Western District of New York

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eugene Jamar Thomas, 45, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to submitting false claims to the Internal Revenue Service. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that on his 2015 tax return, Thomas reported that he earned $819,934 of interest income in 2015 and that he had $818,834 of that income withheld and paid to the IRS as tax. Thomas falsely claimed that he was entitled to a refund of $495,655. After receiving the fraudulent refund, Thomas deposited the $482,017 check into two separate bank accounts. In September and October 2016, Thomas withdrew approximately $226,000 from these accounts. Subsequently, the IRS discovered the fraudulent filing and return, and immediately levied the bank accounts, recovering approximately $256,250. In actually, Thomas did not earn any interest income in 2015, did not have any interest income withheld, and was not entitled to any refund.

In addition, on his 2016 tax return, Thomas again falsely claimed that he had earned $4,731,845 of interest income and had $4,683,641 of that income withheld and paid to the IRS. The IRS flagged the 2016 tax return and did not pay a $2,683,945 anticipated refund to Thomas.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2024, before Judge Wolford.  

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Theodore LaFrance, of Hornell, NY, who was convicted of aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false or fraudulent tax return, was sentenced to serve two years’ probation, to include six months of home detention, by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. LaFrance was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $36,040 to the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that LaFrance, who owned and operated T&J Country Kitchen Inc. in Hornell, hired Staff Leasing Inc. to provide payroll services for his business. Between 2014 and 2018, LaFrance provided false information to Staff Leasing Inc. regarding the wages T&J Country Kitchen Inc. paid to its cooking and cleaning staff. LaFrance did not report the wages that were paid in cash to staff members. As a result, Staff Leasing Inc. used the false information to complete and file quarterly Forms 941 on behalf of T &J Country Kitchen Inc. IRS. Between 2014 and 2018, T&J Country Kitchen’s 941s did not include a total of $235,560.42 in wages, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $36,040.74.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Roderick Arrington, a/k/a Ra-Ra, 42, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 216 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that Roderick was a member of the Schuele Boys Gang, which operated in the Schuele Street area of the East Side of Buffalo. The Schuele Boys Gang was responsible for multiple acts of violence and the distribution of illegal narcotics including cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. 

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James Fox, 41, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to sex trafficking by coercion, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper and Aaron J. Mango, who are handling the case, stated that between January 2019, and May 2020, Fox coerced an individual identified as T.P. to engage in commercial sex acts for him, providing T.P., who was addicted to heroin, with heroin and crack cocaine in exchange for sex. On the verge of physical withdrawal sickness, Fox supplied T.P. with small amounts of heroin to keep T.P. dependent and to coerce T.P. to engage in commercial sex acts, which included the use of physical restraints. On one occasion, T.P. suffered a heroin overdose. Fox administered four doses of Narcan and T.P. ultimately regained consciousness.

In addition, between 2018 and 2021, Fox coerced five other individuals to engage in commercial sex acts for him. Fox provided these victims, who were also addicted to heroin, with heroin and crack cocaine in exchange for sex. Similarly to T.P., these victims would be on the verge of physical withdrawal sickness, and Fox would supply them with a small mount to keep them dependent and to coerce them to engage in commercial sex acts, which included the use of physical restraints.

The plea is a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Karn. Jr. and Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.  

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about all forms of trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that the Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force is kicking off a series of training conferences to educate members of law enforcement, the legal community, and non-government organizations that provide services to victims and survivors of human trafficking.

The first training conference is scheduled for tomorrow, January 10, 2024, from 9:00 am-12:30 pm at Jamestown Community College, Hultquist Library Building Lenna Theater, 525 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY, 14701.

The conference will cover a victim-centered approach to identifying, investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases and responding to trafficking victims and survivors. Presentations will include sex trafficking, labor trafficking, domestic violence and child trafficking, and services and resources that are available for victims and survivors. Additional conferences will be held in the coming weeks and months throughout the Western District of New York.

According to a proclamation from President Biden declaring January 2024 as Human Trafficking Prevention month, more than 27 million people around the world endure the abuse of human trafficking and forced labor, including thousands of people right here in the United States. For more information on sex and labor trafficking, including services and resources, go to: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/human-trafficking/overview.

The Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and International Institute of Buffalo, brings together law enforcement and social and legal service agencies to collaborate on human trafficking cases. The Western District of New York includes the 17 counties: Allegany; Cattaraugus; Chautauqua; Chemung; Erie; Genesee; Livingston; Monroe; Niagara; Ontario; Orleans; Schuyler; Seneca; Steuben; Wayne; Wyoming; and Yates.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nicholas Laffin, 28, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on December 27, 2023, the Albion Police Department received a report that a man was found in the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl (Minor Victim), together with the Minor Victim. The man fled the area but left a cell phone in bedroom. The Minor Victim told police that she met the man at the Hoag Library in Albion, and believed him to be approximately 20 years old. A few days later, on December 31, 2023, Laffin was located in Albion near the Minor Victim’s residence and advised Albion Police that his cell phone had been stolen on December 26, 2023, in Albion, NY. Laffin was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. On January 3, 2024, seven items of digital evidence were turned over to the FBI. An initial review of Laffin’s cell phone located in the Minor Victim’s bedroom recovered multiple images and video files of child pornography involving the Minor Victim.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by the Albion Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Mogle, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.

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 Trini E. Ross announced today that Andrew Neal, 22, of Columbia, Missouri, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who handled the case, stated that between July 2018, and November 5, 2020, Neal received and attempted to receive sexually explicit images from three minor victims located in Lancaster, NY, San Francisco, California and Springfield, Missouri. Neal contacted the victims through Instagram and requested the sexually explicit images. If the victims did not comply, Neal threatened to share images previously sent by the victims with their Instagram followers. The victims initially complied but once they stopped, Neal did in fact share images with some of their Instagram followers.  

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted William A. Quinones, 49, of Mayville, NY, of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and sex trafficking of a minor. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.

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

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

Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. who presided over the trial.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that a federal jury has convicted Lavon Parks, a/k/a Dutch, 32, and his father, James C. Parks, 58, both of Niagara Falls, NY, of narcotics conspiracy, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and discharge of firearm causing death. In addition, Lavon Parks was also convicted of attempt to possess, with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys P. Richard Antoine, Caitlin M. Higgins, and Joel L. Violanti, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that between May 2017, and March 2019, the defendants were part of a conspiracy to sell cocaine in the Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY areas. On the afternoon of January 21, 2018, Kevin Turner was murdered in a shooting in front of a Niagara Street residence in Niagara Falls. Turner was an alleged crack cocaine dealer who had recently moved from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, where, the night before the shooting, he was staying just a few blocks from the scene of the shooting. The afternoon of the shooting, Turner went to the Niagara Street residence to sell crack cocaine. After exiting the residence, Turner was shot and killed. Evidence was presented by the Government that Lavon Parks and James Parks were driving around the area in a truck immediately before the shooting, apparently looking for someone. Video evidence placed a truck registered to Lavon Parks’ then-girlfriend in the immediate area of the shooting both before and after the murder. Ballistics recovered from the scene of the shooting matched a firearm that was recovered approximately two weeks later from an individual in Niagara Falls who was not near the scene at the time of Turner’s death. The firearm, however, was one of several firearms that were illegally trafficked from Pittsburgh, PA, by an individual who testified that he sold this type of firearm, along with at least seven others, to Lavon Parks in exchange for drugs.

The investigation included a series of controlled buys and payments involving defendant Lavon Parks. Investigators seized approximately 8.5 kilograms of cocaine and $52,000 in U.S. currency from postal parcels shipped from Puerto Rico to various locations in the Western District of New York, Florida, Alaska, Georgia, and Pennsylvania using the United States Postal Service. The shipments were made to co-conspirators. Additionally, the investigation identified $55,700 in U.S. currency and/or money orders shipped in parcels from co-conspirators to Puerto Rico as payment to the source of supply for the cocaine.

The jury verdict is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino III, New York Field Division; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the Boston Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2024, for Lavon Parks and June 27, 2024, for James Parks, both before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, who presided over the trial of the case.  

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Greg MacKinnon, 58, of Wheatfield, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. MacKinnon was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $3,067,341 to the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who handled the case, stated that between June 2011, and April 27, 2017, MacKinnon operated Vantage Point Services, a debt collection business. MacKinnon and others involved in the conspiracy fraudulently and unlawfully collected on debt, earning income exceeding $10,000 every year from such criminal activity. The criminal activity included using illegal tactics to collect on debt, such as coercion by making false threats of arrest to debtors; collecting more than was owed on a debt; and attempting to collect on debt that had already been paid in full. 

MacKinnon, and his co-conspirators, diverted money that represented the unlawful proceeds of illegal debt collection activities employed by Vantage Point Services to other debt collection business entities controlled by co-conspirators. The money was diverted, and made to appear as ordinary business expenses, to avoid reporting income exceeding $10,000 in any year from criminal activity and paying income taxes. The total tax loss to the United States was $3,067,341.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Richard Greer, 57, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case stated that according to the complaint, Homeland Security Investigations has been investigating individuals who provide access to live-streaming online webcam shows involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children to paying customers worldwide, including a specific individual (Trafficker) operating a child-sex-trafficking network from the Philippines. During the investigation, they identified significant communication between Trafficker and defendant Greer, with the two exchanging approximately 31,000 messages, 3099 calls, and 213 media files. During these communications, Greer received many images and videos of child pornography from Trafficker.

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

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.

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 Trini E. Ross announced today that Brandon G. Uber, 23, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

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

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2024, before Judge Arcara.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Mark Nash, 35, of Buffalo, NY, with three 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 30 years. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on three occasions between July 2021, and May 2022, Nash coerced Minor Victim 1 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. In addition, between July 2, 2021, and April 12, 2023, Nash possessed a cell phone containing sexually explicit images of Minor Victim 1.

The defendant was arraigned this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.

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 Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Damone Hennings, 31, and  Analyse Spencer, 23, both of Buffalo, NY, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a minimum penalty of two years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between on or about August 11, and September 7, 2020, Hennings and Spencer conspired to illegally obtain pandemic related benefits from the New York State Department of Labor. Hennings and Spencer used false identification information, including the social security numbers of other individuals, to submit 10 applications to state labor department. As a result, Hennings and Spencer received 10 debit cards containing federal funds that they were not entitled to receive. Hennings and Spencer attempted to obtain $412,606, but actually obtained approximately $362,268.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Linder.

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 Trini E. Ross announced today that Julie Dotton, 51, of Orchard Park, NY, who was convicted of willful failure to truthfully account for and pay over employment taxes, was sentenced four years’ probation, and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Dotton was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,585,538 to the IRS and $117,277 to the SBA. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who handled the case, stated that Dotton was the President, CEO, and majority shareholder of Applied Sciences Group (ASG), a technology business that largely developed software. She was also the founding partner of the partnership KRP Holdings (KRP). By law, businesses must account for income tax, social security tax, and a hospital insurance (Medicare) tax in the wages of individual employees, equal to a percentage of the wages earned by the employee. These taxes are commonly referred to as “trust fund taxes” because employers hold these taxes in trust for the government. For all of 2018 and three quarters of 2019, Dotton failed to pay over the trust fund taxes to the IRS on behalf of the employees of ASG and KRP, resulting in a loss of approximately $1,100,837 to IRS. Dotton also admitted that she obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the federal government in the amount of $117,277, to which she was not entitled. 

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Thomas Fattorusso.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Gonzalez a/k/a Steven Hernandez, a/k/a Steve, a/k/a Stevie, a/k/a Unc, 47, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Gonzalez was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $7,058.60 to the family of overdose victim L.K.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case stated that between June 2019, and September 2019, Gonzalez conspired with others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. During the conspiracy, Gonzalez sold quantities of heroin and fentanyl for profit, with the assistance of a known co-conspirator identified CC-1.  CC-1 arranged drug deals and drove Gonzalez to drug deals, and Gonzalez provided CC-1 with heroin/fentanyl for CC-1’s personal use.  On July 17, 2019, CC-1 made a controlled call to Gonzalez regarding CC-1’s sworn testimony related to the overdose of a person identified as L.K. CC-1 told Gonzalez that CC-1 believed that investigators did not believe CC-1’s false story accusing a source of supply named “Freddy.” Gonzalez told CC-1 to “stick to the same story that you’ve been telling them.” On September 24, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at West Avenue residence, during which they recovered approximately 19 grams of heroin from Gonzalez’s possession.  Gonzalez utilized the West Avenue residence to facilitate his drug trafficking activities.

In April 2022, Gonzalez was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking by coercion, and drug distribution charges. Those charges remain pending.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Augustin Ramos, 42, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in two separate cases, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that in June 2018, investigators intercepted a package mailed from Puerto Rico, which contained approximately 2,986 grams of cocaine. The content of the package was replaced with sham and a transmitter to alert law enforcement when the package was opened. On June 18, 2018, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the package to the residence of a co-conspirator. After an individual at the address accepted the package, Ramos made arrangements to retrieve the package. In May 2021, Ramos pleaded guilty to attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

On April 18, 2022, while he was awaiting sentencing on the attempt to possess charge, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Ramos’s Buffalo residence, and seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpinato, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Savannah Gross, 31, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, $10,000,000 fine. In addition, Kyle Lewis, 34, also of Jamestown, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that Gross and her boyfriend, co-defendant Richard Philbrick, bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and their own use. The couple used and maintained residences on Newland Avenue in Jamestown, for the purposes of their drug trafficking activities. During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Gross.

Defendant Lewis distributed amounts of heroin and fentanyl, sourced in part from Richard Philbrick. He utilized electronic media to facilitate his drug trafficking activities,  including social media and cash applications. Investigators made five controlled purchases of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine from Lewis during the investigation.

Richard Philbrick was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

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

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

Sentencing for Gross and Lewis will be scheduled at a later date.

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BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Justin Whitfield, 24, of Cincinnati, OH, was charged by criminal complaint with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, since April 2019, the DEA has investigated the drug trafficking activities, including heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine, of Rocco Beardsley in the Jamestown, NY area.  During the investigation, Whitfield was identified as an associate and co-conspirator of Beardsley. The complaint states that Beardsley was utilizing a source of supply for methamphetamine in the Cincinnati area, and Whitfield was responsible for introducing Beardsley to the source. Whitfield utilized social media to conduct drug related conversations and facilitate his drug trafficking activities.

Whitfield made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained. Co-defendant Rocco Beardsley is scheduled for trial on March 25, 2024.

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

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brendan Farver, 29, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Farver bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and his own use, and brokered deals for other drug dealers in and around the Jamestown area. Farver utilized social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities. In May 2020, the Conewango Township Police Department conducted undercover purchases of heroin from Farver on two different occasions. On July 31, 2020, Farver brought heroin/fentanyl to an associate identified as K.T. at the individual’s residence in Jamestown. The two then injected the heroin/fentanyl. The following morning, at approximately 11:27 a.m., the Jamestown Police Department responded to K.T.’s residence for a reported overdose, where officers discovered K.T., deceased.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eddie Ortiz-Ortiz, 29, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that on January 31, 2020, a Cattaraugus County Sherriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop of Ortiz’s vehicle. As the deputy spoke with Ortiz, he detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A Cattaraugus County K-9 unit was brought in and provided a positive alert to a wrapped white package located within the vehicle. The package contained approximately 1,000 grams of cocaine.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Cattaraugus County Sherriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Cordell Brooks, 28, of Rochester, NY, with sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and kidnapping. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.

 Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between May and July 5, 2023, Brooks forced Victim 1 to engage in a commercial sex act. In addition, on July 5, 2023, Brooks kidnapped and abducted Victim 1.

Brooks was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and is being held.  

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.

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 Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Augusto Mateo Francisco, 32, of Dunkirk, NY, with two counts of forced labor, one count of kidnapping a minor, and one count of transportation of a minor for the purpose of illegal sexual activity. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, Francisco facilitated the illegal entry of Guatemalan migrants into the United States and helped transport them to the Dunkirk area, where he would provide them with housing and work at area farms. Francisco would charge the migrants for their housing, rides to work, and for other items. He would also take a cut of the wages they earned working at the farms. Francisco threatened two individuals (Victim 1 and Victim 2), telling them that if they stopped working for him or if they did not pay back the money they purportedly owed to him, he would harm their families or would call immigration authorities and have them deported. 

In addition, Francisco pursued a sexual relationship with Minor Victim 1, a 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant who had come to the U.S. with her mother. Francisco repeatedly raped Minor Victim 1, threatening to harm her siblings who were still in Guatemala if she told anyone about what had happened. In May 2020, Francisco abducted Minor Victim 1 and took her to a trailer in Ripley, NY, where she was held for nearly two weeks, until being rescued by police. Following her rescue, Minor Victim 1 and her mother fled to Georgia to escape Francisco. However, he followed them and kidnapped Minor Victim 1, bringing her back to the Western District of New York, where he unlawfully held her for several more days, until she was again rescued by police.

Francisco was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy, and is being held pending a detention hearing on December 20, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.

The indictment is the result of by Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino and the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that David G. Jakubonis, 44, of Fairport, NY, who was convicted of assaulting a federal officer, was sentenced to serve three years probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who handled the case, stated that on July 21, 2022, during a campaign event in Perinton, NY, Congressman Lee Zeldin gave a speech from the bed of a flatbed trailer. During the speech, Jakubonis walked onto the trailer, approached the Congressman, extended a keychain with two sharp points toward him and grabbed his arm. A struggle then ensued between Congressman Zeldin and Jakubonis and, as bystanders intervened, Jakubonis pulled Congressman Zeldin down onto the bed of the trailer, stating several times during the assault, “you're done.” Jakubonis was subdued and arrested.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the U.S. Capitol Police, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Chad Beckett, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael B. Benitez, 33, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with arson of property used in interstate commerce. The charge carries carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of June 14, 2023, the Village of Farnham Fire Department responded to a fire on railroad tracks just west of the Railroad Avenue grade crossing in Farnham. While the fire department responded, trains were being held until the fire, the source of which was several tires burning, could be extinguished. Subsequent investigation by the Norfolk Southern Police Department revealed freshly trampled grass and a path directly adjacent from the tracks to the nearby residence of Benitez. Video obtained during the investigation appears to show Benitez leaving and returning to the residence during the time of the fire.

Benitez made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and was released on conditions.

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

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Kevin Judge, 65, of Orchard Park, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, marijuana, was sentenced to time served and  two years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Judge was a drug trafficking associate of co-defendant Gary Wolch. Judge traveled to secure marijuana for the drug trafficking operation and coordinated with other associates and conspirators to obtain marijuana for distribution in the Western New York area. On August 16, 2019, Judge arrived at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, where he was approached by investigators at his gate and his bags were detained. After initial questioning, Judge was taken back to his vehicle in the parking lot. Once back in his vehicle, Judge contacted Wolch and said, “There’s a problem.” He then called other associates and co-conspirators. During the execution of a search warrant on Judge’s bags, law enforcement recovered $60,000 in U.S. currency and $40,000 in Western Union Money Orders. Judge admits he was attempting to go to Southern California with $100,000 to purchase marijuana. Wolch was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

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

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Orchard Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick Fitzgerald, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has found Todd Laraba, 45, of Lockport, NY, guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy for his role in a home invasion in the Town of Tonawanda. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Rudroff, Paul E. Bonanno, and Nicholas T. Cooper, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on September 28, 2017, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Laraba and another individual entered a Town of Tonawanda  residence, and went to the family room where an elderly couple (victims) were watching television. Wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black pants, black gloves, and masks, one of the men stated, “This isn't going to hurt, or take long. You won't get hurt, just relax.” The men zip tied the victims’ hands and ankles and placed duct tape across their mouths and eyes. One of the men stayed with the victims while the other went to the attic of the residence, and stole a lockbox containing $60,000 in cash. After the men left, the victims removed the duct tape and restraints and called 911. The Town of Tonawanda Police Department responded and recovered four black zip ties, four pieces of glossy duct tape, and other items. Subsequent testing established that Laraba’s DNA was on one set of zip ties and several pieces of duct tape.

The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Angstenberger, 48, of North Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison and 10 years supervised released by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that Angstenberger created and used a Snapchat account with the username “catybug1234,” to communicate with, and obtain sexually explicit images from, minor girls. When doing so, he posed as a minor girl. Angstenberger communicated with minor victims in other states and countries. For example, Angstenberger communicated with a victim located in Kentucky (Victim 1), who was 12 years old. On December 5, 2021, Angstenberger asked Victim 1 to send him sexually explicit photos, which she did. Angstenberger communicated with a second victim located in Arkansas (Victim 2), who was approximately 11-12 years old. Victim 2 also sent sexually explicit photos as Angstenberger’s request.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ryan Hamilton, 32, of Bath, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior conviction, was sentenced to serve 162 months in prison and 15 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Hamilton was also ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to victims. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that in August 2016 and again in September 2017, Hamilton was convicted in Steuben County Court of Possessing Sexual Performance by Child Less than 16. In October 2019, while being supervised by New York State Parole, Hamilton possessed approximately 87 videos and 1,124 images of child pornography on an SD card. Some of the images and videos included children under the age of 12 and depictions of violence.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of under the direction of Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that George Ward, 57, of North Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to tax evasion. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that between 2015 and 2020, Ward owned and operated a fire protection and inspection business in Amherst, NY. During this time period, Ward failed to file personal income tax returns, which included substantial business revenues received by his business. Ward also failed to pay income, social security, and Medicare taxes withheld from the pay of his employees. This resulted in a tax loss to the IRS of $953,793. Ward also failed to file his taxes with the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, resulting in a tax loss of $165,645. In addition to failing to file tax returns, Ward also made false statements to an IRS revenue officer regarding the filing of his taxes and the status of his business, used a check cashing business for over $2,000,000 in gross receipt checks from customers rather than depositing them into his business’ bank account, and deposited cash derived from his business’ activities into a bank account held in his wife’s name.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert Bibbins, 51, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography after having previously been convicted of a child pornography offense, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in 2015, Bibbins was convicted of a child pornography offense in New York State Court and sentenced to a jail term and 10 years’ probation. In 2020, Bibbins violated his probation and was sentenced to serve one to three years in prison. On September 19, 2022, he was released on parole. Within three days of his release, Bibbins acquired an internet-capable cellular phone in violation of his parole conditions. On September 22, 2022, during a routine search, parole officers discovered the phone secreted in a trash can at the half-way house where Bibbins was living and discovered images of children in sexually explicit poses, as well as images of naked children. A full forensic examination of the phone by the FBI, which uncovered multiple sexually explicit images of children.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Thomas Corsaro, 60, of Bloomfield, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Corsaro was also ordered to pay $1,447,809.19 restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who handled the case, stated that between November 2020, and November 2022, Corsaro, acting as an investment adviser, executed a scheme to defraud eight individual investors who invested funds with him. Rather than invest the funds, as he represented he would do, Corsaro used the funds for his own personal use, depositing the funds into personal and business bank accounts. In total, Corsaro received $1,712,469.32 from the eight investors. He repaid $265,642.83 prior to the criminal investigation.

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

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ROCHESTER, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jason Koscielski, 35, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction, was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison and 20 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that in December 2011, Koscielski was convicted on federal charges of receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography, and sentenced to serve 135 months in prison and 30 years supervised release, which prohibited him from possessing any unmonitored telephone. In November of 2021, Koscielski obtained a Tracfone, in violation of the terms of his supervised release.

Between November 2 and November 16, 2021, Koscielski used the phone to send and receive images of child pornography and to possess approximately 476 images of child pornography. Many of the images involved children younger than 12 years old and were sexually explicit in nature. On November 5, 2021, Koscielski also used the Phone to exchange sexually explicit photos with Minor Victim 1, a 15-year-old male. 

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Department, under the director of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Vyacheslav S. Migitskiy, 33, a Ukrainian national living in Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Geraci to making a materially false statement. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on August 25, 2022, Migitskiy towed a 25-foot Bayliner boat onto Lake Ontario with the intention of sinking the abandoned vessel. Migitskiy intentionally sunk the vessel without reporting his actions. The following day, on August 26, 2022, the partially submerged boat was discovered by civilian witnesses who reported the sinking to the United States Coast Guard, which resulted in an immediate search and rescue effort by the Coast Guard, the New York State Police, and other law enforcement agencies which included deployment of surface vessels, aircraft, and SCUBA search teams. The United States Coast Guard spent $14,194 during the search and rescue effort, while the New York State Police spent $1,248.

On October 4, 2022, Migitskiy was interviewed by a Special Agent with the United States Coast Guard, during which he falsely stated that he had donated the boat to unnamed individuals. Migitskiy further provided a false description of the individuals who took possession of the vessel, false information on how they removed the vessel from his property, and false information on what they did with the vessels’ trailer.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Joshua Packer, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Central Region, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei III, and the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Long, the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Stefano Napolitano, the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 18, 2024 at 3 p.m. before Judge Geraci.  

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury gas returned an indictment charging Jeffrey Paden, 57, of Frewsburg, NY, with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and previously filed complaint, the New York State Police (NYSP) received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an individual in Frewsburg, NY, uploaded images of child pornography on the internet. Subsequent investigation traced the images to Paden, who is currently on federal supervised release following a 2015 conviction for possession of child pornography. Paden was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender upon release. On September 12, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant on 12 electronic devices seized earlier in the investigation by the NYSP and recovered multiple images of child pornography.

Paden was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.

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 Trini E. Ross announced today that Rolik Walker, 25, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of transmitting an interstate threat, was sentenced to a term of 3 years’ probation, by United States District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. One of the conditions of probation is that Walker must abide by the terms of an electronically monitored curfew for a period of one year.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on May 16, 2022, two days after the mass shooting at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, Walker downloaded the IPVanish application onto his cell phone in order to mask his IP address. Walker, using IPVanish, then created a Twitter account with the handle @ConklinHero, and posted a threat about “targeting” several stores in the Western New York area and “Only looking to kill blacks.” Soon after the threat was posted, local, state, and federal law enforcement diverted resources to the stores to ensure the safety of the community, which resulted in one of the stores closing early. Although he attempted to conceal his IP address, the FBI linked the Twitter account to Walker’s residence in Buffalo.

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

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mark Remein, 41, and Derek Verna, 44, both of Rochester, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with committing and conspiring to commit wire fraud, interstate transportation and sale of stolen property, and money laundering. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Remein and Verna owned and/or operated West Ridge Connections, a pawn shop located on West Ridge Road in Rochester. Remein and Verna knowingly purchased stolen, new-in-box items from serial shoplifters for a fraction (approximately 30%) of the items’ retail value. Remein and Verna listed the items for sale on eBay and shipped them to buyers. The items were listed as “New” and priced below retail value. In total, between January 2020, and August 16, 2023, Remein and Verna purchased and re-sold on eBay approximately 8,100 “New” items and received approximately $497,842 for those sales. The money was deposited into bank accounts that were opened in the name of third parties to avoid detection.  

The investigation began in February 2022, after law enforcement received a complaint from Home Depot security personnel, who had followed a shoplifter from a Home Depot location to West Ridge Connections with recently stolen merchandise. A store  security manager entered West Ridge Connections and observed the stolen merchandise behind a table counter. None of the stolen merchandise was entered into LeadsOnline, an online database where secondhand dealers, like Remein and Verna, are required to report all purchases from other individuals. The investigation determined that individuals sold new-in-box items to West Ridge Connections on a regular basis. Some of the sellers were admitted opioid users, whom law enforcement observed attempting to buy drugs immediately after they sold new-in-box items to West Ridge Connections.

In December 2022, investigators made a controlled sale of three, new-in-box Google Nest thermostats to defendant Verna at West Ridge Connections. The combined retail value of the items was approximately $567.00. Verna paid $100.00 for all three items before listing them on eBay for $124.99 each. Between January and August of 2023, investigators conducted a total of 15 controlled sales, which included 37 items.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, 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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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rayshawn Miller, 40, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and acetyl-fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, was sentenced to serve 204 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who handled the case, stated that on July 20, 2021, the DEA executed a search warrant at Miller’s Broadway Street residence and seized 167 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, 18 grams of fentanyl, 21 grams of crack cocaine, 124 grams of cocaine, two loaded firearms, including a Ghost Gun, ammunition, $15,380 in cash, and drug packaging materials.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.

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U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jarrod Adams, 43, Erie, PA, and Michael Murphy, 31, of Jamestown, NY, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara for their roles in a Jamestown area drug ring. Adams, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. Murphy, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 192 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2019, and October 2020, defendant Murphy bought, sold, and distributed quantities of methamphetamine for profit, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking operation.  On July 16, 2019, the United States Marshal’s Service and other law enforcement officers went to a Bishop Street residence in Jamestown to apprehend Murphy, a federal fugitive at the time. Murphy was taken into custody along with co-conspirator Jarrod Adams. A search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine $1,476 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. During the conspiracy, Murphy, who received his supply from co-conspirators Adams and Rocco Beardsley, also supplied large quantities of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators. On November 29, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Murphy’s Newland Avenue residence and recovered methamphetamine, illicit mushrooms, other drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition and $1,642 in cash.

Rocco Beardsley is scheduled to go to trial in March 2024.

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

The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, 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 Trini E. Ross announced today that Jarrod Adams, 43, Erie, PA, and Michael Murphy, 31, of Jamestown, NY, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara for their roles in a Jamestown area drug ring. Adams, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. Murphy, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 192 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2019, and October 2020, defendant Murphy bought, sold, and distributed quantities of methamphetamine for profit, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking operation.  On July 16, 2019, the United States Marshal’s Service and other law enforcement officers went to a Bishop Street residence in Jamestown to apprehend Murphy, a federal fugitive at the time. Murphy was taken into custody along with co-conspirator Jarrod Adams. A search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine $1,476 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. During the conspiracy, Murphy, who received his supply from co-conspirators Adams and Rocco Beardsley, also supplied large quantities of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators. On November 29, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Murphy’s Newland Avenue residence and recovered methamphetamine, illicit mushrooms, other drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition and $1,642 in cash.

Rocco Beardsley is scheduled to go to trial in March 2024.

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

The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shydequan C. Wynn, 40, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to financial institution fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated between October 2019, and March 2022, Wynn executed a scheme, with others, to defraud financial institutions. Wynn stole checks included in mail from unattended mailboxes. He then forged or altered the stolen checks, often changing the amounts and making them payable to himself or another co-conspirator. He or a co-conspirator then cashed the fraudulent checks for financial gain. The scheme involved approximately 112 victims and stolen and altered checks totaling approximately $179,447. Of this amount, approximately $74,911.50 involved checks that were successfully altered and negotiated.  

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2024, before Judge Siragusa.

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mark Frey, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that on two separate dates in February 2020, a law enforcement officer connected with Frey on a peer-to-peer network where the law enforcement officer downloaded two images of child pornography from Frey’s electronic device. On March 14, 2022, an individual recovered a cellular phone from a vehicle that Frey had recently used for work purposes. The individual searched the phone and determined that it belonged to Frey and contained images of child pornography. The individual contacted law enforcement, who further searched the phone and located 15 images and 27 videos containing child pornography. On August 15, 2022, Frey was arrested, and a search of his cellular phone recovered approximately 140 images containing child pornography.

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

Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2024, before Judge Wolford.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Juan Quinones-Rivera, 41, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Caitlin M. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that in late 2020, Quinones-Rivera, a registered sex offender residing in the Western District of New York, began communicating with a 17-year-old female (Victim) on Snapchat. Quinones-Rivera told the Victim he was 19 years old. In late 2020 or early 2021, conversations between Quinones-Rivera and the Victim became sexual, with the two exchanging sexually explicit pictures and videos. Quinones-Rivera directed the Victim on what he wanted her to do in the videos and images. In all, the Victim sent Quinones-Rivera approximately 50 images and videos via Snapchat. In exchange, Quinones-Rivera sent money to the Victim via CashApp, in increments of approximately $20 and $50, for a total of approximately $700. In April 2021, a New York State Parole Officer located a cellular phone on Quinones-Rivera and found that he had been using Snapchat to communicate with the Victim. The phone also contained evidence of CashApp transactions to an account belonging to the Victim.           

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Daniel F. Martuscello III, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger; and the Greene County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Steven Smith.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eric M. Butson, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to falsely make and pass counterfeit federal reserve notes, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that between December 2022, and March 2023, Butson and co-defendant Catalina Hernandez possessed various tools and equipment necessary to make and manufacture counterfeit bills including computers, ink-jet printers, ink, and bleach. Utilizing those tools and equipment, they made and manufactured numerous counterfeit $100 bills. Butson and Hernandez passed, or attempted to pass, the bills approximately 67 times at various businesses, including in the City of Buffalo, the Town of Amherst, the Town of Clarence, and the Village of Orchard Park. The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is approximately $6,700.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a second superseding indictment charging Joseph Zaso a/k/a Joey Cracks a/k/a Sosa, 39, of Buffalo, NY, and Kyle N. Lewis, 31, of Jamestown. NY, who were previously charged with multiple drug charges, with additional charges:

•             Defendant Zaso is charged with brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and document concealment of material fact, for allegedly lying on his monthly probation reports while under the supervision of U.S. Probation. Zaso faces a mandatory life sentence.

•             Defendant Lewis is charged with narcotics conspiracy and minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the second superseding indictment and previously filed indictments, between September 2018, and May 26, 2022, defendant Zaso organized and managed an illegal narcotics ring in the Jamestown and Buffalo areas. Zaso conspired with Lewis and others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, utilizing residences at 12 Locust Street and 110 Fairview Avenue in Jamestown and 48 Laurel Street in Buffalo for their drug trafficking activities. Zaso is accused of selling heroin to an individual identified as B.K., causing serious bodily injury.

Zaso and Lewis are currently detained.

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

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

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert Forbes, Jr. a/k/a Ra Ra a/k/a Henny, 37, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and two counts of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, was sentenced to serve 228 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between February 18, and March 26, 2020, Forbes participated, with others, in four separate home invasions in Rochester and Greece, NY. Forbes took part in planning, recruiting participants, obtaining, and providing information about the suspected presence of controlled substances and/or money derived from the sale of controlled substances in the residences, driving individuals to and from the residences, and providing a firearm to use. During some of the home invasions, individuals were restrained, pistol-whipped, and/or suffered injuries.  Forbes was arrested April 1, 2020, on W. Ridge Road after a 13-minute car chase in the City of Rochester.   

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nicholas Piraino, 30, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution of cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on November 1, 2023, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately two ounces of cocaine from Piraino for $2,300. During the exchange, Piraino discussed selling two or three kilograms of cocaine the following week.

Piraino made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.

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

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mathew Schulman, 37, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a previous conviction, was sentenced to serve 186 months in prison and 15 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between May 2021, and June 2022, Shulman engaged in sexually explicit online communications with who he believed was an 11-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover New York State Police (NYSP) Investigator. During the conversations, Shulman asked the child to produce and send him child pornography, and he tried to persuade the child to meet him for sex. Shulman also distributed child pornography depicting prepubescent minors in an attempt to groom the child for sexual activity. On June 7, 2022, the NYSP and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Shulman’s Rochester residence and took him into custody. At the time of his arrest, Shulman was a registered sex offender on probation for a June 2016 conviction of possessing child pornography in Monroe County Court.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.      

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Matthew Fisher, 50, of South Wales, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 15, 2023, Fisher turned his school-owned laptop into the IT Department because the keyboard was not working properly. On October 24, 2023, an IT employee was notified of a “Low Severity Alert” on Fisher’s school-issued laptop. While searching the laptop, the employee recovered files, which included links such as “Neverland” and “lost boys.” The employee accessed one of the webpages, which depicted naked boys under the age of 10 conducting sexual acts on each other. The employee copied and moved the files to a thumb drive and notified the Head of The Gow School. The thumb drive was turned over to the FBI and the Western New York Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory conducted a preliminary forensic analysis, which recovered images of child pornography. Some of the images appear to be from a covert camera and depict clothed, male children in a bedroom believed to be on campus of The Gow School. The images include timestamps ranging from January of 2019 through September of 2023. Fisher has been terminated from his position at the Gow School.

Fisher made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on November 17, 2023.

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 Matthew Miraglia.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Lanham, 34, of Lockport, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to production of child pornography with a prior sex offense, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 in prison and a maximum of 50 years.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that in December 2010, Lanham was convicted of Rape in the Third Degree, Victim Less than 17-Year-Old, Perpetrator 21 years or more, in New York State Court and is a registered sex offender.  In September 2020, he took a sexually explicit photo of a minor victim on his cell phone.  In October 2020, Lanham distributed the image of the minor victim in a private online message to an undercover law enforcement officer on the Kik application.

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

Sentencing is scheduled for March 15, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.

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