system may not treat these drug cases with the same urgency, we will step in to ensure accountability. If you choose to distribute dangerous drugs, know that we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you fully accountable.”

“Dangerous drugs have no place in our communities. Homeland Security Investigations is working every day with our law enforcement partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks and keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Petrie faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The case was investigated by HSI and the other members of the Oswego County Drug Task Force, which is comprised of members of HSI, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego City Police Department, Fulton Police Department, and United States Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Delos Thurston, age 27, of Clinton, New York, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to money order fraud. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), made the announcement.

Thurston admitted that between April 2025 and January 2026, while he was employed as the Postmaster of the Morrisville, New York, Post Office, he fraudulently issued 179 money orders for his own benefit without paying for them, and in so doing stole $118,088.19 from the United States.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This defendant stole from the honest, hard-working American taxpayer. That he did so by abusing the authority entrusted to him as a public servant is abhorrent. We thank the Office of Inspector General for its continued efforts to bring fraudsters to justice.”

USPS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Matthew M. Modafferi stated, “The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is committed to upholding the integrity of the Postal Service and its workforce. Our office will continue to investigate Postal Service employees who violate the public’s trust and engage in fraudulent activity. The USPS-OIG is thankful for the great longstanding relationships we have developed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat fraud.”

Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Thurston faces a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The USPS-OIG is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kris Roglieri, age 46, of Queensbury, New York, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for a wire fraud conspiracy committed in connection with the operation and collapse of his purported commercial lending business, Prime Capital Ventures, LLC.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Roglieri admitted that he operated Prime Capital Ventures, LLC (“Prime Capital”) and, between mid-2022 and January 2024, conspired with others to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars from Prime Capital’s clients. As part of the scheme, Roglieri falsely promoted Prime Capital as a lending business capable of making large commercial loans through third-party funding arrangements. Roglieri admitted that he and his co-conspirators deceived clients into sending Prime Capital tens of millions of dollars in payments based on false promises that the payments would allow Prime Capital to obtain these large loans and that the payments would be refunded if those loans did not materialize. Roglieri then used that money to repay or fund prior clients and on extravagant purchases for himself, including private jet travel, jewelry, and cars made by Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati.

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered a 3-year term of supervised release to follow Roglieri’s release from prison as well as forfeiture of a $55,484,674.84 money judgment, twelve vehicles, eight watches, a Virginia Beach, Virginia mansion, and other property derived from the scheme.  Restitution will be ordered at a later date. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Kris Roglieri callously deceived victims all over the country into trusting him with tens of millions of dollars under the false pretenses that he would secure funding for their projects.  Instead of keeping that money safe and delivering on that funding, Roglieri turned around and spent it on exotic cars, rare watches, and private jet travel.  Thanks to the hard work of the FBI and members of my office, Roglieri will forfeit those ill-gotten gains, swap his luxury suits for a jumpsuit, and get on the fast track to federal prison.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Today’s sentence ensures Mr. Roglieri will not just forfeit his luxury belongings and lifestyle, but also his freedom. The FBI was committed to investigating this case to bring justice to the victims he brazenly stole from to build his wildly extravagant lifestyle. This case should send a strong message that the FBI is dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who uses illegal means to take advantage of hardworking Americans.”

Two co-conspirators have also pled guilty in connection with this case. Kimberly Owen, a/k/a Kimberly “Kimmy” Humphrey, age 41, and her brother Christopher Snyder, age 45, both of Virginia Beach, have each pled guilty to a charge of wire fraud conspiracy. Both Owen and Snyder admitted to conspiring with each other and Roglieri to defraud Prime Capital clients. Snyder is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2026, and Owen is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2026.

The FBI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuted it. The U.S. Trustee’s Office for the Northern District of New York provided assistance in this investigation.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – John Secor, Jr., age 46, of Rome, New York, pled guilty on March 25, 2026, in federal court to enticing and coercing a minor and to receiving child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

As part of his plea, Secor admitted that in May of 2025, he began chatting online with a 16-year-old Oneida County girl on Facebook who had explicitly told Secor her age. Secor’s chats with the child quickly became sexual in nature with Secor requesting that the child send him sexually explicit images and videos of herself, which she did. Secor also admitted that he arranged a meeting with the child during which Secor planned to engage in sex acts with the child.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “This defendant’s actions were calculated, predatory, and profoundly disturbing. He targeted a minor through Facebook, manipulated her, and sought to exploit her for sexual purposes. Let me be clear: anyone who engages in this kind of conduct will be aggressively investigated, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Social media companies must also recognize their responsibility in preventing such exploitation on their platforms and take stronger, proactive measures to protect vulnerable users. I thank HSI and the New York State Police for their commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

“Secor has admitted to deeply disturbing and exploitative behavior toward a child, and after today’s plea, he faces decades in federal prison,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo. “Homeland Security Investigations works every day to bring predators like Secor to justice. We hope that today’s guilty plea is a positive step forward for the victim and her family as they begin to heal and move forward.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “This case underscores the very real and ongoing threat that online predators pose to our children. The defendant’s actions were deliberate, measured, and manipulative, targeting a vulnerable minor for exploitation. The New York State Police remain fully committed to working alongside our federal partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who seek to harm children. We will continue to use every available resource to protect our communities and ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

The charge of enticement and coercion of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life. The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life.

Secor’s sentencing is currently scheduled for July 21, 2026, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse, New York. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

HSI and NYSP investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jade Dunckle, age 31, of Cohoes, New York, pled guilty today to assaulting a federal officer engaged in official duties.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia made the announcement.

According to plea documents previously filed in the case, on September 17, 2025, members of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision visited the defendant’s Cohoes residence in search of a fugitive felon to be arrested.  While members of the Task Force searched the defendant’s residence for the fugitive, the defendant became belligerent, bit one of the Deputy United States Marshals on the forearm, and screamed “I’ll bite you b—ch!”  

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said: “Deputy U.S. Marshals put themselves in harm’s way every day to capture dangerous fugitives and protect the public. Attacking the federal agent trying to arrest a fugitive is a quick way to turn yourself into the next defendant. This Office will aggressively prosecute anyone who assaults and interferes with lawful arrests made by brave federal agents faithfully doing their jobs.”

Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia said: “The guilty plea in this case sends a clear message that acts of violence against federal law enforcement officers will not be tolerated. Deputy United States Marshals serve on the front lines of public safety every day, often working to apprehend dangerous fugitives and protect the integrity of our judicial system. Assaulting a federal officer is a serious offense, and those who engage in such conduct will be held fully accountable under federal law. I commend the professionalism and resilience demonstrated by the Deputy United States Marshal involved in this incident, as well as the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who ensured that justice was served.”

Dunckle is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on July 29, 2026.  She faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release up to one year.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The United States Marshals Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shane Daley, age 40, of Galway, New York, pled guilty today to cyberstalking for sending harassing and threatening voicemail messages to a family member of murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

As part of the guilty plea, Daley admitted that between December 4 and 7, 2024, beginning just hours after Thompson’s murder in midtown Manhattan, Daley placed multiple calls to a work phone line used by a member of Thompson’s family. Daley further admitted that in a series of voicemail messages, Daley used threatening and harassing language that focused on, among other things, Thompson’s killing, expressed satisfaction over the fact and manner of his death, and stated that the victim and Thompson’s children deserved to meet the same violent end.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Shane Daley celebrated the cold-blooded murder of Brian Thompson and senselessly tried to maximize the Thompson family’s suffering.  Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that federal law enforcement will not tolerate such sickening conduct.  I commend the hard work of the FBI and members of my office and the Southern District of New York for bringing Daley to justice.”

Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said: “Shane Daley’s conviction is just and sends two important messages.  We will protect victims – Daley tormented the family of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, after Thompson’s 2024 murder.  This reprehensible conduct demands swift justice.  Also, and more broadly, threats and other acts of violence, particularly when motivated by commercial, social, political, or religious factors, are not acceptable in our free society.  Freedom means freedom from violence.  We thank the women and men of the Northern District for protecting those freedoms.  Today’s federal conviction reflects the grave and calculated nature of Daley’s criminal actions and underscores this Office’s unwavering commitment to aggressively prosecuting those who target and terrorize victims through stalking and harassment.  This outcome was achieved in close partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, demonstrating the strength of coordinated federal efforts to hold offenders accountable and protect victims.”

James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), said: “Just hours after Brian Thompson’s brutal public murder, Shane Daley repeatedly terrorized a grieving family by glorifying the loss of their loved one and threatening similar fates. The FBI does not tolerate those who hide behind screens and keyboards to exploit the suffering of others for senseless torment.”

Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2026, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.  Daley faces a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal of the Northern District of New York and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic A. Gentile of the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – The United States has reached a $1.9 million settlement with Sark Wire Corporation to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by applying for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was ineligible.

“The False Claims Act allows the United States to recover funds obtained through material misrepresentations,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “PPP eligibility rules required counting employees of foreign affiliates. Sark Wire didn’t do that; if it had, it would not have been eligible for the PPP loan it received. I commend Sark Wire for promptly acknowledging its ineligibility and proactively initiating settlement discussions with the United States.”

Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 27, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans affected by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Paycheck Protection Program, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to provide forgivable loans to eligible small businesses during the national emergency. The PPP provided loans in two draws. For second-draw PPP loans, applicants were required to certify that they and their affiliates, including foreign affiliates, employed fewer than 300 employees and otherwise satisfied applicable program eligibility requirements.

As part of the settlement agreement, Sark Wire admitted that it did not meet the applicable employee-count threshold when accounting for its foreign affiliates. The company acknowledged that it failed to disclose in its PPP loan and forgiveness applications that it was majority owned by a Turkish conglomerate and failed to include the employees of its foreign affiliates in its eligibility calculation. Sark Wire further acknowledged that when employees of its foreign affiliates were included as required under program rules, it exceeded the size threshold for second-draw PPP eligibility and forgiveness.

“The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration, including SBA’s Office of General Counsel, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal law enforcement agencies to recover the proceeds of this fraud as well as penalties,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.

This matter arose from a qui tam complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. The False Claims Act permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. Under the settlement agreement, the relator will receive $190,000 as its statutory share. The case is captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. Sark Wire Corp., Case No. 1:24-cv-1120 (N.D.N.Y.).

The investigation and resolution of this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and the SBA Office of General Counsel. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Katz and Special Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Kelly.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kristoffer Jackson, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, was indicted on a charge of distributing fentanyl and cocaine that caused an overdose death in Schenectady County. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam made the announcement. 

Jackson was arraigned last week in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart. On March 10, 2026, he was ordered detained pending trial.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Drug traffickers who flood our communities with dangerous controlled substances are not just dealing drugs—they are dealing death. As alleged, this defendant sold cocaine laced with fentanyl, a lethal poison that took a life in Schenectady County. Let this indictment send an unmistakable message: if you choose to profit from distributing these deadly substances, my Office will pursue you relentlessly and hold you fully accountable. We will continue to use every tool available to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities.”

“As we know, fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats facing our nation, and any loss of life caused by this poison is a senseless tragedy. Today’s indictment of Kristoffer Jackson, who allegedly distributed this deadly substance, reaffirms our commitment to working with our judicial partners to hold those who poison our communities accountable” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The DEA remains steadfast in our mission to protect the public and make America Fentanyl Free.”

If convicted, Jackson faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, as well as post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The DEA is investigating this case with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case. 

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – On March 3, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone gave welcoming remarks to the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys at the New AUSA Training in Syracuse.  The training included an introduction to the federal criminal process and the role of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, as well as topics including drug prosecutions, cooperators, the use of informants, and firearms prosecutions, presented by Deputy Criminal Chief and Narcotics and Firearms Chief Nico Commandeur; topics surrounding Project Safe Childhood (“PSC”), presented by PSC Coordinator Michael Gadarian; and the use of search warrants, presented by Senior Litigation Counsel Lisa Fletcher.

Participants at the training included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul DerOhannesian, Jeff Brown, Michael Whalen, and Kevin Cheung, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Berger (Saratoga County), Kathleen Hofman (Montgomery County), Joseph Frandino (Saratoga County), Marissa Olsen (Madison County), Meghan Horton (Saratoga County), Jed Hudson (Onondaga County), Nolan Pitkin (Jefferson County), Manpreet Kaur (Montgomery County), Sam Rodgers (Madison County), Michael Johnson (Herkimer County), and Arne Soldwedel (Social Security Administration).

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone also welcomed the staff and remarked, “We are extremely grateful to have you join the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.  We eagerly look forward to the contributions you will make as we work together to uphold our mission and serve the public as civil servants.” 

Pictured above (left to right and back to front): SAUSAWilliam Berger, SAUSA Kathleen Hofman, SAUSA Joseph Frandino, SAUSA Marissa Olsen, SAUSA Meghan Horton, SAUSA Jed Hudson, SAUSA Nolan Pitkin, SAUSA Manpreet Kaur, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, Senior Litigation Counsel Lisa Fletcher, SAUSA Sam Rodgers, AUSA Paul DerOhannesian, AUSA Jeff Brown, SAUSA Michael Johnson, SAUSA Arne Soldwedel, AUSA Michael Whalen, and AUSA Kevin Cheung.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ming Xia, age 41, of Flushing, New York, pled guilty on March 3, 2026, to conspiracy to commit money laundering involving the proceeds of a prostitution enterprise.

The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of Homeland Security Investigations, Buffalo Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, New York Field Division, and New York State Superintendent Steven James.

As part of his guilty plea, Xia admitted to operating several spas in the Capital Region where employees provided commercial sex services to customers.  The spas generated over $2 million in proceeds, which Xia admitted laundering through third parties and using to purchase assets, including several properties.  As part of his plea, Xia agreed to forfeit $198,000 in cash that was seized by law enforcement, two commercial properties, and four residences.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated, “Mr. Xia did not merely run an illegal business, he built a multimillion-dollar enterprise on the commodification of women, treating them as instruments for financial gain while laundering the proceeds to enrich himself through cash and real estate. Let this guilty plea serve as a clear warning: those who exploit others for personal profit and attempt to hide their gains will be identified, prosecuted, and stripped of their ill-gotten assets. I thank the FBI, HSI, IRS, and NYSP for all their work in safeguarding our communities from those who exploit human beings for profit.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli stated, “Mr. Xia admitted to operating an extensive commercial sex enterprise and laundering the profits, and now he’s facing a substantial amount of time in federal prison. This case illustrates how committed the FBI remains to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and shut down these disturbing businesses and ensure anyone who operates them is swiftly brought to justice.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated, “By turning neighborhood spas into brothels and washing millions in criminal proceeds through our communities, Ming Xia treated the Capital Region as his personal cash register. His scheme exploited vulnerable workers, poisoned legitimate commerce, and robbed residents of the basic expectation that local businesses are safe and lawful. This guilty plea sends a clear message: HSI and our invaluable Homeland Security Task Force partners will strip criminals of their profits, seize their assets, and shut down any operation that tries to hide behind a respectable storefront.”

“Ming Xia’s guilty plea is the result of law enforcement doing straightforward, old‑fashioned police work. When someone uses a business as a cover to move millions in dirty cash, we’re going to follow the money and shut it down. Working alongside our federal and state partners, IRS‑CI will continue to trace financial footprints, uncover hidden profits, and ensure that those who abuse the financial system for personal gain are held fully accountable,” said Harry T. Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York.

NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Efforts to intercept illegal business practices are an integral part of protecting our communities in New York State.  This guilty plea sends a clear message that we will continue to be relentless in the fight against money laundering and those who engage in inappropriate acts for money. The culmination of this investigation would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our members, partners at the United States Attorney’s Office and all other law enforcement agencies involved in this case.”

Sentencing is scheduled for July 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.  Xia faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000.  The charge also carries a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, and NYSP are investigating the case with assistance from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Human Trafficking Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nan Wu, age 38, of New York, New York, was sentenced on March 5, 2026, to 78 months in prison for trafficking methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly referred to as “MDMA” or “ecstasy,” through the mail.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations, Buffalo Office, made the announcement.

As detailed in Wu’s plea agreement, Wu worked with a drug trafficking organization that used the dark web and postal system to traffic MDMA from points outside of the United States to New York City for distribution. Wu received packages in the mail containing MDMA and delivered the MDMA to a co-conspirator in New York City. The packages entered the United States through the Champlain, New York Port of Entry and were seized by HSI. In total, HSI seized more than 10 kilograms of MDMA meant for Wu and his co-conspirators as part of the case.  

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also ordered a 3-year term of supervised release to follow Wu’s release from prison.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Nan Wu thought he could hide behind the anonymity of the dark web and misuse the U.S. mail to flood our communities with dangerous drugs. He was wrong. Thanks to the vigilance of federal law enforcement, this trafficking scheme was shut down and more than 10 kilograms of MDMA were seized. This case underscores the importance of continuing to marshal the resources, partnerships, and vigilance needed to stop criminals from exploiting the U.S. mail system to traffic dangerous drugs into our communities.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “Nan Wu’s 78‑month prison sentence reflects the damage caused by his role funneling ecstasy into New York and fueling addiction and potential crime in our neighborhoods. This investigation disrupted a global supply line, removed more than 10 kilograms of MDMA from circulation, and shielded the community from drugs meant to slip through undetected. HSI Albany and our law enforcement partners are relentless in tracking and dismantling international narcotics schemes that exploit our ports of entry and the postal system.”

HSI investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted this case.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Samuel Sotero Ambrocio-Vicente, 34, a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty yesterday to illegally reentering the United States after a prior order of removal that followed his conviction for the New York State felony offense of attempted rape in the second degree (involving a minor who was less than 15 years old).  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

As part of his plea, Ambrocio-Vicente admitted that on February 4, 2020, he pled guilty to attempted rape in the second degree in Montgomery County Court.  On February 12, 2020, Ambrocio-Vicente was removed to Guatemala.  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") officers apprehended Ambrocio-Vicente on December 18, 2025, while conducting targeted immigration enforcement operations in the city of Albany.  Ambrocio-Vicente admitted during a subsequent interview that he had not received authorization to reenter the United States. 

At sentencing on July 8, 2026, Ambrocio-Vicente faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.  He also faces deportation and removal in immigration court.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

“Samuel Sotero Ambrocio-Vicente was removed from the United States after attempting to rape a child, yet he brazenly returned in violation of federal law,” First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said. “Individuals who commit serious crimes and then defy a lawful removal order have no place in this country. Cases like this make clear why the United States must maintain strong border security and strict immigration enforcement to prevent previously removed offenders from illegally reentering and putting our communities at risk. HSI’s targeted enforcement operations catch people like this, who belong as far away from our country as they can get.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated, “The arrest and resulting plea of Ambrocio-Vicente, previously convicted of attempted rape of a minor, is indicative of HSI’s ongoing effort to secure the safety of our communities and the rule of law. HSI Albany, in coordination with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and our federal partners, remains committed to identifying and arresting predators whose violent criminal histories pose an ongoing threat to the communities we are sworn to protect."

HSI is investigating the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Paul V. DerOhannesian are prosecuting the case.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Jeffrey Scott Hamm, Jr., age 32, of Binghamton, NY appeared in federal court Friday, February 27, for an initial appearance on a charge of making threats to the President and federal agents using interstate communications.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division Craig Tremaroli made the announcement.

The Complaint alleges that on multiple dates in January, 2026, Hamm posted comments on YouTube threatening violence against the President, unnamed ICE agents, and supporters of the President.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “The defendant used interstate communications to threaten President Trump, ICE agents, and others with acts of violence. This Office, together with the FBI, will pursue anyone who makes such threats swiftly and aggressively. The defendant would have been better off saving his breath; now he’ll have plenty of time to reflect on his words while facing the consequences for them in federal court. Threats of this nature will not be tolerated, and anyone who ignores this warning will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Hamm tried to hide behind a keyboard, but this arrest should prove if you’re making dangerous threats of violence online, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable. Threats of violence against the President, public officials, law enforcement, or any member of our community are illegal and will not be tolerated. FBI Albany will continue to leverage the partnerships and resources of our Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to identify, investigate, and ensure anyone taking part in such illegal activity is brought to justice.”

Hamm appeared in federal court on Friday, February 27 in Binghamton, New York before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge filed against Hamm carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The FBI is investigating the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen C. Green is prosecuting the case. 

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael St. Denny, Jr., 36, of St. Lawrence County pled guilty on March 4, 2026, to distribution of child pornography.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, St. Denny admitted that, in 2024, he distributed multiple child pornography files to other users of a social media messaging application, including files depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children including some as young as infants.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “As the Supreme Court recognized over 40 years ago, distribution of child pornography is deeply harmful because the victims are forever haunted by the knowledge that the worst moments of their lives have been memorialized and perpetually viewed by perverted people looking for sexual gratification at their expense. My Office will never stop pursuing those who sexually exploit children, and I applaud our partners at HSI for vigorously investigating these matters.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: “Exploiting children is among the most appalling conduct our agents encounter, and the material distributed in this case reflects a level of cruelty that is simply beyond words. Each day, HSI Massena personnel utilize every tool at our disposal to find and bring to justice anyone who creates, shares, or profits from the sexual abuse of minors. Together with our law enforcement counterparts, HSI will not waver in our mission to stand between predators and the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

At sentencing on July 3, 2026, St. Denny faces a term of imprisonment of at least 5 and up to 20 years, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution to the victims, forfeiture of the property he used to commit the offense, and registration as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

This case was investigated by HSI with the assistance of the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gregory Magin, age 45, of Glenville, New York, pled guilty on March 2, 2026 to one count each of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. 

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division Craig Tremaroli; and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Magin admitted that in July 2024, he used an Internet-based messaging application (“application”) to encourage the production of multiple child pornography videos by another user who was actively sexually abusing a 14-year-old child.  Magin then used the application to distribute one of those child pornography videos to another user.  Additionally, during that same month, Magin possessed and distributed approximately 14 child pornography videos to other users of the application, including a video depicting the sexual abuse of a prepubescent child. 

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “As admitted through Magin’s plea agreement, Magin actively encouraged the sexual abuse of a minor and promoted the creation of multiple child pornography videos capturing that abuse.  Magin’s monstrous crimes will not be tolerated by this Office and now Magin will be off the street and unable to victimize children for a long, long time.  Let this be a warning to those who promote the sexual abuse of children: this Office will stop at nothing to identify you, prosecute you, and remove you from our communities. I thank the FBI and New York State Police for their steadfast dedication to investigating and bringing to justice those who prey on children.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Not only did Mr. Magin encourage the abuse of a child, but he further exploited the victim by sharing the disgusting images of the abuse with other predators. Today’s plea ensures he will spend a substantial amount of time in federal prison for his horrific acts. The FBI will continue to use every resource available to our Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force to investigate and hold accountable dangerous predators preying on our most vulnerable.”

NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “Acts that threaten the well-being of children are unconscionable, and we will continue to seek justice for those who have been victimized. Anyone who preys upon and is involved in predatory acts against children must understand that such crimes will not be tolerated. I thank our State Police members, the United States Attorney’s Office, and partners in law enforcement for their unwavering proactive work on this case.”

At his sentencing on July 2, 2026, Magin faces a term of imprisonment of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. Magin also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case was investigated by FBI with the assistance of the Colonie Police Department and the New York State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.