Western District of New York

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that that Joseph Geer, 40, of Caledonia, NY, who was convicted of theft of funds related to a federal program, was sentenced to serve two years’ probation by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that in 2022, the Avon Central School District and the Village of Avon entered into a School Resource Officer Contract, in which the Village of Avon agreed to provide an off-duty member of the Avon Police Department to provide various services to the district. In exchange, the School Resource Officer (SRO) would be paid an hourly wage by the district. Between September 2023, and January 2024, Geer was employed as the Avon Police Chief and an SRO under the contract. During that time, Geer billed the district for hours during which he did not perform duties under the contract. Geer assigned an on-duty subordinate officer to “cover” his obligations, thus depriving the Village of Avon of a patrolling on-duty police officer. Geer knew that by assigning an on-duty officer to cover his duties, the Village of Avon was being charged for a police officer’s wages who was not performing all of his police officer duties.

The value of police services for the Village of Avon that were lost while officers covered Geer’s SRO duties was approximately $6,866.84.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the New York State Comptroller’s Office, under the direction of Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar David Contreras Guzman, 49, a citizen of El Salvador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making a false statement, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of May 17, 2025, Guzman was driving a commercial truck bearing Maryland license plates at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry. When asked for identification during primary inspection, Guzman presented a Maryland State Driver’s License. He also claimed to be a citizen of Mexico and indicated that he had been refused entry into Canada, after making a wrong turn onto the Lewiston Bridge, on his way to Michigan. Guzman was referred to secondary to determine his immigration status in the United States. During secondary inspection, Guzman again stated that he was a citizen of Mexico and had in his possession a Mexican Consular ID card. A fingerprint check determined that he was in fact Oscar David Contreras Guzman, a citizen of El Salvador, and was previously removed from the United States in April 2007.

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

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

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BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gendry Amilcar Niz-Niz, 25, a native of Guatemala, pleaded guilty to making a false statement before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Niz-Niz was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that on March 16, 2025, during a traffic stop, Niz-Niz provided a name and identification card, which did not match his true identity, to law enforcement. During the traffic stop, law enforcement learned, through fingerprint analysis and immigration checks, Niz-Niz’s identity.

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Martin B. Coombs.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that eight defendants were charged by indictment or criminal complaint for their roles in a narcotics conspiracy operating in the Rochester, NY, area, and other related offenses.

Named in two separate indictments and charged with narcotics conspiracy are:

•      Carlos Serrano, Jr.

•       Sam Sierra, Jr.

•       Carlos Melendez, Jr.

•       Eban Sterina

If convicted, the indicted defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.

In addition:

• Juan Sosa is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of life.
• Jose Laviena and Giovanni Serrano are charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of life.
• Dusty Phakousonh is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictments and complaints against the nine defendants, who are all from Rochester, investigators executed 20 search warrants on 14 residences and six vehicles, seizing: 

• Approximately 2,678 grams of fentanyl
• Approximately 692 grams of cocaine
• Approximately 22 grams of crack cocaine
• Approximately 31 pounds of marijuana
• Approximately 168 grams of hash
• Approximately 441 grams of K2 (synthetic cannabinoid)
• Approximately 108 grams of suboxone
• Six firearms
• Drug paraphernalia
• Approximately $100,000 in cash
• Approximately $100,000 in jewelry

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The indictments and complaints are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Corey Robert Dodge a/k/a Cakesbaylor, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. In addition, Dodge was ordered to forfeit $27,000, which represented proceeds of his criminal activities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.

Between March 26, 2020, and May 30, 2021, Dodge purchased 14 packages on Genesis Market, that included stolen account credentials. The stolen credentials included accounts for Paypal, Tracfone, eBay, Amazon, FedEx, Etsy, Walmart, Chase, Venmo, and eTrade. In addition, on April 3, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Dodge’s residence to search for evidence related to his use of Genesis Marketplace. During the search, the FBI also found and seized quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and drug paraphernalia.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Giannini, 54, of Chicago, IL, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in April and May 2020, Giannini submitted false applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loan programs, which were intended to provide funding to businesses that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Giannini applied for seven fraudulent loans for various businesses, making false representations about profits and employee payrolls for those businesses. In total, Giannini applied for $606,635.00 in loans, for which he was actually paid $280,135.00. One of the fraudulent applications was submitted on behalf of the Rochester business Spin Marketing Inc., which is owned by co-defendant Ann Spinosa. Spinosa is currently charged by federal indictment.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis.         

Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Peter Celentano, 36, of Bergen, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to illegal possession of machineguns, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on September 29, 2024, the New York State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, executed a search warrant at Celentano’s residence in Bergen. During the search, law enforcement recovered numerous items, including 3D printed pistol frames, firearm parts and accessories, ammunition reloading equipment, tools for constructing privately made firearms, a drill press, and two 3D printed machinegun conversion devices. Law enforcement also conducted additional searches at properties in Lyndonville and Medina, NY, during which they seized numerous AR-style lower receivers, 3D printed handguns, and additional firearm parts and accessories. In total, law enforcement seized over 200 firearms tied to Celentano.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Celentano provided another individual with nine lower receivers, two of which contained the “third pin hole,” qualifying them as machineguns. An individual known by defendant had subsequently discarded these firearms off the Beals Road Bridge into the Erie Canal. A New York State Police dive team searched the Erie Canal beneath the bridge in Medina, NY, and recovered a cardboard box containing 10 AR-style receivers, an unmarked handgun, ammunition magazines, and additional firearm parts.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph M. Graff, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 6, 2025 before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Mercado a/k/a Yvng Fabii, 24, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a machinegun and possession of a firearm with a removed, altered and obliterated serial number. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Louis M. Testani, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 9, 2024, Buffalo State University police officers responded to an altercation during a men’s basketball game. While officers were trying to identify the parties involved, Mercado began to run away. When confronted by law enforcement, he stopped running, raised his arms, and stated, “I got the thing on me.” When questioned as to what he had, Mercado stated, “I got the joint on me.” During a pat down on Mercado, officers found a loaded pistol with a suspected machine gun conversion device and extended magazine. Law enforcement later learned that the firearm had a defaced serial number.

Mercado made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr. and was held pending a detention hearing.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Demetrius Parker, 43, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 28, 2025, investigators executed search warrants at two residences, one in the City of Buffalo, and one in the Town of Cheektowaga, as well as on Parker’s vehicle. During the searches, they recovered 124 grams of suspected cocaine, 86 grams of methamphetamine, 50 grams of suspected fentanyl, $1,762.00 in cash, a loaded magazine, a Digital Video Recording (DVR) system, drug paraphernalia, a gold necklace with diamonds, and three cellular phones.

Parker made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

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 Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nicholas Gaskin, 37, of Buffalo and Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that in March 2022, Jamestown Police officers stopped a vehicle in which Gaskin was a passenger. Gaskin was arrested because of an active arrest warrant. Officers searched Gaskin and recovered approximately 12 grams of crack cocaine and $1,766.00 in cash. Following Gaskin’s arrest, investigators searched his Jamestown residence and recovered a semi-automatic pistol, ammunition $158 in cash, a quantity of suboxone pills and strips, six grams of suspected and drug paraphernalia. The investigation also included four controlled purchases of cocaine from Gaskin.

The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dominic Sprague, 41, of Greece, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce. According to the plea agreement, Sprague faces up to 72 months in prison when sentenced. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between December 2021 and October 17, 2024, Sprague, who was the owner and operator of the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop in Greece, engaged in a conspiracy with larcenists, Amanda Reeves, Shabon Banks, Chad Lewis, Jr., and pawn shop manager James Civiletti, to buy and sell stolen goods.

As part of the scheme, Reeves, Banks, and Lewis stole new-in-box items from store shelves on a weekly and sometimes daily basis, both alone and in concert with one another. They then sold the stolen goods to the pawn shop, which was managed by Civiletti, for a fraction of their actual retail value. The pawn shop then resold the stolen merchandise on eBay at much higher prices, resulting in significant profits. In total, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop purchased 37,936 stolen new-in-box items from Reeves, Banks, and Lewis on more than 670 occasions, for which they were paid $290,000.00, which was approximately 25% of the actual retail value of the stolen items. This resulted in actual losses to the victim-retailers of approximately $1,160,000.00.

Banks, Reeves, Lewis and Civiletti were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis.     

Sentencing is scheduled for September 23, 2025, before Judge Wolford.         

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that William A. Quinones, 51, of Mayville, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and sex trafficking of a minor, was sentenced to serve life in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Franz M. Wright, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in July 2021, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office received a complaint that Quinones had been sexually abusing two children over the past eight years. A subsequent investigation identified a total of four minor victims. During interviews with investigators, the victims stated that Quinones raped or attempted to rape and sexually abused them. Quinones threatened them with violence or threatened to hurt their families if they disclosed what he was doing. Quinones had regular sexual contact with one minor victim, referred to in the indictment, beginning when she was eight years old, as often as three to four times each week. The minor victim told investigators that Quinones started paying her in exchange for sexual contact, beginning when she was 13 years old until age 16 years old. On one occasion, Quinones took her to Erie, PA, to pick up drugs. Prior to returning home, Quinones stopped at a motel to engage in sexual intercourse. During the course of the sexual abuse, Quinones repeatedly raped and physically abused her. 

The sentencing is a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kevin M. Whitman, 27, of Irondequoit, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distributing and dispensing a controlled substance, using a registration number issued to another person to obtain controlled substances, and obtaining controlled substances by fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who is prosecuting the case, stated that Whitman is not a licensed physician in New York State or anywhere else in the United States and does not possess a DEA Registration Number to issue prescriptions. The criminal complaint alleges that between August 2023 and April 2025, Whitman claimed to be a medical doctor and, fraudulently and without authorization, used a DEA Registration Number belonging to Strong Memorial Hospital. Using that number, Whitman issued 177 prescriptions to nine individuals for Schedule II controlled substances, totaling 38,067 dosage units. Of these 177 prescriptions, 173 were for oxycodone. Whitman is not an employee of Strong Memorial Hospital, he did not graduate from the University of Rochester Medical School, and Whitman does not hold any professional licenses granted in New York State to practice medicine or to issue controlled substance prescriptions. During a search of Whitman’s residence, law enforcement officers recovered a framed fake diploma purportedly from the University of Rochester Medical School.

Whitman made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, the U.S. Department Health of Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, under the direction of Attorney General Letitia James. Additional Assistance was provided by the University of Rochester Department of Public Safety, the New York State Police, and the Brighton Police Department.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Isaias Fernando Diego-Lucas, 40, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to illegal re-entry. Diego-Lucas was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that Diego-Lucas is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In February 2012, he was physically removed from the United States. On February 24, 2025, Diego-Lucas was found in Chautauqua County. He was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Department of Homeland Security agents. Diego-Lucas presented a Guatemalan Identification Consular card.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Immigration, Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Steven D. Blumhagen, 74, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve five years in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that between April 2016, and January 2020, Blumhagen defrauded three investors out of $400,000, by soliciting the victims to purchase interests in entities he claimed to own, manage, or control. Blumhagen told victims that their investments would enable those entities to finance legal marijuana operations, real estate developments, and an investment technology, and that they could expect significant returns on their investments. Instead of using the money as promised, Blumhagen used some or all of the money for personal expenses. He also used the investment of one victim to pay back previous victims. Part of the scheme involved a limited liability company allegedly owned by Blumhagen’s children, which they knew nothing about.

As a result of the scheme, at least one victim experienced a substantial financial hardship, withdrawing funds from a retirement account, resulting in substantial penalties.

Blumhagen has two prior federal convictions in the Western District of New York. In 2006, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for bilking investors out of more than $10,000,000 related to his sale of shares in the golf course project Tee-to-Green, and was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $10,000,000 in restitution. In 2018, Blumhagen pleaded guilty to bank theft for his involvement in a bond scheme, which raised more than $1,400,000 from potential investors. Blumhagen was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $1,200,000 in restitution. Blumhagen was on pre-trial release for the bank theft charge when he committed the wire fraud.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Richard S. Dean, 49, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was a drug trafficking associate of co-defendant Douglas Beardsley. During the conspiracy, Dean would go over to Beardsley’s residences on Linden and Forest Avenues in Jamestown several times a week and pick up ounces of methamphetamine and grams of heroin to sell for Beardsley. At times, Beardsley would “front” the narcotics to the defendant to sell. Dean and Beardsley would often communicate about their drug trafficking, including through their Facebook accounts.

On January 6, 2019, local law enforcement observed a suspicious male, later identified as the defendant. Dean became evasive and ran from officers. Shortly thereafter, the defendant was taken into custody and arrested on an outstanding warrant. Dean was transported to the Jamestown City jail where a subsequent search revealed that he possessed methamphetamine, heroin, plastic baggies, a digital scale, and Dimethyl Sulfone, a common cutting agent for methamphetamine. On March 21, 2019, the defendant pleaded guilty in Chautauqua County Court to Criminal Possession Controlled Substance-5th: Intent To Sell and Criminal Sale Controlled Substance-5th Degree.

Douglas Beardsley was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 176 months in prison.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division; and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nicholas Mangione, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography following a prior conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in April 2013, Mangione was convicted of possession of child pornography and sentenced to serve 48 months in prison. On August 15, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at Mangione’s residence after it was discovered he uploaded a file containing child pornography to the Snapchat server. During the search, Mangione’s cellular telephone was seized. An examination of the device uncovered approximately 20 images and 52 videos of child pornography. It was also determined that Mangione distributed child pornography to other individuals using the Telegram application in exchange for other child pornographic files.

On August 16, 2024, the defendant was arrested on New York State charges and was found to be in possession of an additional cell phone, which also contained images and videos of child pornography. Some of the child pornography possessed by Mangione depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler and depictions of violence against children.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Catholic Health System, Inc. (CHS) has agreed to pay $3,293,122.66 to resolve allegations arising under the False Claims Act that CHS knowingly submitted or caused to be submitted false claims to the Medicare program that were the result of violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law.

Generally, the Stark Law prohibits healthcare entities, such as hospitals, from obtaining reimbursement from Medicare for certain health services when those services were referred by a physician who have a financial relationship the healthcare entity. In this case, the Government alleges that CHS and its affiliated hospitals had financial relationships with non-employee physicians. These non-employee physicians then referred health services, such as laboratory testing, hospital services, or medical supplies, to CHS and its affiliated hospitals. CHS and its affiliated hospital then billed Medicare for the referred services. Although the Stark Law contains exceptions, here the government believes the compensation arrangements, failed to meet any of the exceptions because they were not commercially reasonable, or the compensation received by the physicians exceeded fair market value for the administrative services they provided.

“The Stark Law is designed to protect Medicare by ensuring that physician referrals are not influenced by financial interest,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This office is committed to holding health care providers accountable who engage in such conduct.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Gary Tucker. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Tucker v. Catholic Health System, Inc., 20-cv-1482 (W.D.N.Y.). Mr. Tucker will receive a share of the settlement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Coriell and Investigator Margaret McFarland of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York handled the matter, along with assistance for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dewayne Vass, 43, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison  by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on July 12, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Moselle Avenue residence associated with Vass, as well as at Vass’s Sunshine Drive residence, and on his vehicle. Investigators recovered large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, approximately $127,000 in cash, a pistol, and drug paraphernalia.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ferrydoon M. Ardehali, 55, of Staten Island, NY, and Colby Riggle, 37, of California, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with manufacturing and possessing with intent to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in January 2025, the DEA began investigating a large-scale illegal marijuana cultivation operation, under the direction of Ardehali and Riggle, on Daansen Road in Walworth, NY. The investigation revealed that the defendants were selling and distributing marijuana to multiple businesses that are New York State-authorized cannabis grow facilities, including in North Tonawanda and Clarence, NY, under the business name Integrity Farms & Greenhouses, Inc. a records check with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management discovered that neither Integrity Farms & Greenhouses, Inc., nor any other business associated with the operation has been issued a New York State license to grow cannabis or hemp.

On May 14, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at the Daansen Road property. The complaint states that it was immediately apparent that marijuana was being grown on a large scale, processed, and packaged within the facility. Investigators seized approximately 29,406 growing marijuana plants, and approximately 3,700 lbs. of processed marijuana.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Robert Milby, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer, U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Buffalo Station Patrol Agent-in- Charge Martin Coombs, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation New York, under the direction of Harry Chavis, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler, the Cuba Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dustin Burch, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, and the Salamanca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jamie Deck.

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 Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Waleed Abughanem, 33, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of misprision of felony, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that Abughanem is the son of Khaled Abughanem and the brother of Adham Abughanem. On September 8, 2021, Khaled and Adham Abughanem flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to kidnap Victim 1, who is the daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham and Waleed. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, Waleed, Khaled and Adham Abughanem conspired to transport Victim 1 from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen, where they confined Victim 1 for approximately 16 months with the purpose of marrying her to a man not of her choosing.

Waleed Abughanem knew Victim 1 was being held involuntarily, and during some of this period, he was present in Yemen. When he was not present in Yemen, Waleed Abughanem instructed his wife to monitor and supervise Victim 1. In December 2022, Waleed Abughanem traveled from Yemen to the United States. When questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as to the whereabouts of his siblings, Waleed Abughanem told the CBP Officer that the Victim was in the United States. By making a false statement, Waleed Abughanem concealed that Victim 1 had been kidnapped and was being involuntarily held in Yemen.

Khaled and Adham Abughanem were previously convicted by a federal jury at trial and are awaiting sentencing.

Waleed Abughanem’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Diplomatic Security Director Carlos Matus and Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Houston. Additional assistance was provided by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and CPB in Boston, Massachusetts.

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Devontae Jones, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia with dealing firearms without a license and transferring a machinegun, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2024, the ATF began investigating Jones, who was believed to be trafficking illegal firearms, including machine guns, from Atlanta, Georgia to the Rochester, NY, area. The ATF conducted a series of controlled firearms purchases from Jones, who shipped the firearms from Atlanta to Rochester. A total 20 firearms, including four machine guns, were purchased from Jones between February and May 2024.

Jones was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and detained.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, Boston Division.   

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

# # # # 

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jason Talley, 46, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Thayer conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area. Co-defendants include Andres Pizzaro Campos, Joseph Thayer, Max Pizzaro Campos, Cindy Frank, Edward Leeper, and Jaquez L. Thomas. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

Talley was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Roman Lapp, 50, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of obstruction of justice, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that in June 2019, an individual known to law enforcement contacted Lapp, asking for narcotics. As a result, Lapp obtained heroin/fentanyl/acetyl fentanyl from his supplier, Steven Gonzalez, then delivered the narcotics to the individual’s residence. After using the heroin/fentanyl/acetyl fentanyl, the individual overdosed and died. Lapp was initially interviewed by the Buffalo Police Department, during which he identified the source of the narcotics as someone other than Steven Gonzalez. Lapp reiterated this information during a follow up interview with members of federal law enforcement. Later in the interview however, he admitted that he was not truthful about the identity of the source of the narcotics. Lapp then stated Steven Gonzalez was the actual source and that he lied to protect Gonzalez, among other reasons. Gonzalez was convicted and sentenced to serve 188 months in prison.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The sentencing of the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alfonse Wright.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar F. Hernandez III, 23, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2024, Instagram submitted a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a user uploaded two files of suspected child pornography during a Messenger thread with another user. A review determined that the files contained videos of two minor males engaged in sex acts. Subsequent investigation traced the files to Hernandez. In December 2022, Hernandez was convicted of attempted Possessing Sexual Performance by Child less than 16 in New York State Court and sentenced to six years’ probation, to include no utilization of social media accounts.

Hernandez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and was held pending a detention hearing on May 16, 2025.

The complaint of the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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 Michael DiGiacomo announced today that William Morrison, Jr., 26, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late in the evening of July 19, 2024, Buffalo Police responded to the area of Ashley and Mohr Streets for a report of a man with a gun. The caller indicated the suspect, later identified as Morrison, was wearing an ankle bracelet and was waiving a black pistol around. The caller then reported that the suspect was inside an Ashley Street residence, which was referred to as a “dope house.” When officers arrived, they observed Morrison running from the rear of the residence. Morrison was quickly apprehended. Officers searched the area of the yard where Morrison had fled and recovered a loaded 9mm handgun. In November 2019, Morrison was convicted of a felony gun charge in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Morrison made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alfonse Wright, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller.

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 Michael DiGiacomo announced today that William Morrison, Jr., 26, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late in the evening of July 19, 2024, Buffalo Police responded to the area of Ashley and Mohr Streets for a report of a man with a gun. The caller indicated the suspect, later identified as Morrison, was wearing an ankle bracelet and was waiving a black pistol around. The caller then reported that the suspect was inside an Ashley Street residence, which was referred to as a “dope house.” When officers arrived, they observed Morrison running from the rear of the residence. Morrison was quickly apprehended. Officers searched the area of the yard where Morrison had fled and recovered a loaded 9mm handgun. In November 2019, Morrison was convicted of a felony gun charge in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Morrison made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alfonse Wright, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller.

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 Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel P. Walsh, 58, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that Walsh came to the attention of the Rochester Police Department in November 2024, after Google reported that an account associated with Walsh had been flagged for containing child pornography. Rochester Police and the FBI executed a search warrant at his residence, during which they seized multiple computers and other digital devices. A forensic review revealed that Walsh received and possessed more than 600 images and videos of child pornography, to include child pornography depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexual conduct with adults, and children being subjected to violent sexual abuse. In many instances, Walsh superimposed the faces of minors that he knew onto the images of child pornography, so that it appeared that the minors were engaged in sexual acts.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.   

Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Guadalupe Mauricio-Rivera, 33, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 13, 2025, Mauricio-Rivera was identified by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) for being present in the United States illegally. Mauricio-Rivera was located outside of a residence in Warsaw, NY. A records check determined that Mauricio-Rivera is a citizen of Mexico illegally residing in the United States. He was taken into custody. Mauricio-Rivera was physically removed from the United States in July 2012 and April 2018.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Mauricio-Rivera made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.

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 Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Mario Pittman Jr., 31, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to distribution of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that in March 2024, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Lackawanna Police began investigating Pittman’s drug trafficking activities. The investigation included five controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Pittman. On April 30, 2024, investigators attempted to stop Pittman’s vehicle, but he fled at a high rate of speed through a residential neighborhood. Law enforcement eventually made a forced stop of his vehicle. Pittman fled on foot but was apprehended by law enforcement. Investigators recovered a clear plastic baggy of suspected methamphetamine, which Pittman dropped on the ground as he attempted to flee.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2025, before Judge Arcara.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Donta Williams, 30, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of imprisonment of life, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated on November 13, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at a Comstock Avenue residence, which Williams used for his drug trafficking activities. During the search, they seized $1,030 in cash, a receipt for a Rolex sold to “Donta Williams,” a Glock pistol and ammunition, jewelry, crack cocaine and fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. Later that day, a second search warrant was executed on a UHAUL unit controlled by Williams. During that search, investigators seized $29,627.00 in cash, and a loaded magazine.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alfonse Wright.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2025, before Judge Arcara.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael B. Benitez, 34, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of attempt to wreck, derail, set fire to, or disable railroad on-track equipment, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Benitez was also ordered to pay $1,382 in restitution to Norfolk Southern Railway.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that in the early morning hours of June 14, 2023, Benitez placed several tires on the railroad tracks behind his residence at the time on Railroad Avenue in Farnham, poured gasoline on the tires, and started the tires on fire. The tire fire destroyed equipment owned by Norfolk Southern that’s used to identify railroad equipment while enroute. Norfolk Southern was required to hold trains while the tire fire was extinguished, and rail equipment was repaired.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Town of Brandt Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Slawek, and Norfolk Southern Police Department.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brandon G. Uber, 24, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in March 2021, Uber sent a Snapchat user image and video files of a 16-year-old minor female victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Uber also received images and videos of child pornography from other users of social media applications. In addition, Uber had online conversations with another known minor female victim, during which he persuaded the victim to create sexually explicit videos of herself to send to him. Uber stored the child pornography he received and distributed on various electronic devices that were seized during the investigation, including two cell phones and two tablets.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Israel De La Cruz San Juan, 29, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, 34, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested and charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 27, 2025, Buffalo Border Patrol Station agents were conducting plain clothes surveillance, when they spotted an out-of-state work truck with construction equipment inside in Tonawanda, NY. It was determined that the registration on the truck had expired in September of 2024 and a traffic stop was conducted. Records checks determined that all three occupants, including Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, were illegally present in the United States. Israel De La Cruz San Juan and Candido De La Cruz San Juan were taken into custody. Israel De La Cruz San Juan was previously removed from the United States in November 2017, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan was removed from the United States in May 2012, and July 2013.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and were detained.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.

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 Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Youngshin Nam a/k/a Yejin Nam, 41, a citizen of South Korea, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a removed alien and making false statements, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that on April 3, 2024, Nam attempted entry by plane at an airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was refused admission to the United States. She was sent back to South Korea and advised that she was no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program for five years. In July 2024, Nam was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Texas and removed from the United States in September. On May 4, 2025, Nam was riding in a taxi registered in Ontario, Canada, which presented for primary inspection at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls, NY. Nam presented, as proof of identity, a South Korean passport containing the name Yejin Nam. The vehicle was then referred for secondary inspection. Initially, Nam did not comply with routine electronic fingerprinting, before agreeing to submit her fingerprints. This resulted in a positive response revealing that Nam was issued an immigration fingerprint identification number in the name “Youngshin Nam.” The number was issued after Nam’s arrest by Border Patrol agents in Texas in July 2024. Subsequent investigation determined that on paperwork for the Visa Waiver Program, Nam answered “NO” to questions concerning her use of any other names or aliases. She also answered “NO” to having been previously refused admission to the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Nam made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge h. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

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, NY – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

“These arrests should send a clear message that, together with our law enforcement partners at all levels, we will track down and prosecute those who target our children,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Our office will never stop doing all that we can to protect children from these harmful predators.”

“Operation Restore Justice’ sends a powerful message: the FBI is unwavering and united in its fight to protect our children,” said Matthew Miraglia, the Special Agent-in- Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “These arrests demonstrate the unwavering dedication of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Our work does not stop here. The FBI is committed to holding predators accountable and pursuing justice for victims.”

Arrested in the Western District of New York and charged with possession of child pornography are:

Brian Keith, 68, of Niagara Falls, NY. During the execution of a search warrant on March 13, 2025, at Keith’s residence, Niagara Falls Police officers seized a DVR, laptop, five hard drives and two tablets. A review of the electronic devices recovered images of child pornography. Keith is a registered Level 3 sex offender.

Matthew Kowalski, 25, of Kenmore, NY. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On April 11, 2025, during an unannounced home visit by Erie County Probation Officers, a cellular phone with an SD card was found, which Kowalski was not permitted to possess. A search of the phone and SD card recovered multiple images and videos of suspected child pornography.

Samari Thompson, 20, of Buffalo, NY. On November 4, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence, seizing electronic devices, including a cellular telephone. A search of the cell phone recovered 48 images and 16 videos of suspected child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted infants.

Jamie R. Anderson, 25, of Buffalo, NY. In January 2022, Anderson was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On July 3, 2024, the social media application Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that 13 video and image files of apparent child pornography were uploaded to their server. Subsequent investigation traced the uploaded files to Anderson. The investigation also determined that Anderson was the subject of two other tipline reports.

Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Other online resources:

Electronic Press Kit

Violent Crimes Against Children

How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

Arrests in the Western District of New York are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, the New York State Police, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the Erie County Probation Department, and the Niagara Falls Police Department.

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tony Rodriguez, 40, of Fairport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 12, 2025, the leader of an online community group, which exposes child predators, reached out to the Fairport Police Department regarding a message from the Facebook account “Tony Rodrigo,” later identified as the defendant. According to the community member, Rodriguez was told that the person he was communicating with was an 11-year-old girl named Emiry. The complaint states that the conversation began as causal small talk, but quickly turned sexual, initiated by Rodriguez. Rodriguez sent lewd pictures and offered to meet Emiry to have sex. On March 12, 2025, Rodriguez arrived at a pre-determined location, the Fairport Library, to meet Emiry. Instead, the community member arrived and confronted Rodriguez about his explicit online conversations with an alleged 11-year-old. The confrontation prompted the police to be called by a concerned citizen. The community member told police that Rodriguez admitted to meeting Emiry for sex and acknowledged communicating online with other minors between 13 to 16 years old in a similar manner. Prior to police arriving, Rodriguez left the scene.

On April 15, 2025, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence located in the Town of Perinton for a report that a male named “Tony Rodrigo” was at the location to meet a 13-year-old for a sexual encounter. The report was filed by individual who oversees another online volunteer group on Facebook which exposes child predators. This individual poses as a 13-year-old girl. According to the individual, “Tony Rodrigo” reached out on Facebook to who he believed was a 13-year-old-girl. Rodriguez stated he wanted to meet up “"to have sex” with the minor. On April 15, 2025, Rodriguez showed up at the predetermined location and was confronted by the individual. Sheriff’s deputies located Rodriguez and detained him.

Rodriguez utilized Roblox, an online gaming platform, to connect with the alleged 11- and 13-year-old girls on Facebook.

A search of two cellular telephones seized from Rodriguez recovered approximately six images of child pornography.

In addition to Facebook, an Instagram account associated with Rodriguez was located, on which he appeared to be communication with a 13-year-old minor. Rodriguez was also active on the social media platform Reddit, specifically a subreddit community associated with teens.

Rodriguez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Fairport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Matthew Barnes.   

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alejandro Mendez Flores, 38, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Flores was encountered by Customs and Border Protection officers on April 30, 2025, at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. Flores was driving a vehicle with a State of Kentucky registration and inadvertently entered onto the bridge toward Canada, where he was refused admission. Flores then encountered CBP officers. A records check determined that Flores was previously arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Texas in July 2019 after having illegally entered the United States. He was physically removed from the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Flores made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marvin Jose Espana, 46, a citizen of Honduras, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 15, 2025, Buffalo Border Patrol Station agents responded to a request for assistance from Amherst Police officers, who had detained two individuals following a traffic stop. A records check determined that one of the two individuals, Espana, was a citizen and national of Honduras, illegally present in the United States after having been previously removed. Espana was taken into custody. He was removed from the United States in June 2007, and again in August 2014.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Espana made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Hector Anaya, 51, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that in April 2024, Buffalo Police detectives received information that Anaya was in possession of a large quantity of narcotics. Detectives surveilled Anaya’s residence and observed him making three hand-to-hand transactions of suspected heroin and cocaine during controlled purchases. On April 25, 2024, a search warrant was executed at his residence during which investigators seized a firearm, ammunition, and a quantity of suspected fentanyl. Anaya was arrested at the scene.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Torres, 37, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to financial institution fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that between September 2021 and February 2022, Torres was employed as a Relationship Manager at Financial Institution 1. While in this position, he misused his position to apply for loans through Financial Institution 1 in the names of individuals without their knowledge or authorization. Torres applied for 19 loans for a total of $168,000, which was deposited into bank accounts that he controlled.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Shawnle McClary, 49, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between 2021 and January 17, 2024, McClary conspired with Timothy Jackson, Jr. a/k/a T a/k/a T-Rock, Gary Fuller a/k/a G, Felicia Collins a/k/a Keisha and others to sell cocaine and fentanyl. McClary regularly packaged cocaine for sale, and transported quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from a stash location at residences on Forester Street to stash and/or sale locations on Angle Street in Rochester. On January 17, 2024, law enforcement searched numerous locations in Rochester utilized by members of the conspiracy as well as McClary’s Mobile Drive residence in the Town of Greece. During the searches, approximately 805 grams of cocaine, 210 grams of fentanyl, 223 grams of cocaine, $7,682 in cash, seven loaded firearms, and drug paraphernalia were seized.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dilbar Gul Dilbar a/k/a Dilbar Gul Taj Ali Khan, a citizen of Afghanistan, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with visa fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in 2016 and 2021, Dilbar submitted applications to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) for a Special Immigrant Visa. A limited supply of these visas is set aside each year for Afghan nationals who have assisted the United States military. Dilbar’s applications included a counterfeit U.S. Embassy Kabul Chief of Mission approval, a fraudulent letter of employment, and a fraudulent Letter of Recommendation. On March 20, 2024, Dilbar’s fraudulent application was approved, and, on April 4, 2024, he was granted admission to the United States and currently resides in the Western District of New York. On the same day Dilbar was granted admission to the United States, he applied for Legal Permanent Resident card, commonly referred to as a “green card,” which was issued on July 22, 2024.

Specifically, in July 2016, Dilbar applied to the Department of State for U.S. Embassy Kabul Chief of Mission approval but was denied. However, Dilbar continued his application for a Special Immigrant Visa, submitting a counterfeit approval letter in November 2017. In 2021, Dilbar re-applied for the Special Immigrant Visa. For the second application, Dilbar submitted a letter of employment from a U.S.-based company. Subsequent investigation determined that the U.S.-based company that issued the purported employment verification letter was engaged in a large-scale scheme to provide fraudulent documents, such as employment verification letters, in exchange for a fee. All employment verification letters authored by this entity are fraudulent. Dilbar also submitted a second Letter of Recommendation, which also came from an individual involved in an “advance-fee” scam, which sells fraudulent immigration documents. As a result, Dilbar was granted a Special Immigrant Visa, admitted to the United States and issued a green card.

Dilbar made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was held pending a detention hearing on May 9, 2025.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael E. Swain, 37, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that between October 20 and November 1, 2021, Swain coerced five minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions. Specifically, Swain communicated with a 15-year-old minor female who resided in Colorado using Discord, a social media platform. The communications included sexually graphic conversations, during which Swain requested that the minor female take sexually explicit videos and images and send them to him. In addition, Swain engaged in numerous sexual communications with the minor female from approximately 2019 to 2022, during which other sexually explicit images and videos were sent from to Swain. On February 28, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Swain’s residence and seized a desktop computer tower, a laptop computer, and an external hard drive, all of which were found to contain child pornography.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Buffalo Office Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Amie Feroleto.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Janine McKenney, 42, of Olean, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of life, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on February 17, 2025, Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a female slumped over in a vehicle at a gas station in Springville, NY. When deputies arrived, the female had departed the gas station. A short time later, they located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the driver, later identified as McKenney, provided a false name to deputies. She was detained after a deputy observed a glass pipe designed for smoking crack cocaine in the. While exiting the vehicle, McKenney appeared to be attempting to conceal a suspected crack cocaine rock, which came to rest on the driver’s seat of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a quantity of narcotics, including methamphetamine. The following day, on February 18, 2025, deputies conducted an intake search of McKenney at the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Holding Center and discovered three bags of suspected narcotics on McKenney’s person.  A subsequent search of McKenney’s cell phone various photographs of ledgers, firearms, and suspected narcotics that appear to be packaged for sale.

Later in the evening on February 18, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at McKenney’s Olean residence. McKenney utilized her residence while engaging in drug trafficking activities. During the search, quantities of suspected cocaine, morphine pills, and drug paraphernalia were recovered. In addition, three loaded pistols, ammunition and $2519.00 in cash was also recovered. Two of the three pistols were previously reported stolen. In November 2014, McKenney was convicted of a drug felony in New York State Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Amie Feroleto.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Steven Gonzalez a/k/a Steven Hernandez, a/k/a Steve, a/k/a Stevie, a/k/a Unc, 48, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of sex trafficking by coercion, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel L. Violanti, Caitlin M. Higgins, Joseph Tripi and Joshua Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between 2012 and March 2015, Gonzalez coerced a minor, identified as A.N., to engage in commercial sex acts. Gonzalez provided A.N. with cocaine in exchange for sex knowing that A.N. was physically addicted to cocaine. Gonzalez used A.N.’s addiction to cocaine and other drugs to keep A.N. dependent on himself and to coerce A.N. to engage in commercial sex acts with him directly.

In addition, between 2012 and 2013, Gonzalez coerced another individual, identified as B.E., to engage in commercial sex acts. Gonzalez provided B.E. with heroin in exchange for sex, knowing that B.E. was physically addicted to heroin. Gonzalez used B.E.’s addiction to keep B.E. dependent on himself and to coerce B.E. to engage in commercial sex acts with him directly.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jhonser Rafael Coste-Morales, 38, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 26, 2024, a New York State Trooper in Painted Post, NY, arrested two individuals for possession of fentanyl. U.S. Border Patrol was contacted to assist in verifying foreign documents provided by the two individuals. Record checks determined that one of the individuals, Coste-Morales, was a citizen and national of the Dominican Republic and had been previously deported from the United States following an aggravated felony conviction. On April 14, 2025, Border Patrol agents received a call that Coste-Morales was going to be released from custody. Coste-Morales was subsequently arrested again and taken into custody.

Coste-Morales legally entered the United States in April 2013 and became a Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident in August 2017. In April 2022, he was convicted of a felony drug charge in Montour County, Pennsylvania, and in October 2023, he was deported back to the Dominican Republic.

Coste-Morales made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was detained.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher.

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conversion/unlawful conveyance of government money, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in December 2022, Victim 1 was a recipient of benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. On December 28, 2022, Victim 1 died at a residence in Rochester. Stone discovered Victim 1’s body days after Victim 1 died. She was also aware that Victim 1 collected SSI Program benefits. But rather than inform authorities of Victim 1’s death, Stone took Victim 1’s debit card and spent SSI Program money still being deposited into Victim 1’s account for her own benefit. In furtherance of this scheme, Stone used Victim 1’s social security number to activate a new debit card in the name of Victim 1. In order to conceal Victim 1’s death and continue receiving Victim 1’s SSI Program benefits, Stone moved Victim 1’s corpse into the basement of the residence Victim 1 died in. She wrapped Victim 1’s corpse in plastic, placed it in a recycling bin, and periodically poured bleach on it. Victim 1’s corpse remained in the basement from December 2022 to September 2023. Between January 2023 and September 2023, Stone improperly collected $7,902.00 in SSI Program benefits intended for Victim 1. In addition, on February 6, 2023, Stone recertified SNAP benefits. In her recertification, Stone stated that Victim 1 still resided with her. As a result of this false information, Stone received an additional $1,072.00 in SNAP benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., before Judge Geraci.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Davis German Soriano, 32, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, who was convicted of transporting illegal aliens, was sentenced to time served (approximately 15 months) by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Soriano was then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that on January 3, 2024, Soriano aided co-defendant Silvestre German Andujar, an alien, in transporting three other individuals, who were not citizens or nationals of the United States. Soriano drove from New Jersey to an agreed upon location in Youngstown, NY, to pick-up Andujar and the others, who had traveled on a motorized raft vessel on the Niagara River from Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada. Andujar piloted the vessel across the United States-Canada border. U.S. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area as Andujar and the others got off the vessel, prompting them to flee. Simultaneously, law enforcement observed Soriano’s vehicle driving in the area near the vessel’s landing spot on the shoreline. Officers conducted a traffic stop. Soriano provided conflicting information as to the purpose of his travel but was released by officers. He then drove back to the pick-up location and picked up Andujar and the others inside the van.

Subsequently, on January 4, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol Agents parked on the Niagara Scenic Parkway in Youngstown, NY, observed Soriano driving his vehicle with Andujar and the others inside. Agents stopped the vehicle in Ransomville, NY, at which time Soriano and the others were arrested and official immigration records checks were conducted.

Silvestre German Andujar was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs, and the Lewiston Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frank Previte.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Manuel Fernando Loja-Loja, 38, a citizen of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Henning and Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 28, 2025, a North Tonawanda police officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction in the vicinity of Thompson and Payne Avenues. North Tonawanda Police contacted U.S. Border Patrol to assist in identifying the occupants of the vehicle, including Loja-Loja. Through questioning, it was determined that Loja-Loja is a citizen and national of Ecuador, and not a National of the United States. Loja-Loja did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully. A records check determined that Loja-Loja was physically deported from the United States in March 2004.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Loja-Loja made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.   

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

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