Western District of New York

    BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Darryl Glasco, 55, of Pendleton, N.Y., who was convicted of bank fraud, was sentenced to six months home detention and four years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $334, 024.08 to JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America.

 According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen A. Lynch, Glasco, a New York State licensed real estate appraiser, submitted a fraudulent appraisal in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme. The defendant conspired with a borrower, James P. Vasiliou, Jr., to submit a fraudulent appraisal report to support an inflated property value for a mortgage loan. Glasco inflated the value of the property in Lockport, N.Y. by using false locations and values for comparable properties resulting in an inflated fair market value for the appraised property. The appraisal was submitted to JP Morgan Chase Bank which approved and funded a loan for the property. 

Vasiliou has been convicted of bank fraud and will be sentenced in August 2014. As part of the plea agreement, Glasco admitted to providing false appraisals for nine additional properties.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Mortgage Fraud Task Force of WNY, led by the U.S. Attorney’s office, which includes agents and personnel from the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Christina Scaringi.

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Norman Perry, 51, of Rochester, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S.  District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, to making a false claim to the United States and aggravated identity theft. Making a false claim to the United States carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory term of two years in prison, to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the false claim charge.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller, who handled the case, stated that the defendant posted advertisements in Rochester claiming that he could find lost or unclaimed funds. Individuals then provided Perry with their name, address and social security number and agreed to pay the defendant a fee, generally in the amount of $300, for each $1,000 check they received.   In reality, Perry used the information to prepare and file false and fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, claiming that the individuals had qualified educational expenditures and were entitled to receive the American Opportunity Credit, a refundable tax credit for educational expenses. None of the individuals were students, none had incurred any educational expenditures and none provided such information to Perry.

In addition, the defendant filed a false tax return with the IRS in another individual’s name, and had the check sent to an address in Rochester. The check was subsequently cashed.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 14th, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

    BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Randy S. Mays, Sr., 58, of Rochester, N.Y., the former president and sole owner of Lynx Machine Tool Corporation, will pay $70,405 to the United States to resolve civil claims brought against him by the United States under the False Claims Act. The settlement represents a compromise of disputed claims and is not an admission of liability by Mays.

Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse, who handled the case, stated that from December 2005 through October 2006, Mays, through Lynx, a now defunct company that contracted to provide various metal parts to the Department of Defense, entered into five government contracts for the provision of various metal parts to the military. Under the contracts, Lynx was required to test 100% of the parts prior to shipment, and to submit a Certificate of Compliance with each shipment. In fact, the requisite testing was not performed, and Mays submitted and caused to be submitted false Certificates of Compliance and falsified test reports.

In 2011, a former Lynx employee, Denis Converse, was convicted and sentenced to five years probation for making false statements to federal agencies and agents in connection with the falsifying and alteration of the Certificates of Compliance and test reports.

The settlement is the result of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), under the direction of Craig Rupert, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU), under the direction of L. Scott Moreland; and the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), under the direction of Donna Peltomaki.

    BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Victor Marshall, 36, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to 130 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who handled the case, stated that in 2011, Marshall supplied cocaine to co-defendants Gerry Spencer, Besari Torres, and Mario Pena who then distributed the cocaine in the City of Buffalo. On October 7 and October 19, 2011, the defendant sold cocaine to a confidential informant. On November 22, 2011, Marshall possessed 10 ounces of cocaine.

Besari Torres, Gerry Spencer and Mario Pena have been convicted of similar charges and sentenced.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Safe Streets Task Force, under direction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Sheila L. Cassata, 48, of Amherst N.Y., pleaded guilty before District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara to bank robbery. The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.

                According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who is handling the case, Cassata was arrested on January 15, 2014 along with co-defendant Michael Mitchell, a/k/a Max. The defendant drove Mitchell to a KeyBank branch at 201 Amherst Street, in Buffalo on December 27, 2013, knowing that Mitchell was intending to rob the bank.  In addition, Cassata drive Mitchell to an M&T Bank at 130 Grant Street in Buffalo on January 3, 2014, and a First Niagara Bank at 1248 Abbott Road in Lackawanna on January 9, 2014, knowing that Mitchell was intending to rob the banks.

“With each conviction, we believe we are getting closer to the end of a crime spree which focused on area banks,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.

Michael Mitchell is currently charged with robbing the three banks. As indicated in publicly filed charging documents, the bank robberies contain similarities to a total of 22 separate bank robberies that began on April 23, 2013. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the FBI Safe Street Task Force.

                Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Rodney Dugan, 42, of, Rochester, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson, to obstructing the mails. The charge carries a maximum sentence six months in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that Dugan worked as a driver for a carrier contracted by the United States Postal Service. On April 11, 2014, in a sting operation conducted by Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, the defendant was caught unlawfully removing a letter containing a Target gift card from the mail he was transporting that day.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents with the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Monica Weyler, Eastern Area Field Office, Philadelphia, PA.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. before Judge Payson.

    BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Kashika Speed, 41, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara, to robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery and extortion of assets. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant and others conspired to commit the robbery of cocaine and U.S. currency from a victim, who was an individual involved in the distribution of cocaine in the Western District of New York. During the robbery, Speed and others went to the victim’s residence in Buffalo, restrained the victim, brandished a firearm, and threatened to kill the victim if he did not provide cocaine to the defendant and his accomplices. As a result, the victim made a phone call to one of his associates, and arranged for two kilograms of cocaine to be provided to the defendant and the others. After receiving the cocaine, Speed and the others released the victim.

“This case demonstrates that in our continuing efforts to remove violent predators from the streets, law enforcement will prosecute even those who would prey upon others engaged in criminal behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “This in turn benefits our community as a whole because, in this case alone, the defendant will likely serve substantial jail time and will no longer be a threat to residents.”

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

    BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury in Buffalo has returned a superseding indictment charging one of 12 defendants with additional charges. Tyshawn Bradley, 28, of Cheektowaga, N.Y., has been charged with possession of a short barreled rifle, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The additional charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, a $500,000 fine or both.

Bradley was arrested in April 2013, along with 11 other defendants, for allegedly operating a cocaine base distribution network in the Perry Projects in Buffalo. Also charged: Nannette Brown, 45, Darnell Brown, a/k/a D, 29, Dallas McLamore, a/k/a Ice, a/k/a Dal, 29, Eric Ross, 24, Brandon Atkins, a/k/a YB, 26, Tashawn Gay, 23, Melvin Tucker, a/k/a Hoff, 24, David Varner, 55, Latifah Donaldson, a/k/a LaLa, 22, Tara Robinson, a/k/a Coek, 24 and Phayon Redmond, a/k/a Booper, 28.

Defendants Nannette Brown and Eric Ross have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the Perry Projects case, stated that the investigation focused on the drug trafficking activities of Tyshawn Bradley, Darnell Brown, Dallas McLamore and their associates. According to the indictment, Bradley, Brown, McLamore and Eric Ross operated a cocaine base and cocaine distribution organization on a daily basis out of several apartments within the Perry Housing Projects, including apartments within the high-rise towers located at 124 Fulton Street and 305 Perry Street. The organization also utilized a person under the age of 18 to distribute cocaine base to customers on the grounds of the public housing facility.

The superseding indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Matthew Renneman, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.B U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul announced today that Bradley W. Pattee, 57, of Henrietta, N.Y., who was convicted of 13 counts of producing, distributing and possessing child pornography, was sentenced to 47 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller, who handled the case, stated that the defendant came to the attention of law enforcement in December 2011 during an undercover investigation of the online trading of child pornography. Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations conducted a search warrant at Patee’s residence and seized numerous items of digital media, including computers, hard drives and removable media. During their investigation, agents discovered that the defendant had also produced child pornography by taking pictures of a child under the age of 18 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

“Today’s punishment sends a strong message, if you engage in crime that could have lifelong effects on our children, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “As today’s punishment shows, such conduct could also result in a lengthy sentence from the court.”

"While today’s significant sentencing cannot restore the loss innocence of the children depicted in the voluminous and monstrous images found in the defendant’s possession, it should serve as a stark warning to those who engage in this behavior — HSI and our partners will be relentless in our pursuit of those who sexually exploit children," said James Spero, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Buffalo.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.

   BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Donovan Devost, 21, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of bank robbery, was sentenced to 92 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who handled the case, stated that the defendant robbed the First Niagara Bank, located at 529 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, on April 31, 2013. Devost then robbed the First Niagara Bank, located at 805 Main Street in Buffalo, on June 19, 2013, and the KeyBank, located at 2318 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, on June 21, 2013. The defendant passed notes to the bank tellers indicating he possessed a firearm and demanded money.

The sentencing is the result of a joint investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Gooding Vincent, 38, of Syracuse, N.Y., and Eugene Cooper, 38, of Buffalo, N.Y. pleaded guilty to using paper as money before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder.  The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000 or both.

1.             Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the prosecution, stated that Vincent and Cooper participated in a scam commonly referred to as a “Black Money Scam.” Such a scam usually involves an individual attempting to convince an unsuspecting victim to provide the scammer with money to purchase chemicals to turn black-dyed paper into authentic U.S. currency. The individual concocts a story that money, which originated outside the United States, was treated chemically and dyed black to sneak it past immigration officials to avoid tax liability. The scammer attempts to convince the victim that money is needed to purchase chemicals to restore the money and that the scammer will share with the victim some of the funds once they are restored.
2.  
3.             On July 8, 2013, the defendants met with a confidential informant (“CI”) working with the Government in order to convince the CI to purchase “dirty” money from them. 
4.  
5.             Vincent and Cooper attempted to use a slightly different version of the black money scam. According to the defendants, genuine United States currency had been obtained from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to fight wars in Africa. The United States currency had been dyed either black or white to avoid being detected by opposition leaders in Africa and could be restored by simply washing the bills in chemicals provided by the defendant.
6.  
7.             The CI agreed to purchase, and did purchase from the defendants, what the CI had been told was $10,500 in United States currency that had been dyed either black or white, in return for $10,000. In actuality, the defendants sold valueless black and white banknote sized paper to the CI for $10,000.
8.  
9.             The defendants later admitted to agents working for the United States Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security that they had sold black and white banknote sized paper having no value to the CI for $10,000.
10.  

The pleas are the result of an investigation by the United Stated Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of James C. Spero.

The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced before Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder on September 4, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Iurie Stratenco, 28, of Moldova, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years In prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant used a fraudulent passport from Denmark in the name of Christian Bendtner, to open up several bank accounts in the Buffalo area. Stratenco then placed false advertisements on eBay for “Can-Am Spyder” and “Honda Goldwing” motorcycles. The defendant directed interested buyers to wire money into one of the bank accounts opened under the name Christian Bendtner. Stratenco told victims the money would go into an eBay holding account until the merchandize was shipped. Instead, the money went directly into one of the fraudulent accounts. During the course of the scheme, the defendant transferred $17,500 of the money wired into the fraudulent accounts to an individual located in the Ukraine. As a result of Stratenco’s actions, individuals wired $49,300 to the fraudulent bank accounts.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of James C. Spero.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

   BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Kayla Renee Combs, 24, of Buffalo NY pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine base.  The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, or both.

            Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary C. Baumgarten stated that the charges stem from an investigation into the trafficking of cocaine base and cocaine from the Cleveland, Ohio area into Western New York, and the distribution of those drugs in North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Lockport, and Buffalo.  The charges in the indictment against co-defendants Nathaniel Clark, 29, of Niagara Falls, NY, Raysean Clark, 27, of Buffalo, NY, and Tommy Eugene Clark, 26, of Niagara Falls, NY, remain pending.  Combs is the first defendant convicted in this case.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Task Force Agents and Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, in conjunction with the Niagara County Sheriff's Department and Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour, and the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Hall.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

            Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Arcara on September 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -  U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Michael A. Taschetta, 55, of Akron, New York, who was convicted of a felony charge of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration with 5 years of supervised release by District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that the defendant downloaded images of child pornography from the internet, some of which included graphic depictions of children under 12 years of age engaged in sexual conduct.  Upon execution of a search warrant, the defendant admitted to agents that he downloaded child pornography onto his computer utilizing a peer-to-peer software application.

The conviction was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Spero.

   ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Konstantinos Votsis, 63, of Rochester, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci to tax evasion. The charge carries a maximum sentence five years in prison, a fine of $616,124, or both. In addition, Votsis agreed in related asset forfeiture proceedings to forfeit $250,000 to the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the matter, stated that Votsis owned and controlled Rookies Neighborhood Sports Bar, a restaurant and bar in Gates, N.Y. In 2009, the defendant learned of a pending audit of his sales taxes, and in response, directed that sales data contained in Rookies’ point-of-sale computer system be deleted. This data, which was later recovered by the Government, showed that Votsis failed to report $986,660 in income from his Rookies business from 2006 through 2008. By concealing such income, the defendant evaded paying $308,062 in taxes that he owed to the Internal Revenue Service.

Acting IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen said: “Business owners are expected to report all of their gross receipts. When business owners hide receipts to evade paying all of the taxes they are legally required to, law abiding businesses and taxpayers ultimately end up making up the difference. IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to seeing that everyone pays their fair share.”

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Acting Special Agent in Charge.

Votsis will be sentenced by Judge Geraci on September 4, at 3:30 p.m.

    Rochester, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Zachary S. Dressner, of Rochester, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, to possessing images of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley E. Tyler, who is handling the case, stated that between July and November 2011, the defendant used his home computer to acquire and download images of children younger than 16 years of age. The images included the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

    BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. was in Washington, D.C. today as Dr. Khalid Qazi received the Attorney General’s Citizen Volunteer Service Award for Community Service for his outstanding volunteer contributions to the mission of the Justice Department.

Dr. Qazi, a local physician and past president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Western New York, received the award during the 28th Annual Attorney General’s Volunteer Awards ceremony in Washington. He was honored for his work to establish a positive, working relationship between Federal, State and local law enforcement and the Muslim Community. 

“In a post 9/11 world, Dr. Qazi has been instrumental in helping to build bridges between local law enforcement agencies and leaders and members of the Muslim Community,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Dr. Qazi has helped to break down walls that often prevented meaningful communication and forge a relationship of trust and hope.”

Dr. Qazi has been working with the United States Attorney’s Office for several years, serving as a liaison between the USAO and the local Muslim Community. For instance, Dr. Qazi works closely with U.S. Attorney Hochul on the BRIDGES Program which was established to build better relationships between the Muslim Community in Western New York and the law enforcement community.  

U.S. Attorney Hochul cited the following accomplishments in his nomination of Dr. Qazi for the award:

             A job fair for youth in the local Muslim community.
             A commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001.
             Sensitivity training for local Customs and Border Protection officers.
             A panel discussion for members of the Muslim Community regarding surveillance conducted by the New York City Police Department in the local Muslim community.

The Citizen Volunteer Service Award was established to honor citizen volunteers who assist the Justice Department in serving the public interest.

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. C U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., announced today that Christopher Ludwig, 31, of Rochester, N.Y., pleaded guilty to resisting and impeding officers before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee, who is handling the case, stated that on April 26, 2012, the defendant called the Monroe County Board of Elections and made a threatening remark concerning President Barack Obama. On May 3, 2012, when Special Agents with the United States Secret Service went to Ludwig’s residence, he forcibly resisted and impeded efforts to place him under arrest.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Adlyn Marie Echevarria Robles, 21, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty to bank robbery before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie G. Foschio. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who is handling the case, stated that on July 5, 2013, the defendant entered the M&T Bank at 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. Robles passed the teller a demand note threatening the use of a weapon.  The teller gave the defendant a specific amount of money. 

On July 24, 2013, the defendant entered the M&T Bank at 709 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo and passed the teller a demand note threatening the use of a weapon. The teller gave Robles a specific amount of money.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sentencing will take place at a later date before Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Tremec Jeffries, 38, of Rochester, N.Y., who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, was sentenced to 228 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that Jeffries and others purchased large quantities of powder cocaine that they processed into crack cocaine, packaged, and resold in various quantities in Rochester. Jeffries was arrested on August 1, 2013 after he was surveilled by officers arriving at 35 Wakefield Street in Rochester operating his 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The defendant unlocked the location with a key and entered. Officers then raided the location and Jeffries, the only person inside, was arrested after attempting to jump out a second story window.

Inside the residence, officers seized 50 grams of crack cocaine, 31 grams of powder cocaine, processing and packaging paraphernalia, a .12 gauge shotgun, and a loaded, Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen out of North Carolina in 2010. Jeffries had $1,640 in U.S. currency on his person and the Avalanche contained $15,000 in U.S. currency bundled in $1,000 increments. The cash has been forfeited by the Drug Enforcement Administration as drug money.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge, James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, with assistance provided by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET), and the Rochester Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Sandra Doorley, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge, Thomas J. Cannon, New York Field Division.

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Mufid A. Elfgeeh, 30, of Rochester, N.Y., has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with two counts of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm silencer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count.

“In a post 9/11 world, law enforcement takes very seriously any potential threat against the safety and security of our country,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “This defendant, on multiple occasions, stated his desire and intention to harm and kill American soldiers as well as his allegiance to terrorist groups whose mission it is to bring devastation upon our country. This defendant will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and so too would any individuals who attempt to inflict an act of terror on the United States or against Americans abroad.”  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brett A. Harvey and Frank H. Sherman, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Elfgeeh has expressed his support for various terrorist groups, including al-Qa’ida and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and the pursuit of violent jihad. Consistent with this ideology, Elfgeeh has discussed a plan to shoot and kill both members of the United States military returning from Iraq and unidentified Shi’a Muslims in the Western District of New York.  As part of that plan, Elfgeeh purchased two handguns equipped with firearm silencers and ammunition from a confidential source. The handguns were made inoperable by the FBI before the confidential source gave them to Elfgeeh.

The complaint further states that Elfgeeh first discussed the idea of shooting United State military members in December 2013, when he told a confidential source that he was thinking about getting a gun and ammunition, putting on a bulletproof vest, and “just go[ing] around and start shooting.” Elfgeeh later suggested that he and the confidential source could do something similar to Mohammed Merah, a French-Algerian man who went on a shooting spree in France in March 2012, killing three French soldiers and seriously injuring another. Elfgeeh’s justification for killing United States soldiers was “kill them as they kill you . . . fight them altogether as they fight you all together” and that “you want to stop the killing machine that is happening [in Iraq and Afghanistan] . . . and the only way is to deter them by any means.”  Elfgeeh said that, after doing between five and 20 shootings, they (meaning Elfgeeh and the confidential source) would make a video claiming responsibility for the shootings.

In February 2014, Elfgeeh told the confidential source that he needed a handgun and silencer.  Elfgeeh later gave the confidential source $1,050 in cash to purchase two handguns, two firearm silencers, and ammunition. On May 31, 2014, the confidential source delivered the two handguns, silencers, and ammunition to Elfgeeh.  After Elfgeeh took possession of the items, he was arrested by members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman.  He is being held pending a detention hearing on June 16, 2014. 

The Criminal Complaint was the result of an investigation on the part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Nichole Dean, 27, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty to bank fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie G. Foschio. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was part of a conspiracy to defraud local area banks by participating in a scheme sometimes referred to as “Check Kiting.” Dean would open bank accounts and deposit large checks to the accounts. The deposited checks were written on accounts that had insufficient funds or on accounts that had been closed. Before the banks could determine that the checks were not supported by any funds, the defendant withdrew smaller amounts from the accounts. Although Dean made away with $7,612.73, the amount of the intended loss was more than $36,000.

Co-conspirators Carlique Deberry, Sade Heath and Sayonara Heath have all been convicted of similar charges.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast.

Sentencing will take place at a later date before Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

    BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Sreekrishna M. Cheruvu, M.D., 58, of East Amherst, N.Y., has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with health care fraud and submitting false statements relating to health care matters. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant treats patients for opioid addiction at his office in Williamsville, N.Y. Between January 2009 and December 2013, Cheruvu submitted false and fraudulent claims to private insurance companies seeking reimbursement for services allegedly provided. Claims submitted by the defendant included reimbursement for individual counseling sessions when patients were actually seen in a group therapy setting, and reimbursement for services Cheruvu allegedly provided while he was, in fact, out of the country.

For example, some of the defendant’s patients reported that between eight and fifteen patients attended the group therapy sessions that were billed as individual counseling sessions. The patients also stated that counselors, not Cheruvu, led the group therapy sessions and that when the defendant did attend a session, he stayed for about 10 minutes at the beginning or end of the session.

In November 2013, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s Williamsville office. Records seized during the search revealed that on multiple occasions, Cheruvu billed insurance companies for therapy sessions that he did not attend.

According to the complaint, the defendant submitted false and fraudulent claims for payment to HealthNow, Independent Health and Excellus totaling approximately $628,000.

The complaint further alleges that Cheruvu submitted claims for payment totaling $147,000 on dates it was determined that the defendant was outside of the country. 

“Perpetuating fraud on the health care industry drives up the cost for everyone, including taxpayers who fund government health care programs and all who contribute directly to their own health care costs,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.

The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is being detained.

The Criminal Complaint was the result of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Donna Spencer, 51, of Falconer, N.Y., who was convicted of misappropriation of postal funds by a postal service employee, was sentenced to two-years probation by Chief Judge William M. Skretny. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,023.50 to the U.S. Postal Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who handled the case, stated that Spencer was employed by the United States Postal Service since 1986. Between February 13, 1999, and July 19, 2013, the defendant was employed as the Postmaster at the Frewsburg, N.Y. Post Office. During that time, Spencer accepted cash payments from USPS customers for the purchase of postage stamps. Instead of depositing the cash payments into the USPS register, the defendant kept the cash for her own purposes. An audit of the Frewsburg facility determined that the total loss amount was $14,023.50.              

                The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Shelly A. Binkowski of the Boston Division.

 

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a seven-count indictment charging Ivan Rosario, 19, of Buffalo, N.Y., with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and maintain a drug involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Opanga, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2011 and February 6, 2014, the defendant conspired with others to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin and fentanyl in the Buffalo area. On February 6, 2014, during the execution of a search warrant at Rosario’s residence on North legion Drive, officers recovered 41 bags of heroin and fentanyl. One of the bags was located in a baby crib in a bedroom of the residence.  

The indictment is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that in separate and unrelated cases, Amanda Elliott, 35, of Ellington, N.Y., and Tamara Elliott, 30, of Falconer, N.Y., pleaded guilty to misappropriation of postal service funds by postal service employee before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie G. Foschio. The charge carries a maximum sentence 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that Amanda Elliott was the Postmaster Relief at the post office located in Lily Dale, N.Y. between December 2012 and September 5, 2013. During that time, the defendant accepted cash payments from customers for the purchase of postage stamps. Instead of depositing the cash in the cash register, Elliott kept the cash for personal use. The total loss to the USPS was $5,579.48.            

In the second case, Tamara Elliott was the Postmaster Relief at the post office located in Ellington, N.Y. Between December 2012 and September 5, 2013, Tamara Elliott accepted cash payments from customers for the purchase of postage stamps. Instead of depositing the cash in the cash register, the defendant kept the cash for her own purposes. Tamara Elliott also rented post office boxes and sold money orders to customers and kept the cash payments. The total loss to the USPS was $11,326.86.

The pleas are the culmination of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Eastern Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Monica Weyler.

The defendants will be sentenced by the Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny at a later date.

 

 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Phally Suong, 34, of Rochester, N.Y., was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with committing mail fraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Suong worked at Rochester Gas and Electric as a Customer Service Representative from 2005 until 2013. Between 2012 and 2013, the defendant used her position to access RG&E billing systems and unlawfully alter customer information for inactive accounts awaiting refunds. The defendant would change the information in the system from the actual customer’s name to her own, which would cause RG&E to issue refund checks to Suong instead of the actual account holder. As part of the scheme, the defendant caused fraudulent refund checks to be mailed out using the United States Postal Service.

Once these checks were received, Suong would cash them, and then go back into the billing system and change the account information back to the original customer’s name and address. RG&E became aware of the unlawful activity during an internal audit and began an immediate investigation to determine the scope of the activity. The company then notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of this scheme to defraud, RG&E incurred a loss of over $199,000.

The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman. Suong is due back in court on June 30, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

 

BUFFALO, N.Y.– U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Michelle Vinas, 55, of Florida, who was convicted of financial institution fraud affecting M&T Bank, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $423,434.98 by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.

                Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who handled the case, stated that Vinas was an employee of the Federal Guaranty Mortgage Company based in Florida, and was responsible for the underwriting of loans which included complete review of loan applications, including supporting documentation and verification of information placed on loan applications. Once the underwriting was completed by the defendant, the loan files were submitted to financial institutions for funding.

In just one instance which exemplified the fraud, the defendant was provided information to include on a loan application for 1081 SW 156th Avenue in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The information stated that an individual had a monthly income of $21,000 and had in excess of $800,000 on deposit at a financial institution but Vinas that information was false. The defendant nevertheless approved the loan application as the underwriter which allowed the loan to be funded.

                As a result of the defendant's actions, M&T Bank was one of nine financial institutions to suffer a loss and specifically suffered a loss of $4,407,515.48. The parties estimated that the total fraud scheme amounted to approximately $24,000,000.

Frank Garcia, the owner of Federal Guaranty Mortgage Company, has also been convicted in this case and is awaiting sentencing.

This law enforcement action is part of President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.

                The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that John Cirulli, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty to two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, before Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.

                “We must all recognize that police officers are confronted with difficult, and occasionally perilous situations every day on the job,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Such instances include attempting to arrest one who is suspected of criminal activity. That being said, once a suspect no longer poses a danger and is in custody, an officer may not use excessive or unreasonable force –to include striking and kicking a prone, handcuffed suspect. In this case, the defendant not only engaged in such improper conduct, he attempted to seize potential evidence.”       

                Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trini E. Ross and Jack Rogowski, who are handling the case, stated that on April 19, 2014, the defendant was employed as a police officer with the Buffalo Police Department. Between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. on April 19, 2014, the defendant and his partner pulled their unmarked police car up to a vehicle being driven by the victim and told him that he was speeding. The victim got out of his car, fled, and a foot chased ensued.

                After catching up to the victim, the defendant and another officer took the victim to the ground. At one point while the victim was on the ground, Cirulli placed his knee on the victim’s upper back area.

                Once the victim was handcuffed by officers and under control, the defendant struck the suspect in the head with his hand, struck the suspect in his body with his boot, and struck the suspect again in the head area with his hand. The suspect was then placed in the back seat of a Buffalo Police vehicle, where the defendant struck the suspect yet again in the face.

                A person in the neighborhood happened to record on his cellular telephone some of the contact between the suspect and the police, including the portion of the contact where the defendant struck the victim while he was already secured and in handcuffs.  After the defendant was told about the recording by another officer, Cirulli approached the witness and took what he thought was the witness’s cellular telephone. In fact, the telephone the witness gave to the defendant actually belonged to a friend. After determining that the cellular telephone did not have any recording of the assault incident on it, the defendant returned the telephone to the witness.  

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

                Sentencing is scheduled for September 24, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Skretny.

 

 

BUFFALO, N.Y.– U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jason Gentzke, 25, of Tonawanda, N.Y., was charged by criminal complaint with intentionally conveying false information indicating that the Armed Forces Recruiting Center on Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda would be damaged by an explosive device. The charge carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

                Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward H. White, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 27, 2014, the defendant entered the Armed Forces Recruiting Center and threw a suitcase that appeared to contain electronics, cords, and wires into the office and made threatening statements. After the building was evacuated, the Erie County Bomb Squad inspected the suitcase and discovered that it contained a power strip cord, a fish tank filter, and other materials and was not an explosive device.    

                The defendant will make an appearance on the charges at a later date.

                The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Anthony Palombo, and members of the Erie County Bomb Squad, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.

                The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment charging Gregory Kwiatkowski, 49, Raymond Krug, 36, and Joseph Wendel, 37, with using excessive force and conspiring to use excessive force while acting under color of law. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Campana, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on May 31, 2009, defendant Kwiatkowski, a Buffalo Police Lieutenant at the time, used excessive and unnecessary force following the arrest of four young men in Buffalo. Defendants Krug and Wendel are accused of shooting one of the individuals with a BB gun while this young man was seated in the police car, handcuffed next to another of the arrested individuals. All three officers are alleged to have continued to use excessive and unnecessary force when the officers and arrested young men arrived at the police station for processing. 

Gregory Kwiatkowski retired from the Buffalo Police Department in 2011.

The indictment is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

***If the public has any information regarding potential civil rights violations, please call the FBI Civil Rights Tip Line at 716-843-1796. All information will be kept confidential.

 

 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Pablo Plaza, of Rochester, N.Y., 38, pleaded guilty to the commission of a murder while engaged in a drug trafficking conspiracy before U.S. District judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years and a maximum of life, and a $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant murdered Francisco Santos at the Seneca Indian Reservation in Erie County, N.Y., in October 1998. The murder was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Rochester area, which included cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana, from 1993 to March 2011. 

“This conviction is proof that no matter how long ago a murder was committed, this office will continue to relentlessly investigate and prosecute those responsible for such violent episodes,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. 

The victim, Francisco Santos, was a member of the drug distribution conspiracy and was believed to have stolen drugs and money from other members of the conspiracy. In retaliation for the theft, Plaza and other members of the conspiracy assaulted Santos and one of the other conspiracy members slashed Santos across the side of the head with a knife. Sometime after the beating, the co-conspirator who slashed Santos on the head was arrested for the assault. 

To further retaliate for the original theft and to prevent Santos from testifying against the co-conspirator on the assault charge, Plaza and a group of other co-conspirators found Santos and drove him to the Seneca Indian Reservation. Once at the reservation, they took Santos down a dirt path behind some trees and stabbed him to death and buried him in a shallow grave. Plaza admitted to having personally stabbed Santos and to having observed other coconspirators also stabbing him.

In addition, the defendant was present for the beating death of Ryan Cooper. Plaza stated that Cooper learned about Santos’ murder and wanted to report it to the police. The defendant explained that one of the men involved in the Santos murder learned what Cooper was saying. Plaza stated that one day while Cooper was at his residence, two co-conspirators came to Plaza’s apartment, confronted Cooper and then attacked Cooper and killed him. Bags containing Cooper’s remains were later dumped behind a school near some railroad tracks in Rochester.

Plaza was charged along with four other defendants with the murder of Francisco Santos. Also charged: James Kendrick, Pablo Plaza, born in 1972 (Plaza’s older brother with the same name), Janine Plaza Pierce, the mother of Kendrick and the older Plaza, and Angelo Cruz. Kendrick is also charged with the murder of Ryan Cooper. The trial of these remaining defendants is expected to take place later this year or early 2015.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The plea is the culmination of a joint investigation on the part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon, and the Rochester Police Department, Violent Crime Team/Firearms Suppression Unit, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli. Numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Robert T. Meyers and Major Mark Koss; the Erie County Sheriff=s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy B. Howard; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division. Also assisting in the investigation was the Schenectady County District Attorney=s Office, under the Direction of District Attorney Robert M. Carney.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 2, 2014 at 3:00 pm. before Judge Geraci.

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Leo M. Williams, 65, the owner of Lycoming Construction Services, LLC, a Pennsylvania company located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Chief William M. Skretny, to violating the Clean Water Act. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of $25,000 per day of violation, or both.

Assistant U. S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that from January 2012 to November 2013, the defendant was involved in the demolition of the Dahlstrom industrial complex, located at 443-499 Buffalo Street in Jamestown, N.Y. The project involved the demolition of a cluster of condemned buildings on either side of the Chadakoin River, which is a water of the United States. During the demolition, a significant amount of water contaminated with dust and debris from the demolition flowed offsite directly into the Chadakoin River. Williams should have been aware that such contaminated water was flowing into the river, and acted negligently in allowing the water to be discharged.

“The nation’s clean water laws are intended to protect the health of the public and environment alike,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “This office will continue to enforce such laws in order to preserve both for present and future generations.”

“The defendant in this case conducted a demolition project which released a significant amount of water contaminated with dust and debris directly into the Chadakoin River, endangering public health and the environment,” said Vernesa Jones-Allen, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in New York. “Today’s plea should serve as notice that EPA and its partner agencies remain committed to protecting communities through tough enforcement of the nation’s environmental laws.”

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-In-Charge, Vernesa Jones-Allen; Special Agents of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Neal R. Marzloff; and Investigators of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, BECI, under the direction of Captain Frank Lauricella. Additional assistance was provided by the New York State Department of Labor, Asbestos Control Bureau and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Skretny.

 

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Myra Hight, 52, of Lake Tahoe, CA, who was convicted of marijuana conspiracy, was sentenced to time served and three years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Alsup, who handling the case, stated that the defendant was arrested on February 20, 2012 by Hamburg Police in the parking lot of a store in the Town of Hamburg. During a search of the car Hight was driving, officers recovered $77,000 in U.S. currency, money the defendant admitted was proceeds of her marijuana trafficking conspiracy. 

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Williams and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.

 

 

    Buffalo, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Alfredo Alvarez-Martinez, 26, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, was sentenced to 123 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, who handled the case, stated that during the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on April 17, 2012, law enforcement officers recovered three firearms including a .45 caliber pistol, a .22 caliber pistol, and a .25 caliber pistol. Officers also seized a quantity of heroin, drug packaging materials, and $10,900 in U.S. currency.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Aaron Benn, 23, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of bank robbery, was sentenced to 43 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay $1,429 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who handled the case, stated that on June 13, 2013, Turner entered M&T Bank, located at 788 Tonawanda Street in Buffalo. The defendant passed the teller a demand note threatening the use of a weapon. The teller gave Turner a specific amount of money.

On July 1, 2013, the defendant drove co-defendant Jeffrey Turner to the M&T Bank, located at 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. Turner passed the teller a demand note threatening the use of a weapon.  The teller gave him a specific amount of money. Turner exited the bank with the money and got into a car driven by Benn who knew that Turner was going into the branch with the intention to rob the bank.

Jeffrey Turner was also convicted of bank robbery and sentenced to 33 months in prison. 

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force.

 

 

    Buffalo, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Thomas J. Blajszczak, 44, of Lancaster, N.Y., who was convicted of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to six months home confinement by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was intercepted in November and December of 2009, pursuant to a court-authorized wiretap, communicating with an a cocaine supplier named Jose De Leon. De Leon was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The conversations between the defendant and De Leon, his cocaine supplier, established that Blajszczak was receiving cocaine for his personal use while employed by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department. At that time, the defendant owned and was in possession of a Glock, Model No. 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

During an interview with the FBI, the defendant admitted that part of a monetary debt referenced during some of the intercepted telephone conversations related to money owed by the defendant to his cocaine supplier for powder cocaine. Blajszczak further admitted that he provided at least one box of 9mm ammunition, and one box of .45 caliber ammunition, to Jose De Leon.

Blajszczak’s sentencing is part of an FBI investigation which resulted in the arrest of a group of individuals between December 2009 and February 2010, who were involved in trafficking kilograms of cocaine from sources in Puerto Rico, and in New Jersey, and re-distributing the cocaine to drug dealers and users in Buffalo New York. The defendant is the 27th person convicted in the investigation.   

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.

 

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Ravinder Arora, 33, a resident of Canada, who was convicted of conspiracy to export five kilograms or more of cocaine from the United States into Canada, was sentenced to 84 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The case involved the seizure of 100 kilograms of cocaine - believed to be the largest narcotics seizure in the history of the Western District of New York.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on September 8, 2010, the defendant attempted to cross the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge from the United States into Canada. An outbound inspection of Arora's tractor-trailer revealed a hidden compartment underneath the floor. In the hidden compartment, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers and Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations found approximately 97 kilograms of cocaine. The defendant admitted to making at least four additional smuggling trips between the United States and Canada.

During the course of the conspiracy, the defendant and other individuals utilized a warehouse on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga, N.Y., to conceal their narcotics trafficking operation. More specifically, the conspirators loaded and unloaded legitimate cargo (cardboard boxes, Styrofoam packaging material) into tractor-trailers, so as to further conceal the cocaine contained within the false floors of the conveyances. The hidden compartment was also used by members of the conspiracy to smuggle marijuana and ecstacy into the United States, as well as United States currency. The conspiracy trafficked over 1,600 kilograms of cocaine into Canada during its operation, in addition to the marijuana and ecstasy which was smuggled into the United States via the international bridges located in the Buffalo-Niagara region.

Co-defendants Michael Bagri and Parminder Sidhu have been convicted of similar charges and are awaiting sentencing.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, Officers from the United States Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Randy Howe, Director of Field Operations, the Peel Regional Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jennifer Evans, the Canada Border Services Agency, under the direction of Rick Comerford, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region and the Toronto Police, under the direction of Chief William Blair.

 

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Christopher Walters, 28, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and the distribution of, oxycodone, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who handled the case, stated that on January 5, 2011, the defendant sold 144 oxycodone pills to a confidential source.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.

 

 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Joseph Karl Muller, 54, of Webster, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that Muller was an accountant in Webster who provided services to clients, including preparing tax returns. From April 2012 to August 2013, the defendant used personal identifying information that he stole from a client to prepare 46 fraudulent checks drawn on the client’s bank accounts. Muller then deposited the fraudulent checks into an account that he controlled, reaping a total of $127,287.

This plea is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Secret Service under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.

 

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Carlique Deberry, 35, Sayonara Heath, 32, Sade Heath, 27, all of Buffalo, N.Y. pleaded guilty to bank fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie G. Foschio.  The charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that the defendants were part of a conspiracy to defraud local area banks by participating in a “check kiting” scheme.  The defendants would open bank accounts and deposit large checks to the accounts.  The deposited checks were written on accounts that had insufficient funds or on accounts that had been closed.  Before the banks could determine that the checks were not supported by any funds, the defendants would withdraw smaller amounts from the accounts.  Although the defendants made away with only $390.95, the amount of the intended loss was more than $40,000.

The pleas are the culmination of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

 

 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Tuffek Mohammed Ali Saleh, 41, a citizen and national of Yemen, pleaded guilty to making a false statement on an immigration document before U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in April 2012, the defendant applied for U.S. Citizenship under the name Yehya Muthana Ali. During the processing of Saleh's application, it was determined that the defendant had previously applied to enter the United States using a different identity, including a different name and date of birth.

During the investigation, officials from the Department of Homeland Security conducted an immigration interview with the defendant. During this interview, the defendant was again asked several times about his identity, and he repeatedly denied ever using another name to try to enter the United States.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Mark Koss, and the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Resident Special Agent in Charge, Andrew Wright.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2014 before Judge Siragusa.

 

 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Chauncee McFarland, 35, of Rochester, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to conspiracy to defraud the United States, and a scheme to defraud insurance premium finance companies. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that from 2010 to 2012, McFarland owned McFarland Tax Company, a tax return preparation business. The defendant conspired with an employee, Kenyatta Hubbard, to prepare false income tax returns for clients. McFarland and Hubbard reported fictitious employment in order to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit refunds claimed on behalf of the clients. As a result of the scheme, the Internal Revenue Service paid tax refunds totaling $391,888.

Thereafter, from September 2012 to September 2013, acting on his own as a licensed insurance broker, McFarland devised a scheme to defraud premium finance companies.  Premium finance companies engage in the business of lending money to finance insurance policy premiums for clients. McFarland prepared fraudulent premium finance agreements that falsely represented that he was seeking to obtain financing for purported clients. Based upon the fraudulent documents, the companies provided the requested financing. The defendant then diverted the financing to his personal use, and did not use it to purchase insurance policies for any clients. McFarland obtained $29,634 through this scheme.

Kenyatta Hubbard was convicted for her role in the conspiracy to prepare false income tax returns for clients and is awaiting sentencing.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge, Shelly A. Binkowski, and Investigators of the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky.

McFarland will be sentenced on September 9, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Larimer.

 

 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that David Mullie, 51, of Newark, N.Y., who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentencing to 60 months in prison and 20 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who handled the case, stated that a family member alerted police after finding sexually explicit photos on the defendant's computer. Newark Police began an investigation and then notified Homeland Security Investigations for assistance. Federal agents executed a search warrant and seized several computers from Mullie’s home. A forensic analysis of the computers found more than 600 images of children, including prepubescent children, being sexually abused.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, and officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Chief David L. Christler.

 

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Patrick Welch, 58, of Mt. Morris, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. Due to a prior conviction, the charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a fine of $250,000.

     Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee, who is handling the case, stated that on May 13, 2013, the Livingston County Sheriff's Office received a lead from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office concerning a potential child exploitation case. A Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigator had received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that two individuals appeared to be chatting about and trading child pornography on a certain internet site. Both individuals purported to be teenaged boys.

     One of the individuals chatting used the screen name "David D." A search warrant was executed on the provided email account and images of child pornography were found. The internet protocol address for "David D" was registered to Welch's address on Scipio Road in Mt. Morris. After a search warrant was executed at the defendant's residence, a forensic review of one of Welch's computers was conducted and images of child pornography were found.

In 2003, the defendant was convicted in Livingston County of sexual conduct against a child and, following his conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender. 

     This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, the Livingston County Sheriff's Department, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, under the direction of John L. Scott.

     Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2014 before Judge Siragusa.

 

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Varapong Ruengvivatanakij, 33, formerly of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

                Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward H. White, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 18, 2014, the defendant attempted to enter the United States at the Rainbow Bridge. During a secondary inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers, it was determined Ruengvivatanakij was a convicted felon and in possession of a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in the trunk of his vehicle.  

                The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. on May 19, 2014 and was ordered detained.   

                The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero and officers of Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Randy Howe, Director of Field Operations.

                The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

    Rochester, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Gino A. Sava, 53, of Gates, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer, to possession of child pornography.  The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant came to the attention of law enforcement in April 2013, following a referral from the Enfield, Connecticut Police Department. According to the referral, an individual in Connecticut was found to be trading and discussing images of child pornography with another individual in the Western District of New York via Yahoo! Instant Messenger. As a result of the investigation, members of the FBI’s Cyber Task Force conducted a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized numerous items of digital media, including computers and CDs. The images included prepubescent minors and minors being subjected to violence.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, as well as members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Patrick O’Flynn and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Larimer.

 

 

    BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jeffrey Turner, 24, of Cheektowaga, N.Y., who was convicted of bank robbery, was sentenced to 33 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay $4,639 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who handled the case, stated that on June 13, 2013, Turner entered M&T Bank, located at 788 Tonawanda Street in Buffalo. The defendant passed the teller a demand note threatening the use of a weapon. The teller gave Turner a specific amount of money.

On July 1, 2013, the defendant entered the M&T Bank, located at 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo.  Turner passed the teller a demand note threatening the use of a weapon.  The teller gave him a specific amount of money.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force.

 

 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Jonathan A. Karcher, 21, of Penn Yan, N.Y., with conspiring and attempting to extort money from the Lyons National Bank in Penn Yan on June 5, 2013 and later lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the investigation into the incident. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on June 5, 2013, a member of the conspiracy called the manager of Lyons National Bank and demanded that the manager take $15,000 in cash and leave it by a dumpster behind the Rite Aid store across the street from the bank. During that conversation, the caller threatened the bank manager by informing her that the caller knew where the manager lived, how many children the manager had and that the car of one of the children was at the house that day. The indictment also alleges that Karcher drove to the area of the Lyons National Bank that day, parked in the Rite Aid parking lot and later walked by the dumpster where the manager had been directed to leave the $15,000.

The indictment further alleges that during a subsequent interview during the investigation, the defendant provided materially false statements to the FBI.

The indictment is the culmination of a joint investigation on the part of the Penn Yan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Hulse, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

     BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Myron Johnson, 39, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to 51 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys George C. Burgasser and Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on November 16, 2011, Erie County Sheriff’s Department deputies executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Ruspin Avenue residence and his vehicle. During the search, deputies seized approximately 209 grams of crack cocaine, 762 grams of cocaine, $58,000 in United States currency and two firearms. 

       The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Jamie J. Hunt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division.