Western District of New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that two locations of Mustang Salley’s Spirit and Grill, 5111 Genesee Street, Inc., and 414 W Ridge Rd, Inc., have agreed to pay $354,176 to resolve allegations arising under the False Claims Act (FCA), that the clubs fraudulently obtained funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs, through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for which they were not eligible. This action is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

Under SBA rules, “Businesses which: (1) Present live performances of a prurient sexual nature; or (2) Derive directly or indirectly more than de minimis gross revenue through the sale of products or services, or the presentation of any depictions or displays, of a prurient sexual nature,” are not eligible to receive funding through the EIDL program or PPP.”  Although the clubs were adult-entertainment businesses that presented nude and semi-nude erotic dancing, they certified in their PPP and EIDL applications that they were eligible to receive funding, and as a result received $177,088 in 2020 and 2021. The United States alleged, that the clubs violated the FCA by falsely certifying their eligibility for funding. 

The civil settlement also resolves pending civil forfeiture litigation in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, captioned United States v. One 2017 Bentley Mulsanne, 23-cv-941-JLS. In that action, the United States was seeking the forfeiture of a vehicle that it contends was proceeds of and traceable to the clubs’ PPP and/or EIDL proceeds.

“PPP and EIDL funds were meant for eligible businesses to help them through the depths of the Covid pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This settlement demonstrates my office’s commitment to ensuring that taxpayer funds are used for the purposes they were intended and by the businesses for which they were intended.”

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Buffalo Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charles T. Perras, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., and the United States Attorney’s Office. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric A. Brown, 42, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. 

According to the complaint, in February 2025, the New York State Police began investigating Eric Brown after receiving a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC received a tip from Quora, a social question-and-answer platform, stating that files of suspected child pornography were uploaded by an account subsequently traced to Brown. On June 24, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at Brown’s Van Buren Street residence and seized two cell phones. A preliminary review of one of the cell phones determined that it contained suspected child pornography. 

Brown is a Level-1 Sex Offender in New York State following a 2015 Conviction for Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child.

Brown made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on August 12, 2026. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone. 

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 Peter Celentano, 37, of Bergen, NY, who was convicted of illegal possession of machineguns, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. 

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 case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler. The sentencing 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 DiGirolamo, New York Field Division. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Shayne M. Hildreth, 46, of Bliss, NY, who was convicted of transportation of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 117 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. 60 months of his federal sentence will be served consecutive to a sentence he received in New York State Court after being convicted in Wyoming County following a jury trial of use of a child in a sexual performance as a sexually motivated felony, unlawful surveillance in the second degree, criminal sexual act in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. 

On February 24, 2018, a 15-year-old minor victim disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Hildreth and that she had seen child pornography on his cell phone. She reported that Hildreth was traveling from the Western District of New York to Aurora, MO. During an encounter with Hildreth later that day, law enforcement seized his cell phone. A search of the cell phone located 12 images of child pornography. Hildreth had engaged in a pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor, which involved sexual contact on two separate occasions.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Douglas A. C. Penrose. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Aurora-Marionville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Wes Coatney, Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Yelso Ollyder Castro-Licona, 38, a citizen and native of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to reentry of a removed alien subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Castro-Licona is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In July 2004, he was found to be illegally present in the United States and was physically removed in January 2008. In November 2008, Castro-Licona was once again found to be illegally present in the United States, and the prior order of removal was reinstated. In May 2010, Castro-Licona, a member of the MS-13 gang, was convicted on a federal racketeering conspiracy charge. According to the prior case, the racketeering activity included murder, robbery, extortion, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, drug trafficking, and federal firearms violations. He was sentenced to serve 75 months in prison and was released from custody in May 2014. In July 2014, Castro-Licona was physically removed once again from the United States. In February 2026, he was found in Erie County, NY, in the Western District of New York. He did not possess any legal documents allowing him to be present in 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.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald. The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato, the Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Operations Director Phillip Rhoney, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jun N. Martinez, 33, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl; 400 grams or more of fentanyl; 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to time served (approximately 70 months) by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. 

During the conspiracy, Martinez received several large packages of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin via mail from an out of state source. He also provided large quantities of crystal methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl to an individual known to law enforcement, who then sold the drugs to others for profit. The individual then provided additional funds to Martinez for more narcotics. During a trip in September 2020, to acquire more narcotics, Martinez’s vehicle was stopped by an Illinois State Police Trooper. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 9,589 grams of methamphetamine, 3,157 grams of fentanyl, 2,241 grams of cocaine, and marijuana products. In October 2020, during the execution of a search warrant at Martinez’s Wescott Street residence, investigators recovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a drug ledger and approximately $62,000. 

This case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Scott Forster, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana, New York Field Division. 

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BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dasai Bradberry, 24, of Jamestown, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.

According to the complaint, on August 4, 2025, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a Bush Street residence associated with Bradberry. During the search, investigators recovered a semi-automatic rifle, ammunition, approximately 22 grams of suspected fentanyl, Oxycodone pills, $1,303.00 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.

Bradberry made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained pending trial.

This is HSTF. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rashaun Crule, 32, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000. 

On February 10, 2023, Crule delivered a bag of fentanyl to an individual identified as M.M., at a location on Campus Drive in Amherst, NY. Within approximately 20 minutes of Crule delivering the fentanyl, M.M. did not communicate with anyone and was never seen alive again. On February 12, 2023, law enforcement officers arrived at the Campus Drive residence after receiving a 911 call from the mother of an individual identified as B.Y. The mother reported that she found a dead woman inside of her son’s home. Law enforcement found M.M. and B.Y. slumped over in close proximity to the dining room table. Both were deceased. The Erie County Medical Examiner's office determined that the cause of death for both M.M. and B.Y. was acute intoxication with fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. At the time, Crule was on probation for a 2022 felony drug conviction in Erie County. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin. 

Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2026, before Judge Arcara.

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BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamarr A. Cunningham a/k/a Grass, 31, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and 40 grams of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. 

According to the complaint, in November 2025, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from a co-conspirator associated with Cunningham at a Palmer Street residence in Jamestown. On November 13, 2025, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the Palmer Street residence, seizing a quantity of suspected cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and a quantity of cash. Cunningham was the residence and taken into custody on New York State charges. 

Cunningham made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions following a detention hearing.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.

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

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BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James Mitchell, 40, of Gowanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 19, 2026, the New York State Police responded to Mitchell’s Broadway Road residence in Gowanda, after receiving information that he allegedly possessed child pornography on his cellular phone. The information came from an individual (Informant) who is part of an online organization, not affiliated with law enforcement, performing volunteer activities to identify child abusers on the internet. Law enforcement received information that Mitchell engaged in sexually explicit communications over TELEGRAM (an encrypted communications application) with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old boy. During these conversations, Mitchell discussed plans to meet the 13-year-old to engage in sexual acts in Fredonia and Amherst, NY. 

Law enforcement seized Mitchell’s cellphone. A subsequent search recovered numerous videos containing child pornography. In addition, investigators located a conversation on Telegram with an unidentified user, during which Mitchell stated: “Lol. I prefere 11+, so most the stuff I have is in the 11-17 range,” indicating that he primarily had a sexual interest in children ages 11 to 17 and that he possessed child pornography depicting 11-to-17-year-old children. Mitchell exchanged approximately 143 videos and/or images depicting child pornography during the conversation. In another conversation, he advised another individual that he had “over 6000” videos of child pornography on a flash drive, but “only like 15 of them are kids and animals.”

Mitchell is a Registered Level 1 sex offender in New York and Indiana following a June 25, 2007, conviction in Cattaraugus County Court for Possessing an Obscene Sexual Perform by Child Less Than 16 Years Old.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. 

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

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BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ericson Vasquez-Moran, 22, of Guatemala, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to depredation and injury to government property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

On May 13, 2026, Vasquez-Moran drove his vehicle into a United States Border Patrol vehicle, causing more than $1,000 worth of damage to the government vehicle. He then fled the scene, leading to a high-speed pursuit by law enforcement. Police eventually deployed a spike strip device, disabling Vasquez-Moran’s vehicle. The defendant then fled on foot but surrendered several hours later and was taken into custody.

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 case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald. The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato, the Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Operations Director Phillip Rhoney, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Linder.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 11, 2026, before Judge Arcara. 

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Yusef E. Malik Myrick, 27, of Falconer, NY, pleaded guilty to four counts of production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. following opening arguments in his federal jury trial. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine. 

Between September 2020, and December 19, 2021, Myrick communicated with several minor females on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, coercing four minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing visual depictions of such conduct. 

During the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered that in December 2021, Myrick instructed co-defendant Lily A. Brandow to locate his cell phone, which he hid in their home in an attempt to conceal it from law enforcement. He also instructed Brandow to access and delete several Google accounts and a Snapchat account which he knew were subjects of the investigation and prosecution. On January 31, 2022, during the arrest of Brandow, Myrick’s cell phone was seized and found to contain child pornography.

The investigation further determined that Myrick engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with a victim on Snapchat, during which he asked the minor victim to send him a sexually explicit photo. Myrick also accessed the victim’s Snapchat account and posted a video to her public Snap Story, depicting the victim engaged in sexual activity with another known minor. In addition, Myrick engaged in sexual activity with three other minor victims and recorded the activity on his cell phone. He sent the sexually explicit videos from two of the victims to other individuals. 

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone; the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Ingrao. Additional assistance was provided by the Rome, Georgia Police Department, and the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before Judge Sinatra.

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ROCHESTER, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Christopher Hernandez, 31, of Bergen, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to fraudulent production of more than five identification documents, authentication features, or false identification documents, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

On July 7, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on Hernandez’s iCloud account swishgoat@gmail.com. The account contained fraudulent driver’s licenses, social security cards, U.S. passports, credit cards, and bank cards. These included a fraudulent NYS Driver’s License using the name and other personally identifiable information of Victim 1, a resident of the Western District of New York. On September 16, 2025, as investigators attempted to execute a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence, he attempted to obstruct justice by destroying evidence. After law enforcement successfully entered the residence, they found additional fraudulent driver’s licenses, social security cards, credit cards, and other identification documents, as well as equipment that the defendant used to make false identification documents.

In total, investigators seized: approximately 67 debit/credit cards; approximately 15 Social Security cards; approximately nine Passport Cards; approximately one Permanent Resident Alien Card; approximately three MTA Transit Track Safety Certifications; and approximately 106 driver’s licenses from approximately 21 different states. Hernandez used the personally identifiable information of more than 10 individuals to produce the identification documents, authentication features, and false identification documents.

In addition, Hernandez admits:

• In December 2024, he fraudulently obtained a $175,400.80 check that was issued out of a bank account belonging to Victim 2. The check was deposited into Hernandez’s checking account.
• In October, 2024, he fraudulently obtained a $10,900 check that was issued out of the retirement account of Victim 3 and deposited into his checking account.
• In April 2024, he fraudulently obtained a $79,500.89 check that was issued out of the retirement account of Victim 4 and deposited into his checking account.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. 

Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2026, before Judge Geraci. 

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BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Arlem Bayardo Cabrera-Escoto, 41, of a native and citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to illegal re-entry subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction. The defendant was then sentenced to serve five months in prison. After serving his sentence, Cabrera-Escoto will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

On April 22, 2026, four illegal aliens were arrested in Depew, NY, as part of a targeted enforcement effort. Law enforcement, who observed four Hispanic males exit a residence and leave in a truck parked at the residence, conducted a vehicle stop shortly after. After questioning, all four admitted that they were in the United States illegally and did not have any immigration documents that would have allowed them to be, enter, or remain in the United States. Law enforcement asked the driver to step out of the vehicle, at which time he attempted to flee on foot and actively resisted arrest. The three passengers, including Cabrera-Escoto, also fled on foot. Cabrera-Escoto was taken into custody a short time later. 

During processing, it was determined that Cabrera-Escoto is a native and citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States. In April 2005, Cabrera-Escoto was convicted of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a Child, an aggravated felony, and sentenced to 240 days confinement in the State of Wisconsin. In August 2005, he was physically removed from the United States.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone. 

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BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stanley B. Wallace a/k/a Spitz, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, and a fine of $1,000,000.

In May 2022, three individuals drove to a Schreck Avenue residence. One of the individuals went inside and purchased a quantity of blue fentanyl pills from Spitz. That individual then gave the pills purchased from Spitz to the individual, identified as B.B., who drove to the Schreck Avenue residence. After leaving B.B., one of the other individuals consumed one of the pills and then texted B.B.: “…I honestly think are straight fent potent as (expletive) I’m high outta my mind plz don’t sniff a quarter of that strait bro don’t want u to od.” The following day, B.B. was found dead in his Lockport, NY residence. 

Investigators executed a search warrant at the hotel room where the other two individuals were staying and recovered two blue pills, and two partial blue pills, that tested positive for fentanyl. A search warrant was then executed at the Schreck Avenue residence, where law enforcement recovered drug paraphernalia. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Cruz Ocasio a/k/a Joe Crack, 38, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000.

On October 16, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Ocasio’s Weiss Street residence, during which they seized drug paraphernalia, approximately $3,995 in cash, and approximately 872 grams of cocaine. During prior surveillance, multiple individuals were observed arriving at the residence for short periods of time. On one occasion, Ocasio was observed conducting a hand-to-hand transaction. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Chief Erika Shields.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2026, before Judge Vilardo. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edwin Robles, 38, of the Bronx, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

In January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, co-conspirator Vance Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with Robles and co-conspirators Edward Richardson and Michael Herrera, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. 

On February 5, 2025, the defendants drove to a Northwest Bank branch in Lockport, within the Western District of New York. Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal of from the account of an individual residing in Erie, PA. Ashley also purchased a bank check using funds from the account. That same day, the defendants drove to another Northwest Bank branch in Williamsville, within the Western District of New York, and again Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal from an account and purchased a bank check using funds from the account of a victim from North East PA. Also on February 5, 2025, Robles unlawfully used the identification of another person during a felony violation.

The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is $91,300.00.

Ashley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.

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BUFFALO, NY — A federal jury has convicted Hadi Matar, 28, of Fairview, New Jersey, of attempting to provide material support to Hizbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization, engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and providing material support to terrorists. 

“Hadi Matar, who was born and raised in the United States, chose to align his values with the terroristic values of the leaders of Iran, which often promote violence, and in this case, the call for murder,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “The defendant spent months planning and preparing to carry out what he hoped would be the execution of Salman Rushdie and possibly follow in the footsteps of martyrs he admired. Instead, his attempted act of terror failed, and Salman Rushdie survived, thanks to courageous members of the public and law enforcement, who saved Rushdie and captured Matar.” 

“Matar spent more than a year immersing himself in Hizballah’s violent ideology and preparing to act on a fatwa issued by Iran’s Ayatollahs calling for Mr. Rushdie’s murder,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.  “His brutal attack on Mr. Rushdie during a peaceful speaking event is a chilling reminder of the global reach of Iranian terrorism.  With today’s verdict, justice has been done, and Matar will pay for his crimes.”

“Today's guilty verdict reaffirms that acts of terrorism will not prevail over the freedoms our nation was built to protect,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “By attempting to silence free expression through terrorism, the defendant attacked not only an individual, but a U.S. Constitutional right. FBI Buffalo's Joint Terrorism Task Force remains unwavering in our commitment to countering terrorism, violent extremism, and ensuring those who threaten our communities are held accountable.”

On Aug. 12, 2022, Matar attempted to murder author Salman Rushdie in an effort to carry out a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s execution because of a novel published by Rushdie in 1988. That fatwa was issued in 1989 by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini; reaffirmed in 2017 by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei; and endorsed in a 2006 speech by Hizballah’s Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah. 

According to evidence presentenced by the government, Matar spent over a year researching the fatwa, including its continuing validity, before deciding to carry it out while Rushdie spoke at the Chautauqua Institution in Mayville, NY. Prior to the attack, Matar discussed the fatwa — and Hizballah’s endorsement of the fatwa — with individuals located in Iran, Australia, and Canada. He also created videos about the fatwa, with titles such as “Rushdie_Fatwa 2.0” and “Rushdie_Fatwa 1.6,” which combined videos about the fatwa with video of Hassan Nasrallah endorsing the fatwa in 2006. 

Matar surrounded himself with symbols of Hizballah martyrs before the attack. He traveled to the Chautauqua Institution using the name “Hassan Mughniyeh,” and carried a false driver’s license bearing the same name. Matar’s false name contained the first name of Hassan Nasrallah, Hizballah’s Secretary General, and the last name of Imad Mughniyeh, the former head of Hizballah’s External Security Organization, who was responsible for planning a number of Hizballah’s terrorist attacks. On the morning of the attack, Matar visited a website run by Hizballah and took screenshots of Hizballah martyrs who had died in the month of August. 

Matar faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on November 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Charles M. Kruly for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the Buffalo Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the Newark, NJ, office of the FBI and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

# # # #

A federal jury has convicted Hadi Matar, 28, of Fairview, New Jersey, of attempting to provide material support to Hizbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization, engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and providing material support to terrorists. 

“Matar spent more than a year immersing himself in Hizballah’s violent ideology and preparing to act on a fatwa issued by Iran’s Ayatollahs calling for Mr. Rushdie’s murder,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “His brutal attack on Mr. Rushdie during a peaceful speaking event is a chilling reminder of the global reach of Iranian terrorism. With today’s verdict, justice has been done, and Matar will pay for his crimes.”

“Hadi Matar, who was born and raised in the United States, chose to align his values with the terroristic values of the leaders of Iran, which often promote violence, and in this case, the call for murder,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “The defendant spent months planning and preparing to carry out what he hoped would be the execution of Salman Rushdie and possibly follow in the footsteps of martyrs he admired. Instead, his attempted act of terror failed, and Salman Rushdie survived, thanks to courageous members of the public and law enforcement, who saved Rushdie and captured Matar.”

“This was not an impulsive act; Matar conducted a violent attack in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization and wanted to carry out a fatwa against the victim,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “With today’s verdict, this assailant will pay the price of engaging in terrorism. The FBI and our partners are committed to bringing terrorists and all who support them to justice.”

On Aug. 12, 2022, Matar attempted to murder author Salman Rushdie in an effort to carry out a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s execution because of a novel published by Rushdie in 1988. That fatwa was issued in 1989 by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini; reaffirmed in 2017 by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei; and endorsed in a 2006 speech by Hizballah’s Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah. 

According to evidence presentenced by the government, Matar spent over a year researching the fatwa, including its continuing validity, before deciding to carry it out while Rushdie spoke at the Chautauqua Institution in Mayville, NY. Prior to the attack, Matar discussed the fatwa — and Hizballah’s endorsement of the fatwa — with individuals located in Iran, Australia, and Canada. He also created videos about the fatwa, with titles such as “Rushdie_Fatwa 2.0” and “Rushdie_Fatwa 1.6,” which combined videos about the fatwa with video of Hassan Nasrallah endorsing the fatwa in 2006. 

Matar surrounded himself with symbols of Hizballah martyrs before the attack. He traveled to the Chautauqua Institution using the name “Hassan Mughniyeh,” and carried a false driver’s license bearing the same name. Matar’s false name contained the first name of Hassan Nasrallah, Hizballah’s Secretary General, and the last name of Imad Mughniyeh, the former head of Hizballah’s External Security Organization, who was responsible for planning a number of Hizballah’s terrorist attacks. On the morning of the attack, Matar visited a website run by Hizballah and took screenshots of Hizballah martyrs who had died in the month of August.  

Matar faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on Nov. 3 before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Charles M. Kruly for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the Buffalo Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the Newark, NJ, office of the FBI and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric J. Barner a/k/a E a/k/a Dree, 40, Ashanique Graham a/k/a Shorty, 30, Geneno Mable, 51, Matthew R. Swinko, 28, and Ryan Palmieri, 36, all of Elmira, NY, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine. Charged in a separate complaint with conspiracy was Dominic Murphy, 31, also of Elmira. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life, and $10,000,000. Murphy is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement began investigating the drug trafficking activities of the defendants in October 2025, as part of an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation. Identified as the Barner Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), the defendants sold cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, using cellular phones to conduct their drug business, in the Elmira, NY, area. The DTO utilized multiple locations to store and sell narcotics including a former store front on Lake Street, and residences on Baldwin Avenue, Mulberry Street, Lackawanna Avenue, W. Thurston Street, Harper Street. 

During the execution of multiple search warrants, investigators seized:

• $152,080.57 in cash
• Approximately 69 grams of cocaine
• Approximately three grams of crack cocaine
• Approximately 646 grams of fentanyl
• Approximately 3,306 grams of methamphetamine 
• Approximately 65 grams of psilocybin
• Approximately 19 grams of liquid methadone
• Approximately one gram of MDMA
• Approximately 64 grams of Clonazepam 
• 34 firearms, including two ghost guns
• Two pipe bombs
• Soft body armor 

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne.

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 Donald Coty, 40, and his wife, Megan Coty, 38, both of Conesus, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, conspiracy to produce child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

According to the criminal complaint, in February 2026, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip that a file containing suspected child pornography was uploaded to Google Photos and a Google Drive Account, by an individual with the username “Don Coty.” The CyberTip was forwarded to the New York State Police (NYSP) and subsequently traced to Donald and Megan Coty. 

On June 23, 2026, NYSP investigators executed a search warrant at the couple’s Marrowback Road residence, seizing 13 electronic items, including two hard drives, two laptops, six cellphones, LG Cellphone, and three USB drives. An initial review of one of the hard drives recovered 1.3 million image and video files. Of the image and video files reviewed so far, over 174,000 files contained suspected child pornography, including images and videos with two minor victims and the defendants. 

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the New York State Police at (585) 398-4100 or crimetip@troopers.ny.gov

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone 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.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Giovanni Rosa, 32, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Between January and February 2025, Rosa conspired with others to sell fentanyl in the Buffalo area. Investigators conducted three controlled purchases of fentanyl from Rosa between January 30 and February 27, 2025. For each of the controlled purchases, Rosa would acquire approximately an ounce of fentanyl from his source of supply.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo/Rochester comprises agents and officers from HSI, the FBI, DEA, ATF, and IRS-CI, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Fitzsimmons. The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 16, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John W. Burns, 42, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to arson of a building used in interstate commerce before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In the early morning hours of June 17, 2024, the Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) responded to the scene of a fire at 223 Allen Street, a restaurant/bar known as The Old Pink. The building was engulfed in flames and was ultimately destroyed. Subsequent investigation by the Buffalo Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire had been set deliberately. Investigators recovered a blue propane plumbers torch from the rear of the building. Video evidence showed an individual in the rear of the building near the origin of the fire. The individual couldn’t be identified but appeared to be wearing a dark colored jacket with some sort of emblem on the left arm and green and white sneakers. The video evidence also shows that prior to the start of the fire, the individual brought two white garbage bags to the back of the building and was looking through the garbage totes. The individual is then seen walking away from the area of origin and a short time later, a visible fire can be seen.

Subsequent investigation determined that Burns was at the Old Pink earlier in the evening and had a confrontation with an individual formerly contracted to work security for The Old Pink. The former security officer told law enforcement that he had confronted Burns after a female patron complained that Burns had touched her inappropriately. Burns was asked to leave but refused. A fight ensued and Burns stated: “I’ll be back (expletive), I’ll burn that (expletive) down, ain’t nobody going to have a job.”

Investigators reviewed the security footage of the fight at The Old Pink with the owner of the Essex St. Pub, a restaurant located at 530 Rhode Island Street in Buffalo. The owner identified Burns as the individual who had the confrontation with the former security guard. The owner recognized Burns because he previously employed him at the Essex St. Pub. 

Investigators also reviewed the security footage with two associates of Burns, both of whom identified him as the individual walking away from The Old Pink shortly after the fire began. Law enforcement interviewed one of the associates, who provided text messages that he received from Burns in the early morning hours of June 17, 2024. After describing what appeared to be the fight at The Old Pink, Burns stated, “Guerrilla mode on” and “Guerrilla BuffL9 is a go.” The conversation continued:

Burns: Bail me out if I don’t call you at noon. Therz a fund.

Time Stamp Mon, June 17 at 5:57 a.m.

Associate: You’re killing me bro trying to sleep

Associate: What is going on

Burns: Nothing. Made my bed. Gonna defend it to the death at this point

Associate: See that is the problem and I have no idea what you’re talking about. You don’t give me any details you just say things. what are you talking about? What bed what are you doing? What happened?

Burns: Call or signal. Text bad

Burns: Whatever they probably a footage

Burns: Really though I can’t just say all the things that will later be investigated here

Burns: I’m going to the er….

In the early morning hours of August 13, 2024, at 6:03 a.m., Burns was observed on video setting a fire in the parking lot of the Essex St. Pub, which was quickly extinguished by fire department members. Buffalo Fire Marshals determined that the origin of the fire was a pile of books that had been placed near the owner’s personal vehicle. The owner told fire investigators that he received a text message the previous night indicating that Burns had been denied entry to the pub due to disruptive behavior. The owner identified Burns on video as the person carrying a pile of books in his arms towards the rear parking lot, lighting the books on fire, and then leaving the area.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard P. Antoine. The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent-in-Charge; Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Michael J. Keane; Buffalo Fire Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel J. Pizarro; and Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2026, before Judge Arcara.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Dean, 24, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a weapon, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 15, 2026, at approximately 10 p.m., Buffalo Police and the FBI responded to a large, unruly street party at Eddie Dawson Park on Roetzer Street in Buffalo. When officers and agents arrived, they were met with a large crowd of individuals in the street. One law enforcement officer observed Dean reach towards his waist band with his right hand and retrieve a firearm as he turned away from the responding officers to flee the scene. An officer announced “gun,” and began chasing Dean on foot, accompanied by multiple other officers. As Dean was apprehended, he was observed throwing the firearm in the direction of a responding New York State Police trooper, striking the trooper in the leg with the firearm. The recovered firearm was a loaded semi-automatic handgun. Dean was convicted of a felony in Erie County Court in April 2024 and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Dean made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Michael J. Romer and was held pending a detention hearing on July 21, 2026.

 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II. 

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 Celina Serva aka Ce Ce, 27, of Akron, OH, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of life, and a $10,000,000 fine. 

On or about April 3, 2025, law enforcement observed a vehicle, driven by Serva, arrive in the driveway of a house known for drug activity. Serva got out of the vehicle and approached the front door. When law enforcement pulled in behind her vehicle, Serva immediately returned to her vehicle and threw a bag back inside the vehicle. Four children and Serva’s mother were inside the vehicle at the time. Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on the vehicle and recovered 960 grams of methamphetamine inside the bag Serva had thrown into the vehicle. 

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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Ingrao. 

Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2027, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jason Knobloch, 56, of Lancaster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, since February 2021, Knobloch and others have been carrying out a scheme involving the fraudulent sales of forklifts and other similar equipment, claiming to sell these items through various companies that they controlled. The companies included KJJK Equipment Sales d/b/a Kelly Lift Equipment and Clover Lift Equipment d/b/a Lifts 4 Less. Victims conducted online searches for equipment and would either contact, or be contacted by, employees of Knobloch’s companies. Cost negotiations were conducted and once an agreement was reached, victims were provided with payment instructions. However, after ordering and paying for the equipment, it was either never delivered or, in rare instances, equipment of lesser value was sent instead of what was actually ordered. 

When victims contacted Knobloch’s businesses regarding their orders, they were initially given various excuses about why the equipment had not been delivered. Eventually, the companies stopped responding to victim emails and phone calls altogether. In the rare instance equipment was delivered, serial numbers for the delivered equipment did not match the serial numbers for the ordered equipment and the hours on the delivered equipment were much higher than what was advertised. Partial and full refunds occurred occasionally, but typically only after the company was confronted and advised that legal action was forthcoming.  

In total, Knobloch and his co-conspirators have defrauded approximately 32 victims, resulting in more than a million dollars in fraud loss. The investigation also identified additional fraud attempts in which Knobloch sought to deposit checks utilizing customers’ bank account information without the customers’ knowledge and consent and long after the victims first attempted to purchase equipment. For example, in December 2021, the owner of Plumb Level and Square sent a $59,900.00 check to Lifts 4 Less, which was cashed on December 21, 2021, but the equipment was never delivered. In August 2022, approximately eight months later, the owner stated that an attempt was made to cash a check, made out to Knobloch, utilizing the owner’s bank account information. Another attempt to deposit $59,900.00 utilizing the banking information of Plumb Level and Square was made in September 2022. Several more similar attempts were made to deposit checks totaling $27,000.00, $22,600.00, and $28,400.00, utilizing customers’ bank account information without their knowledge. Impacted financial institutions included Bank of America, Citizens Bank, and Good Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

Knobloch was ordered released on home confinement following a detention hearing this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. 

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Leeladhar H. Tandel, 44, of Mobile, AL, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  

Between July 2024 March 2025, Tandel conspired with others to sell Tapentadol, Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Carisoprodol, and Zolpidem. During the conspiracy, MEDDZONLINE.COM, PHARMACYSTORESONLINE.com, and related websites were part of a larger organized drug trafficking organization operating domestically and internationally using similar versions of the same website under different domain names. After orders were received, the organization sent bulk shipments of drugs via international mail to a US based bulk re-shipper. The drugs were then sent to smaller re-shippers, who were paid for each package they mailed out to customers.

Tandel was a smaller re-shipper. In June 2024, the DEA Buffalo District Office became aware of Tandel operating in the Mobile, Alabama region. On June 6, 2024, DEA Buffalo conducted an undercover purchase of 60 Zolpidem pills at a cost of $489.60 on PHARMACYSTORESONLINE.com. In May 2025, law enforcement recovered 40 packages that had originated in Summerdale, AL, which had previously been mailed out by Tandel. The packages included nine parcels containing 1,620 suspected Tramadol pills; 14 parcels containing 2,100 suspected Zolpidem pills; 13 parcels containing 2,100 suspected Alprazolam pills; and four parcels containing 1,080 suspected Tapentadol pills. The packaging was indicative of shipments being mailed out to customers of the online websites. Labels showed the scope of customers spanning the entire country and individuals such as Tandel played a key role in aiding the online websites to provide controlled substances to their customers in the USA.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Offices in St. Louis, MO, Atlanta, GA, and Mobile, AL. 

Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, before Judge Arcara.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Otis Williams a/k/a Skino, 39, Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, which carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.

According to the criminal complaint, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Buffalo Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the criminal activities of the Black Soprano Family (BSF) Gang, a violent street gang operating in and around the City of Buffalo. The FBI has identified numerous gang members as well as gang territory located on the east side of Buffalo. BSF members have been arrested by several police departments for violent criminal acts, including drug and firearm trafficking. They commit violent criminal acts to protect gang-controlled territory and associated houses. Williams and others have been identified as suspected gang members, in part because of various gang-related tattoos indicating gang membership and their associations with other known BSF gang members. Law enforcement has also determined that Williams is a narcotics trafficker who supplies various individuals within the Western District of New York.

On July 14, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at William’s Ericson Avenue residence, seizing a handgun, approximately 88 grams of crack cocaine, quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, suspected ecstasy pills, drug paraphernalia, and three cell phones. Williams was convicted of felony charges in 2008, 2015, and 2016, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm 

Williams made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained pending a detention hearing on July 21, 2026.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis A. Testani, Katerina Powers and Joshua A. Violanti. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields. 

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 Todd J. Romig, 29, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, and possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Between June 2024, and April 10, 2025, Romig conspired with others to sell marijuana. He obtained multi-pound quantities of high-end marijuana and resold it to customers at a markup. On April 10, 2025, Rochester Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired at a Monroe Avenue apartment building. Officers went to the second floor and heard someone yelling inside one of the apartments. They knocked on a door and Romig confirmed from inside that he had yelled. As officers made entry into the apartment, Romig was in an upstairs loft. He was directed to come down and was then detained while the officers cleared the apartment and looked for possible victims or other suspects. During their sweep, officers observed two large open cardboard boxes filled to the top with vacuum sealed packages of what appeared to be marijuana, spent bullet casings and a rifle. As a result, officers obtained a search warrant during which they seized 34 pounds of marijuana, ammunition, a loaded magazine, a loaded rifle, and $50,672 in cash, which were proceeds from prior sales of marijuana. During the investigation, another approximately 146 pounds of marijuana was seized from a Union Street residence in Spencerport, NY, where Romig also stored marijuana.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Ogden Police Department, under the direction of Chief Travis Gray.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stacy Spencer, 60, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearm, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.  

In 2021, the DEA and Niagara Falls Police Department began an investigation into Spencer, which included four controlled purchases of cocaine. On May 2, 2022, law enforcement executed search warrants at Spencer’s residence and at an Ontario Avenue residence in Niagara Falls, which Spencer utilized for his drug trafficking related activities. During the execution of a search warrant at the Ontario Avenue residence, officers located a locked safe in the basement, which contained approximately 93.5 grams of cocaine, and a pistol. They also recovered approximately $6,385 in cash from Spencer. In October 1993 and October 2009, Spencer was convicted of felony crimes in Niagara and Erie Counties, respectively, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.       

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Nick Ligammari. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ernest Brown, a/k/a Wayne Perry, a/k/a Wayne Brown, 43, Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 175 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Brown’s federal sentence will be served consecutive to the sentence of 25 years to life that he received after an Erie County Court jury convicted him of Murder, 2nd degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 2nd degree. 

During the conspiracy, Brown was a source of supply for Joseph Zaso. Zaso met Brown through co-defendant James Jackson, a middleman for narcotics transactions. Brown met his co-conspirators at various locations in Buffalo, including Zaso’s and Jackson’s residences. At times, Jackson delivered fentanyl to Zaso on behalf of Brown. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against James Jackson.

This case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marcus Elliott, 40, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison followed by 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. 

In September 2020, Elliott began to communicate with a 12-year-old female on Snapchat, during which the minor victim took a sexually explicit photograph and sent it to Elliott. In June 2025, following a disclosure by the minor victim, Elliott’s cellular telephone was searched, and the sexually explicit image of the minor victim was recovered. In addition, Elliott admits that he engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim on one occasion and requested that she produce child pornography on other occasions. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin.           

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BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lorenzo Harris, 20, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of a machinegun, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  

Since 2024, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Buffalo Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the criminal activities of the Newburg 118 Drop Boys Gang, a violent street gang operating in and around the City of Buffalo. The FBI has identified numerous gang members as well as gang territory located on the east side of Buffalo. Members have been arrested by several police departments for violent criminal acts, including drug and firearm trafficking. Newburg 118 Drop Boys members commit violent criminal acts to protect gang-controlled territory and associated houses. Harris has been identified as a suspected gang member involved in firearm trafficking.  

On July 9, 2026, a search warrant was executed at an apartment at 80 Silo City Row in Buffalo, during which Harris, who was observed with a firearm in his hand, attempted to flee from law enforcement. Harris was taken into custody, and law enforcement seized the firearm, which had a machinegun conversion attached. 

Harris made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained pending a detention hearing on July 20, 2026.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shield. 

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 Todd L. Addison, 38, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted firearms trafficking, was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. 

On multiple occasions between March 2025 and August 27, 2025, Addison purchased as many as seven firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number, from Federal Firearms Licensees in Pennsylvania, transported them to New York, and sold them illegally to individuals in Rochester. Addison knew that at least one of the persons he sold the firearms to was a felon who intended to dispose of the firearm unlawfully. 

On August 27, 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rochester Police Department Violent Crime Task Force executed federal search warrants at Addison’s Hudson Avenue residence and on a vehicle that he used to travel to and from Pennsylvania. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, 56 rounds of ammunition, and pistol magazines. During the search of Addison’s residence, they found empty pistol boxes for various firearms, multiple black pistol holders, and a gun cleaning kit. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, 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 James Gerald Eckert, Jr., 39, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with threats to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon a member of the immediate family of the President, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint, on June 18, 2026, a member of the U.S. Secret Service on duty at the residence of President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., was alerted that several threats were made against Trump Jr. The threats, made in the group chat feed of Trump Jr.’s podcast “Triggered with Donald Trump Jr., included: “im going to kill you, (expletive), I am going to kill this (expletive) on the screen.” The threats were posted by an account with the username JamesGeraldEckertJr/@JamesGeraldEckertJr.

While viewing the podcast on the online video platform Rumble, JamesGeraldEckertJr/@JamesGeraldEckertJr was also streaming himself on Rumble. Eckert, Jr. repeats, both verbally, as well as by posts in the live chat, similar threats against Trump Jr. as well as the CEO of Rumble, for most of the duration of an approximately eight-minute video. The threats included, “your (expletive) dead, its over guys” and “I'm going to go to YouTube and be calm and I’m still going to (expletive) kill Trump Junior. We’re going to get to World Peace. (Expletive) die guy. Try to get out of this surviving. (Expletive) you forever. (Expletive) you forever.” 

On June 7, 2026, prior to the threats made against Donald Trump Jr., Eckert, Jr. posted a message on the Facebook account of “James Gerald Eckert Jr.” stating: “Mayor Malik Evans, I am coming for your family. Seriously, you will lose them to me personally. Stand by. This will not go away until you are dead or [REDACTED] is behind bars. Deal with this.” On June 11, 2026, the same Facebook account made a threatening post against New York State Senator Samra Brook, on the senator’s official Facebook page. The comment stated: “You are going to die.” 

Eckert made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was held pending a detention hearing on July 20, 2026.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The complaint the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Charles T. Perras and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.  

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that the Genesee Valley Club has agreed to pay $1,050,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which it was not eligible to receive. This action is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

The PPP loan program, enacted in March 2020, provided emergency financial assistance to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program allowed eligible small businesses to receive loans guaranteed by the federal government. Private clubs that limited memberships for any reason other than capacity, or restrict patronage for any reason other than capacity, were not eligible for PPP loans.

In May 2021, Genesee Valley Club applied for a PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan. After receiving the PPP loan, Genesee Valley Club sought and received forgiveness of the entire loan amount. The United States contends that Genesee Valley Club falsely represented its eligibility to receive the PPP loan because it operated as a private club that restricted membership for reasons other than capacity. 

“The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to support small business during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “As evidenced by the numerous settlements we have obtained involving PPP loans, this office continues to work tirelessly to recover taxpayer dollars that were improperly obtained by ineligible entities.”

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Ferris and Investigator Margaret McFarland.

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

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Manuel De Jesus Jandres Martinez, 33, of El Salvador, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to depredation of government property, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

On December 31, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents observed a vehicle registered to Jandres Martinez parked in a hotel parking lot on Millersport Highway in Amherst, NY. Law enforcement approached the vehicle and identified themselves as Border Patrol officers. As they approached, Jandres Martinez started his ignition and tried to escape from the parking lot. In his attempt to flee, he reversed and rammed his car into the Border Patrol vehicle, which was parked behind his car, causing more than $1,000 in damage to the Border Patrol vehicle. Jandres Martinez then actively resisted Border Patrol agents when he got out of his car, ran from the agents into the hotel, and locked himself in a hotel room.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.  

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph L. Crapsi, 31, of Cheektowaga, NY, who was convicted of pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

On March 2, 2024, a Delta Airlines flight was in flight and on approach to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Crapsi lives in the flight path of the airport and aimed the beam of a green laser pointer at the Delta Flight.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Craig R. Gestring. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen B. Davis, II. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Advanced Global Services, Ltd. (AGS), Paradigm Shift Technologies (PST), and Gennady Yumshtyk (collectively, the defendants) have agreed to pay $223,618 to resolve allegations, arising under the False Claims Act (FCA), that they submitted false claims in connection with a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program award funded by the United States Air Force and the United States Navy.

The government alleges that in 2019, AGS obtained an SBIR award to develop certain gun barrel coating technology through the Air Force. To obtain the SBIR award, AGS and its president, Yumshtyk, certified, among other things, that AGS would conduct all research and development in connection with the SBIR award and that it would do so in the United States. The government further alleges that AGS, which was located in Orchard Park, NY, did not, in fact, perform work under the SBIR award. Rather, PST, which is located in Toronto, Canada, performed the SBIR award work out of its Canadian facility. Accordingly, the United States contends that the defendants were not eligible to participate, and receive funding through, the SBIR program. 

“This Office is committed to holding accountable companies and individuals that misrepresent themselves so that they can participate in important government programs, like SBIR,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo.

“Protecting the integrity of the federal procurement process is a top priority for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Sandy Nezi, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. “When contractors misrepresent their eligibility and location of work to secure taxpayer funds, they undermine programs designed to support genuine American small businesses. We will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the Department of the Air Force.”

“Schemes that exploit taxpayer funds designated for domestic military innovation do more than violate public trust, they threaten the integrity of our procurement system and undermine our technological edge,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Greg Gross, Economic Crimes Field Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Service. “Alongside our federal partners and the Department of Justice, NCIS will relentlessly pursue those who misrepresent their eligibility to secure research funding meant to deliver advanced, secure capabilities to our warfighters.”

The civil settlement resolves allegations brought by the United States in a civil complaint filed on November 24, 2025 in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, captioned United States v. Advanced Global Systems, Ltd., Paradigm Shift Technologies, Inc., and Gennady Yumshtyk, No. 1:25-cv-01248.

The case was investigated at the direction of Special Agent Sandy Nezi, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Office of Procurement Fraud; Special Agent, Oran Cape, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Economic Crimes Field Office; and Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Coriell and Investigator Peggy McFarland of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. 

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ronald A. Howard, 59, of South Dayton, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Between March 16 and April 10, 2024, Howard, then 57-years-old, communicated via text messaging and Snapchat with a 14-year-old female (Victim), during which the two engaged in sexual conversation and discussed meeting to engage in sexual activity. Howard knew that the Victim was 14 years old. During the conversation, Howard asked the Victim to send him a naked picture, which she did. Subsequently, Howard and the Victim met on two occasions and engaged in sexual activity. 

On June 16, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Howard’s residence, during which he admitted to communicating with and having sex with the Victim. Howard also admits to having sexual communications with a 13-year-old female from Arkansas and receiving sexually explicit images from her. In addition, analysis of a cellular telephone seized from Howard revealed sexual communications with an 11-year-old female and her 14-year-old sister. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Washington, 46, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 252 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. 

Beginning in February 2019, Washington conspired with others to sell cocaine and fentanyl. Washington resided at and maintained control over a residence on Bennett Village Terrace. In February 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Washington’s Bennett Village Terrace residence and recovered over $77,000 in cash. Further investigation determined that Washington was associated with and controlled other residences on Rogers Street and Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. On February 21, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the Rogers Street residence, during which law enforcement recovered approximately three kilograms of fentanyl, 329 grams of a fentanyl mixture, 223 grams of crack cocaine, 1,002 grams of cocaine, 893 grams of heroin, $246,775 in cash. Also on February 21, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Bailey Avenue residence, during which they seized $151,350 in cash. The total amount of cash seized was $1,133,505, which represents the proceeds of drug trafficking. The investigation also included controlled purchases of fentanyl from Washington, who was arrested for selling fentanyl while on pre-trial release awaiting trial in this matter. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Evan K. Glaberson. The sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, and the California Highway Patrol.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeffrey Nowak, 46, of Lackawanna, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. 

According to the criminal complaint, in August 2019, the defendant, a priest in the Diocese of Buffalo, was placed on administrative leave as an investigation was conducted following allegations of inappropriate contact with children and harassment of a seminarian. In December 2019, an email address linked to Nowak, pigboybuffalo@gmail.com, was identified as an address that accessed a New Zealand cloud-based digital storage and file-hosting website/application, which contained photos and videos files of sexually exploited children. In May 2021, the FBI conducted an investigation, executing a search warrant for the email address pigboybuffalo@gmail.com, however, no child pornography was found, and the investigation was closed in July 2023. 

In late 2025, the FBI Criminal Division’s Violent Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Section, Child Exploitation Operational Unit (CEOU), received a referral from law enforcement located in Scotland related to a Telegram group whose members participated in group Zoom calls during which members were observed viewing and sharing child pornography. Investigators linked one of the participants to the username PigBoy666, which was later identified as Nowak. As a result, the investigation into Nowak was re-opened by FBI Buffalo in March 2026.

On July 8, 2026, a search warrant was executed at Nowak’s residence, during which investigators seized multiple electronic devices, including a cell phone, laptop, iPad, a USB storage device, and suspected narcotics. An initial review of the electronics, including the USB storage device, recovered several folders containing videos of child pornography. 

“Defendants like Jeffrey Nowak go to great lengths, and in this case great distances, to hide their criminal behavior,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Once in a position of trust, Nowak hid behind a keyboard and took part in the tragic exploitation of one of society’s most vulnerable populations, our children. Nowak has now been exposed and can no longer hide and will be held accountable for his disgraceful behavior.”

“Crimes involving the receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material are among the most disturbing offenses the FBI investigates. It is especially troubling when the crime is allegedly committed by a trusted leader of faith,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office.  “Criminals who receive, possess, or distribute this material fuel the continued exploitation of innocent children. No position of trust, title, or status will shield anyone from accountability. FBI Buffalo, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to protect innocent children, identify child predators, and bring offenders to justice.” 

Nowak will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer on July 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Phillip Digennaro, 38 of Greece, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

According to the criminal complaint, Digennaro has filed false claims in multiple class action lawsuits in order to obtain payments from settlement funds that he was not otherwise entitled to receive. He used over 480 bank accounts at eight different financial institutions to perpetuate this scheme, including Synchrony Bank, Alliant Bank, Chase Bank, Key Bank, M&T Bank, PNC Bank, Discover Bank, and Barclays Bank, as well as Pay Pal. Between January 2022 and December 2025, Digennaro is accused of receiving approximately 27,052 payments totaling approximately $1,303,060.59 from approximately 107 different class action lawsuit settlements. Digennaro continued to transfer funds derived from the class action lawsuits between various accounts in his control until April 2026.

One example, Digennaro filed false claims in the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep EcoDiesel Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Lawsuit, which was litigated in the Northern District of California. The lawsuit alleged that the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, Model Years 2014-2016, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel, model years 2014-2016, did not comply with federal and state emissions regulations and that Fiat Chrysler made misrepresentations to consumers regarding the vehicles. The defendants settled the Ecodiesel Class Action Lawsuit by making cash payments to class members ranging from $990 to $3,075. Between January 25, 2022, and May 19, 2023, Digennaro received nine payments totaling $27,060 from the lawsuit settlement fund. The investigation determined that Digennaro submitted at least five fraudulent driver’s licenses to support his fraudulent claims. 

On May 21, 2026, law enforcement executed a federal seizure warrant and seized approximately $1,224,497.27 from accounts controlled by Digennaro. That same day, investigators executed a search warrant at his residence, seizing multiple checks that were issued from class action settlement funds and were payable to individuals other than Digennaro. During the search warrant, law enforcement also seized numerous electronic devices, which contained voluminous records of class action lawsuit filings, photoshopped documents with fake names, and a folder labeled “ready for claims” with subfolders for various class action lawsuits.

Digennaro made an initial appearance before U.S. District Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan K. McGuire and Melanie Bailey. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II.

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 two defendants were arrested and charged in separate complaints involving a smuggling attempt. Khvicha Chalisuri, 63, a Canadian citizen and native of Georgia, was charged with alien smuggling, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Alexandru-Stefanita Iordache, 34, a Romanian native living in Canada, was charged with eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison. 

According to the complaints, in the early morning hours of June 24, 2026, defendant Chalisuri was encountered at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry seeking entry to the United States in a commercial truck. Chalisuri was asked if anyone else was in the truck and he said no. Chalisuri was then referred to X-ray to have the truck and cargo scanned. During the scan of the truck, an officer noticed an anomaly, which appeared to be a person standing in the sleeper portion of the cab. The individual was removed from the truck and later identified as Iordache.  Subsequent investigation determined that Iordache, who was living in Canada, has no authorization for lawful entry to the United States. 

Both defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were 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 case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.

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 Theodore E. Coffie a/k/a Teddy Ticklez, 55, of Olean, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to narcotics conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000. 

Coffie was a drug trafficking associate of Charles Washington a/k/a Telly, a Jamestown-based drug trafficker. He sold marijuana, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine supplied Washington, utilizing social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities. 

On March 5, 2025, Coffie possessed a firearm. He was previously convicted of felonies in February 2023, in Cattaraugus County Court, in June 1993, September 2002, and August 2008, in Monroe County Court, and in November 2007, in Livingston County Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. That same day, Olean Police Department investigators conducted a controlled narcotics purchase from Coffie, who was arrested a short time later. During a search of Coffie, they recovered a loaded handgun, and approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, and two cell phones.   

Charges remain pending against co-defendant Charles Washington.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Arcara.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Patrick J. Steinmetz, 40, of Springwater, NY, was convicted by a federal jury of two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 60 years. 

In March 2024, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the report of a sexual assault between Steinmetz and a 16-year-old girl (Minor Victim 1-MV1), who is known to him. MV1 reported that Steinmetz sexually assaulted her multiple times over the course of approximately nine months. MV1 stated that she was sexually assaulted by Steinmetz every week, starting in the summer of 2023 when she was 15 years old. 

During the course of the nine months that she was sexually assaulted, Steinmetz gave MV1 a cell phone to hide from her mother. According to MV1, Steinmetz used the cell phone to take photos and video recordings of MV1’s naked body as well as while he was sexually assaulting her. A forensic review of the cell phone recovered video of Steinmetz sexually assaulting MV1. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn M. Hartford and Franz M. Wright. The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen B. Davis II. 

Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., who presided over the trial of the case.

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The Justice Department announced today that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel. 

“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”

“This individual, as alleged in the criminal complaint, provided money to a foreign terrorist organization engaged in acts of violence,” said Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI is committed to cutting off funding to terrorist groups and will continue to work side-by-side with our Justice Department partners to make sure anyone who engages in terrorism or provides assistance to such organizations is held fully accountable in our justice system.”

In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.” 

An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew Hurlburt, 25, of Pavilion, NY, who was convicted of theft of mail by an officer or employee of the United States Postal Service, was sentenced to serve six months’ probation by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Hurlburt was employed by the United States Postal Service as a city carrier assigned to the Perry Post Office, in Perry, NY. In July 2025, an individual mailed a birthday card that included a $100 Visa gift card to a relative in Perry, but it never arrived. Subsequent investigation by Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service determined that the gift card was utilized multiple times at a gas station and bar by Hurlburt. In August 2025, investigators placed an integrity test envelope containing a $25 Visa gift card in Hurlburt’s assigned mail delivery tray. The envelope was labeled in such a way that it should be returned to the Post Office by Hurlburt at the end of his shift. However, Hurlburt did not return the envelope, instead he stole the envelope from the mail, opened the birthday card inside, and utilized the gift card to buy snacks, alcohol, and gas.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Justice Department announced today that Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

According to the criminal complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects the idea of peaceful protests and engages in “direct action” — including acts of sabotage and property destruction — in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities that it associates with Israel. 

“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism.”

“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Providing financial support to a designated foreign terrorist organization is a serious federal crime that directly fuels violence and puts innocent lives at risk,” said Allen D. Davis II, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “This arrest reflects the FBI’s relentless focus on identifying and stopping individuals who seek to finance terrorism, glorify violence, or support extremist organizations. FBI Buffalo’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will aggressively pursue anyone who seeks to promote extremism or provide financial support to terrorist organizations that threaten the safety and security of the American people.”

In February and March 2026, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have engaged in attacks with PIJ against Israel. In one of the messages, Washburn stated, “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Washburn praised his bravery and stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Washburn further stated in that message that the individual was not the first fighter she had met, that she hated Jews “very much,” and that she wished Israel “would disappear.” In other messages, Washburn and the individual discussed purported PIJ attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In one message, Washburn stated, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”   

An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn was sending cryptocurrency to this individual, making approximately 80 transfers of cryptocurrency totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, which is the equivalent of $30,116, to an account he used. In a November 2025 message, Washburn stated, “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” and included what appears to be a laughing emoji. 

Washburn pictured with two hand grenades in front of Hamas flag.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.

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 Octavio Smith, 47, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with depredation of government property, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. 

According to the criminal complaint, in November 2022, Smith threw a brick at a window of the FBI Buffalo Field Office and was immediately detained by on-site security personnel. When Buffalo Police officers arrived, Smith stated that he wanted to talk to the FBI and that he did this to “get the FBI’s attention.” Smith was taken into custody and told FBI agents “I’m a threat.” He was charged with depredation of government property, which was ultimately dismissed with prejudice.

On June 25, 2026, Smith again was observed throwing a brick at a window of the FBI Building and was detained. He was initially arrested by Buffalo Police officers and charged with mischief. 

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields.

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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