Western District of New York

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ian Dyer, 26, of Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.

Between April 2023, and February 20, 2025, Dyer conspired with others to sell cocaine that came from Mexico and was transported from Texas to multiple locations throughout the United States, including Buffalo. His role was primarily that of a drug courier and the receiver of bulk currency for counting. Dyer personally made numerous trips with bulk cocaine to Buffalo, NY, and took numerous trips back to Texas with bulk U.S. currency.

On April 8, 2023, the Ohio State and Highway Patrol seized 18.93 kilograms of cocaine from a co-conspirator who was attempting to transport the cocaine from Texas to Buffalo. On December 12, 2023, Tennessee’s 23rd Drug Task Force seized $100,000 in U.S. currency from Dyer and one of his co-conspirators, some of which currency had come from Buffalo. On May 7, 2024, the Ontario County, NY, Sheriff’s Office seized 9.3 kilograms of cocaine and 3,528 grams of pure methamphetamine from a co-conspirator during a traffic stop. On a typical trip, Dyer or his co-conspirators transported approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine to Buffalo and additional kilograms of cocaine to other destinations.

Dyer was arrested in April 2025, along with six other defendants, including: Winnie Taru Woods a/k/a Ru, Sharron McCullough a/k/a Black, Marlon Holt, Jr. a/k/a Scooter a/k/a Professor, Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr., Shannell Gosine, and Norman Patillo. Dyer is the third to be convicted.

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Donna Duncan, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Enforcement Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Ontario County, NY, Sheriff’s Office, the 23rd Judicial Taskforce, Tennessee, as well as Homeland Security Investigations in NY, and Houston and Austin, Texas.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 9, 2027, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Orlando Justice, 38, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of transmission of threatening communications in interstate commerce, was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. 

On November 23, 2024, a Rochester Police officer (Victim) participated in the arrest of Justice, who was intoxicated at the time of arrest and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. While at Strong, Justice threatened the officer by stating that he would come to officer’s house and injure him. Justice was subsequently charged with Trespassing and Resisting Arrest and issued an appearance ticket. The following day, Justice called the officer multiple times via cellular service and FaceTime. In one call on FaceTime, Justice told the officer, “I told you that I would find you,” and that he knew the officer’s personal information and where he lived. Justice also stated that the officer “messed with the wrong one” and that he (Justice) was “a different breed of human.” Justice demanded that the officer give him the names of the other officers who were present during his arrest. Justice threatened to go to the officer’s home, continued calling the officer and encouraged his friends to do the same.

A few hours later, Justice called the officer again via FaceTime, asking “Why your friends come to my house?” the officer asked Justice who he was, and he responded that the officer knew who he was and gave the name “John Doe.” The officer ended the call by telling Justice not to call him. The following day, Justice sent a series of text messages. In one of these messages, Justice told the officer, “Don't get scared now.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Peter Gerace, 59, of Clarence, NY, was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo after a jury convicted him of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, drug trafficking and defrauding the United States, along with witness tampering, maintaining a drug involved premises and bribing a public official.  

Between 2005, and 2019, Gerace, owned and operated Pharaoh's Gentlemen's Club.  While doing so Gerace engaged in various criminal activity to include conspiring to distribute controlled substances, sex trafficking and bribing former Drug Enforcement Agent Joesph Bongiovanni. Gerace paid Bongiovanni in exchange for Bongiovanni using his position to dissuade other members of law enforcement from conducting investigations into Gerace’s activities at Pharaoh’s. Bongiovanni was previously convicted and was sentenced to serve five years in prison. Gerace also forced and coerced Pharaoh’s dancers to engage in commercial sex acts.

“The conduct Peter Gerace engaged in had a horrendous impact on the victims and negatively impacted the community,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “My office will continue pursue individuals who engage in such conduct and hold them accountable.” 

“Today’s sentencing of Peter Gerace sends a clear message that individuals who exploit vulnerable people for profit will be held accountable,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “This case exposed the devastating impact of drug trafficking, public corruption, and human trafficking within Western New York. To those who have been exploited or trafficked: your life matters, and your voice matters. The FBI encourages victims and survivors to come forward, as we have dedicated professionals and resources available to provide support. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.”

“Today’s sentence closes a dark chapter in which this defendant treated people as commodities and tried to bend the justice system to his will,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. “No amount of money, influence, or intimidation could shield Peter Gerace from accountability. HSI Buffalo and our partners will continue to stand with victims, follow the evidence, and dismantle criminal networks that profit from exploitation in our community.”

“Today’s sentence sends a clear message to anybody who would seek to bribe a corrupt federal law enforcement agent to facilitate crimes like drug and sex trafficking,” said Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Northeast Region. “The DOJ OIG commends its investigative partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this just outcome.” 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi, Nicholas T. Cooper, and Casey L. Chalbeck. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special-Agent-In-Charge Ryan T. Geach, Northeast Region.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Christos Christakis, 57, of Cincinnati, OH, was 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 complaint, in March 2007, Christakis was hired to be the Priest at the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (HOCA) in Buffalo, NY. In 2011, Christakis inserted a provision into the HOCA by-laws, which resulted in Christakis having complete control over the Priest Discretionary Fund. Similar to a petty cash account, the fund is intended to allow the priest to provide small direct assistance payments and financial support to those in need. The fund at HOCA was overseen by the parish council and was subject to limits on how much money could be in the discretionary account at any given time, usually less than $1,500. In March 2025, a whistle-blower complaint was filed with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America about the financial irregularities occurring at HOCA, which prompted the Archdiocese to conduct an internal investigation into Christakis, during which he made admissions to using parish funds for his own personal benefit between 2018 and 2025. 

Investigators analyzed the HOCA Priest Discretionary Fund. According to the complaint, between January 2018 and July 31, 2025, approximately 725 checks were deposited into the fund, of which only 11 were specifically designated for donation into the fund. At least one $7,000 check was written from the fund to pay Christakis’s personal American Express bill.

The investigation also included analysis of Christakis’s personal bank account held jointly with his spouse, along with Christakis’s children’s accounts. Cash deposits into these accounts were identified and compared to the amount and timing of cash withdrawals from the Priest Discretionary Fund. The analysis found approximately $338,660 of cash deposited into the joint account. Christakis’s and his spouse’s known employment and lifestyle would not have generated this level of cash. In addition, an analysis of Christakis’s spending levels and bank accounts was conducted, which compared the primary sources and uses of funds each year, excluding cash deposits. The analysis revealed the non-cash sources of income were insufficient to support Christakis’s and his family’s lifestyle. Once cash deposits were added to their budget, the joint account was able to break even each year. Christakis is accused of stealing approximately $450,000.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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. — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys, offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort, including the Buffalo FBI Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.  

The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”

“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”

“Working closely with our partners at every level of law enforcement, we will use all of the tools at our disposal to investigate and bring to justice those defendants who prey on the most vulnerable of victims, our children,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Let these efforts also serve as a reminder to parents to be vigilant in consistently monitoring your children’s online activities.”

“FBI Buffalo and our law enforcement partners work every day to identify and arrest criminals who prey on children,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Operation Iron Pursuit exemplifies the FBI’s steadfast commitment: we will not stop until those who endanger children are removed from our communities and held accountable.”

Two defendants were charged in the Western District of New York as part of Operation Iron Pursuit:

• CJ A. Wolf, of Lewiston, NY, was arrested and charged with enticement of a minor, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. According to the criminal complaint, in October 2025, Wolf began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer via text message, after responding to an advertisement, posted online by investigators, of a purported minor female willing to meet in person to have sex. During these communications, Wolf was told to travel to a specific location where he could have sex with the purported 13-year-old girl who was advertised online. Wolf traveled to a retail parking lot and interacted with the undercover officer who was coordinating the sexual interaction between Wolf and the purported 13-year-old girl. Wolf was asked if he had the money, which he confirmed by showing he had $200 and agreeing for “a half hour.” After some further conversation, Wolf was arrested.
• Kenneth Tootle, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged with production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, and receipt of child pornography, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. According to the criminal complaint, on January 18, 2026, the Rochester Police Department received a report from a mother that she found disturbing messages between her seven-year-old daughter (minor victim) and Tootle on her daughter’s cell phone, including sexual photos and videos. A review of the minor victim’s phone confirmed that she was communicating with Tootle and sent him images and videos of herself that constitute child pornography. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed on Tootle’s cell phone. However, the complaint states that the images of child pornography sent by the minor victim to Tootle had been deleted.

This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.

The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.

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

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

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 David Jose Gomez Cegarra, 25, a citizen of Venezuela, who was convicted of bank larceny, was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay restitution totaling $294,820 by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Cegarra was then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Between October 5 and November 11, 2024, Gomez Cegarra, and several co-conspirators, stole more than $290,000 using an illicit technique known as “ATM Jackpotting,” in which they either removed an ATM’s cover and infected its hard drive with malware or removed the entire hard drive and replaced it with an infected hard drive. The technique allows an individual to assume control of an ATM and cause it to dispense currency.

• On October 5, 2024, Gomez Cegarra and his co-conspirators stole $109,620.00 from an ATM located at Radius Federal Credit Union in Kenmore, NY.
• On October 6, 2024, Gomez Cegarra and his co-conspirators stole $58,000.00 from an ATM located at St. Mary’s Federal Credit Union in Framingham, MA.
• On October 17, 2024, Gomez Cegarra and his co-conspirators stole $21,600.00 from an ATM located at First National Bank of Dryden in Dryden, NY.
• On November 11, 2024, Gomez Cegarra and his co-conspirators stole $105,600.00 from two separate Community First Bank ATMs in Mount Vernon, Il.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Intravatola and Douglas A.C. Penrose. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Kenmore Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Phillips, the Homer, NY, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Pitman, the Framingham, MA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Lester Baker, and the Mahomet, Illinois, Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smysor.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Timothy Wadsworth, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Between March 2020, and September 2021, Wadsworth conspired with others to fraudulently obtain money. To execute the scheme, he obtained credit card account numbers from coconspirators and processed unauthorized credit card transactions from those accounts, transferring the money to his bank accounts, transferring a portion of the money to his Coinbase account to purchase Bitcoin, and transferring Bitcoin to his coconspirators. Between March 10, 2020, and May 15, 2020, Wadsworth, using a Stripe, Inc. account, which allows merchants to receive funds from consumers as payments for goods and services, attempted to process 310 payments totaling $1,673,578. Of the 310 attempted transactions, 116 were initially successful totaling $730,728.22. These transactions were fraudulent. The credit card account holders did not authorize the transactions, and their account information was used to make the payments without authorization.

Once credit card payments were successfully processed, Wadsworth transferred the funds from his Stripe account to bank accounts he owned with HSBC and Evolve Federal Credit Union. He then transferred funds from those bank accounts to his Coinbase account, purchased Bitcoin with the money, and transferred the Bitcoin to various external addresses. These transactions were often in excess of $10,000 each. For example, between April 22 and April 28, 2020, Wadsworth transferred fraudulently obtained proceeds from his Stripe account to his HSBC account on three separate occasions, in the amounts of $49,419.99, $45,501.85, and $53,496.75.

In addition, between May 13, 2020, through May 5, 2021, Wadsworth and others submitted nine false Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications in an attempt to obtain money they were not entitled to. The applications contained misrepresentations about the businesses’ revenue and operation, which was material in assessing the businesses’ eligibility for the EIDL funds. Three of the EIDL applications were approved, and a total of $161,200 was paid to Wadsworth’s bank accounts as a result of the fraud. Between March 7 and April 26, 2021, Wadsworth applied for six Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling $91,219. Two of the loans were funded for $20,833 and $20,416, respectively, which was paid to Wadsworth’s bank account. Once again, the applications contained misrepresentations about the businesses they were submitted for.

From May 2020 through September 2021, Wadsworth fraudulently received approximately $65,896 in unemployment benefits from New York State, the State of Washington, and the Department of Labor. He was not eligible to receive any unemployment funds from any source during that time.

Wadsworth also participated in a romance fraud scheme in 2020. The victim, recently widowed, met an individual on Facebook that represented himself as an oil rig worker, and requested $42,000 from her to pay for travel expenses to return to the United States. The victim was directed to wire the money to Wadsworth’s bank account, which she did on March 20, 2020.

Wadsworth also defrauded six other victims out of $26,000 as a result of his schemes.

Wadsworth’s actions, including the credit card fraud, the PPP and EIDL fraud, the unemployment fraud, and the other frauds, resulted in actual and intended losses of approximately $2,059,893.00.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford. The plea is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., New York Field Office, the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow, and the New York State Department of Labor, under the direction of Commissioner Roberta Reardon.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2026, before Judge Geraci.  

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rafael Arroyo-Ubiles, 27, of Geneva, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

According to the complaint, in January 2026, Arroyo-Ubiles came to the attention of the Geneva, NY, Police Department during an investigation into illegal narcotics sales in the City of Geneva. Geneva Police executed multiple search warrants related to illegal narcotics sales. During the execution of one of the search warrants, investigators discovered an online account belonging to Arroyo-Ubiles. While searching for evidence of narcotics activity in the account, investigators observed videos depicting Arroyo sexually abusing a five-year-old girl.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Geneva, NY Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ronald Eveland, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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 James Walker, 71, of Huntsville, AL, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, a mixture and substance containing cocaine, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Between February and July 25, 2018, Walker conspired with Adrian Goudelock, Eric Young, and others, to sell cocaine. The conspiracy involved the transport of bulk quantities of cocaine to multiple areas in the country including Buffalo, NY. Walker owned a commercial tractor-trailer, which was outfitted with a lined hidden compartment for the purpose of concealing bulk cocaine and/or bulk currency. He hired Young, who drove the tractor-trailer to the Western District of New York with bulk cocaine on at least two occasions. Walker told Young about the hidden compartment and directed him to communicate with specified co-conspirators to arrange the logistics of the bulk cocaine deliveries and to retrieve bulk cash in exchange for the bulk cocaine.

Communicating over an encrypted messaging application, Walker directed Young, in June 2018, to make three drops of 20 kilograms each in Cleveland, OH, Buffalo, and New York. On June 21, 2018, the same day law enforcement observed co-conspirators bringing a duffle bag of cocaine into a stash location, law enforcement observed phone calls between Walker and Adrian Goudelock, the bulk cocaine purchaser in Buffalo. Law enforcement learned that the tractor-trailer owned by Walker and operated by Young was in the Western District of New York. On July 25, 2018, Young and the tractor trailer were observed in a parking lot in West Seneca, NY. Law enforcement observed an exchange of duffle bags: one containing 52 packages of U.S. currency, wrapped, taped, and labeled exactly how Walker had told Young they would be packaged. The other duffle bag that was collected from the tractor-trailer by a co-conspirator in Buffalo contained 17 kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement subsequently found the hidden compartment in the rear wall of the sleeper area of the tractor cab that contained three plastic wrapped packages of bulk U.S. currency totaling $145,380, which was payment for a load of cocaine that Young had collected prior to his arrival in Buffalo. In total, law enforcement seized $664,960 from Walker’s tractor-trailer.

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. Attorney Michael J. Adler. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of under the direction of Director Christopher Romosz. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas.

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eli Clark, 36, of North Tonawanda, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, which carries maximum penalties of 20 years imprisonment, followed by not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000.

In January 2020, Clark was sentenced on a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. In March 2025, Clark violated his federal supervised release and was sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison. He was released in January 2026. In March 2026, the North Tonawanda Police Department conducted a stop of a vehicle Clark was riding in. During the stop, law enforcement recovered 33 grams of suspected crack cocaine from Clark’s waistband. Clark was taken into custody. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant at a River Road residence, seizing several drug paraphernalia items.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass. 

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 Charles Wilson, 66, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to damaging or impairing the operation of a train control system, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  

CSX uses railroad switches to control the movement of trains throughout the CSX Railyard. On June 29, 2025, Wilson entered the CSX Railyard, removed a 102 switch lock, and replaced it with a different lock. By replacing the lock, Wilson impaired the operation of the railroad switch by preventing CSX personnel from operating the railroad switch in a timely manner. Previously, on June 22, 2025, Wilson replaced a 102 switch lock on a railroad switch at the CSX railyard with a different type of lock. This delayed an Amtrak passenger train because the railroad switch could not be unlocked. In addition, on July 1, 2025, Wilson moved a railroad switch at the CSX railyard into a new position after a train carrying hazardous materials had passed the switch.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The plea is the result of an investigation by the CSX Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean Douris, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Phillip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 14, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that CJ A. Wolf, of Lewiston, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of life. 

According to the criminal complaint, on October 4, 2025, Wolf began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer via text message, after responding to an advertisement, posted online by investigators, of a purported minor female willing to meet in person to have sex. During these communications, Wolf was told to travel to a specific location where he could have sex with the purported 13-year-old girl who was advertised online. Wolf traveled to a retail parking lot and interacted with the undercover officer who was coordinating the sexual interaction between Wolf and the purported 13-year-old girl. Wolf was asked if he had the money, which he confirmed by showing he had $200 and agreeing for “a half hour.” After some further conversation, Wolf was arrested.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, 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, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Richard Teplitsky, 71, of Williamsville, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with mail and wire fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint, Teplitsky served as the president of Woodhill Capital Corporation, located in Williamsville, NY. As president, he and other Woodhill personnel solicited funds from investors within the Western District of New York and elsewhere. Teplitsky claimed the funds would be used to finance loans to businesses that were seeking to borrow money to acquire commercial equipment. When investors provided funds to Woodhill, Teplitsky provided them with copies of equipment financing agreements and repayment schedules of the borrowers. According to Teplitsky, investors would receive payments, typically by check of electronic transfers, from Woodhill based on these repayment schedules.

For instance, the complaint states that Victim 1 has had approximately 15 investment loans with Woodhill since 2018. Between 2018 and February 2026, Victim 1 received monthly payments from Woodhill. However, in March 2026, Victim 1 did not receive a payment. He attempted to reach Teplitsky but was unsuccessful. Victim 1 then reached out to other investors and learned that they also had not received payment in March. Victim 1 then sent a certified letter to the borrowers of his loans directing them to pay him instead of Woodhill. Approximately 3-4 borrowers responded, claiming that they did not have a loan with Woodhill, that the amount of the loan was incorrect, or that it was not their signature on the equipment financing agreement.

The investigation has identified more than 100 victims with estimated losses in excess of 10,000,000.

Teplitsky made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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 Kelly Berenguer, 46, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession of methamphetamine, was sentenced to time served by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.

On October 17, 2024, Kelly Berenguer’s vehicle was stopped by Jamestown Police.  During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered a quantity of methamphetamine and a digital scale. Berenguer was taken into custody at that time. 

This case was 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. 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 Brian Cessna, 66, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to time served by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

During the course of the conspiracy, Cessna bought and sold heroin and fentanyl, for profit and his own use. He also assisted co-conspirator Holly Berenguer in selling heroin and fentanyl, for profit and her own use, delivering on her behalf and collecting payments. An individual known as “Joey Cracks” (co-defendant Joseph Zaso) was Berenguer’s source of supply. Cessna utilized his Fairview Avenue residence for drug trafficking purposes and also allowed Berenguer to utilize the residence to sell drugs.

Holly Berenguer and Joseph Zaso were previously convicted.

The 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. 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 Connor J. Higgs, 20, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession and distribution of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and a maximum of 20 years.

In August 2025, the New York State Police (NYSP) received a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), regarding a Discord account, which contained suspected child pornography. Subsequent investigation traced the account to Higgs. In October 2025, the NYSP executed a search warrant at Higgs’ Jamestown residence, seizing eight electronic devices. Higgs was taken into custody at the scene.

A review of the devices recovered child pornography from two of the devices, including images of a minor victim known to investigators. The images also include prepubescent minors and depictions of violence against children.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamie Anderson, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to the possession of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

In January 2022, Anderson was convicted of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court. In December 2024, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Anderson’s Buffalo residence, after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that he uploaded files containing child pornography to Kik. During the search, law enforcement seized a tablet, which contained at least 10 images of child pornography.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging six defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft for their roles in a financial fraud scheme. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. Named in the indictment are:

• Jeffrey Fleischer, 36
• Crystal Velez, 36
• Blaine Webster, 40
• Reginald Seals, 47
• Johnny Ray Mcduffie, 36
• Anthony Zorilla A/K/A Anthony Velazquez, 28, all of Buffalo, NY.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated between August 2023 and May 2024, the defendants are accused of conspiring to fraudulently obtain funds from financial institutions by depositing stolen United States Treasury checks into bank accounts opened by the defendants. The defendants used fraudulent identification documents to open the accounts and then withdrew the funds from those bank accounts.

According to the indictment, the defendants obtained stolen United States Treasury tax refund checks that were payable to other persons, and then used fraudulent identification documents to open bank accounts in the names of the persons the tax refund checks were payable. The checks would then be deposited into the fraudulent bank accounts, allowing the defendants to withdraw or transfer the funds from the accounts for their benefit. Accounts were opened at various financial institutions including Northwest Bank, Evans Bank, Good Neighbors Credit Union, ServU Credit Union, Sweet Home Federal Credit Union, Erie Federal Credit Union, Corning Credit Union, Greater Niagara Federal Credit Union, Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, and High Point Federal Credit Union. The financial institutions were located in Buffalo, Amherst, Getzville, Niagara Falls, Painted Post, and Corning, NY, and Erie, Pennsylvania. The defendants are accused of stealing the identities of more than 12 victims living in NY, Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut, and Oregon, with estimated losses totaling more than $1,300,000.

The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Carpenter, Northeast Field Division, the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Charles T. Perras, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass, the Town of Niagara Police Department, under the direction of Chief Craig Guiliani, the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Erie and Niagara County Crime Analysis Centers.

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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Ronald D. Mitchell, 44, of Little Valley, NY, with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.  

According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in September of 2025, law enforcement began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Mitchell, who was identified as a distributor of methamphetamine and cocaine in Cattaraugus County. Just after midnight on September 17, 2025, investigators, while surveilling Mitchell in the Village of Little Valley, observed him selling drugs inside his vehicle. A Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputy subsequently conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, during which Mitchell appeared very nervous and started to sweat profusely. Mitchell was asked to exit the vehicle, but instead he fled from the scene, leading deputies on a chase, which exceeded 90 MPH. Mitchell eventually crashed his vehicle into a tree in Ellicottville, and fled. Investigators seized 52 grams of cocaine and a large amount of cash from the vehicle. A bag containing a large quantity of suspected narcotics, believed to have been discarded by Mitchell when he fled from the crash, was discovered on Route 242. The bag contained drug paraphernalia, 196 grams of cocaine and 472 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Mitchell was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric Butler and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nasif Talukder, 24, of the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to transferring obscene material to a minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. 

According to the plea agreement, in March 2024, Talukder communicated with a 14-year-old girl on teen-chat.org. In the course of the communications, the girl told Talukder, “Also im 14.” Talukder asked the girl to engage in sexual activity in exchange for $100. Talukder met the girl in a Tonawanda, NY, park. After engaging in sexual activity, he gave the girl $100.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen M. McCarthy and Maeve E. Huggins. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Corey Flatau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Quentavious Price, 38, of Hampton, GA, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Between January and September 2022, Price, along with co-conspirators Lorenzo Jones, Ameer Clark, and Montez White, and others, conspired to defraud financial institutions. Members of the conspiracy would travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to the Western District of New York, and steal genuine checks from businesses. Using those checks, they would create fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of the businesses. Members of the conspiracy then recruited individuals to cash the fraudulent checks, buy clothes for the individuals to make them appear to be construction workers or laborers, and then drive them to area financial institutions and direct them to cash the fraudulent checks. If the checks were successfully cashed, the individuals received a small payment. Specifically:

• in January 2022, Price, Jones, and two others flew from Atlanta to Buffalo and drove an individual to various KeyBank branches to cash or attempt to cash fraudulent checks drawn on the KeyBank accounts of a business based in Elma, NY, and a second business based in Tonawanda, NY.
• in March 2022, Price and two others came to Buffalo from Atlanta and drove three individuals to M&T Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches to cash, or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of businesses based in Tonawanda, Clarence, NY, and Sanborn, NY.
• in September 2022, Price, Jones, Clark, and White flew from Atlanta to Rochester, NY, and  drove six individuals to M&T Bank branches, KeyBank branches, Northwest Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches, to cash or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of two businesses based in Rochester, and one based in Alden, NY.

In addition, Price used the identity of the owner of one of the victim businesses during a felony violation. The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, Is $64,979.67.

Lorenzo Jones, Ameer Clark, and Montez White were previously convicted and sentenced.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Israel Enden, 46, a citizen of Israel, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to bringing an alien to the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.

According to the plea agreement, Enden is a dual citizen, he was born in the United States and physically resides in the State of Israel. In the early morning hours of January 8, 2026, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers encountered Enden driving a vehicle bearing Canadian license plates at primary inspection at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry. Enden was referred to for secondary inspection after failing to produce any rental agreement for the vehicle. During secondary inspection, officers opened the rear hatch of the vehicle and observed a large male, later identified as Elazar Wigdorowitz, hiding beneath some suitcases. Subsequent investigation determined that Enden, Wigdorowitz, and a third person flew from Warsaw, Poland to Toronto, Canada together the previous day on January 7, 2026. When Enden drove the rental from Canada to the United States, he knew Elazar Wigdorowitz was an alien and had not received prior official authorization to enter the United States.

Elazar Wigdorowitz was previously convicted of improper entry by an alien, sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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. Attorneys Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Maeve E. Huggins. The plea 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 Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Martinez, 58, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to embezzlement by union officials, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

According to the plea agreement, between December 2019, and March 2024, Martinez served as president of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, Local 394. During his time as president, Martinez embezzled approximately $87,542.03 from the union by writing checks payable to himself, making electronic transfers for his own benefit, and making unauthorized purchases using debit cards belonging to Local 394. None of the funds were used for a legitimate union purpose.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards, under the direction of Jonathan Russo, Boston-Buffalo District Office.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kavon A. Wilson, 32, of Elmira, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Wilson was also ordered to forfeit two firearms and 14 rounds of ammunition.

On April 2, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an Erie Street residence in Elmira. Investigators encountered Wilson’s girlfriend lying on the living room couch with an infant in her arms. Two other small children were also in the residence. Under a couch pillow, they recovered a loaded handgun. Investigators also seized another loaded handgun, approximately 1,559 grams of methamphetamine, 124 grams of cocaine, 154 fentanyl pills, and over $11,500 in cash. During the search, Wilson approached the residence and was taken into custody.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola handled the prosecution of the case. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Violent Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edwin Miguel Batista, 46, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years.

According to the plea agreement, in January 2025, the DEA executed search warrants on a vehicle, a storage unit on Fashion Outlets Blvd in Niagara Falls, and a hotel room, which led to the arrests of Batista and a co-conspirator, Victor Miguel Brito Luna. Investigators recovered numerous pills including Oxycodone, Adderall, Hydrocodone, Percocet, Tramadol, Diazepam, Alprazolam, Carisoprodol and Tapentadol, 12 pounds of Ivermectin, a non-controlled substance which does require a prescription, and 16,577 grams of methamphetamine and ketamine, 2,074 grams of methamphetamine, 548 grams of fentanyl and ketamine, and 932 grams of fentanyl. Investigators also seized mailing materials and a cell phone.  

The plea agreement further states that Batista received payments from customers who ordered pills via Cash App. He was supplied by an individual in India who mailed bulk parcels to Batista containing various drugs. Co-conspirator, Brito Luna assisted by helping to package up pills for mailing and driving Batista around as he mailed out parcels. Between December 11, 2024, and January 21, 2025, Batista mailed approximately 1,589 parcels.

Charges remain pending against Victor Miguel Brito Luna.

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 Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam with additional assistance provided by the DEA Chicago Office.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamar Jackson, 43, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

According to the plea agreement, on June 29 2020, Jackson and his co-conspirators submitted a fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the Small Business Administration for a business that he supposedly owned. The defendant and his co-conspirators knew that the EIDL application contained materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. The application falsely stated that Jackson was the sole proprietor of a lawn and garden business that had eight employees and $142,000 in revenue for the 12 months prior to the COVID pandemic. Jackson did not own a lawn and garden business, did not have employees and did not earn revenue. As a result, the SBA disbursed $70,900.00 in EIDL funds to Jackson.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 31, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Earl Stone, 34, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

According to the complaint, late in the evening on April 12, 2026, Buffalo Police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Route 33 Expressway. During the stop, officers detected the smell of alcohol and asked the driver to step out of the vehicle to conduct a standard field sobriety test. Officers then asked the passengers for a New York State Drivers’ License so someone could move the vehicle to a safe location. All passengers refused, including Stone, who got out of the vehicle and sat on ground of the 33 Expressway. Officers noticed what appeared to be the outline of a slide of a firearm by the right shin of his pantleg.  As he stood up at the request of officers, a loaded .40 caliber firearm fell out of his pant leg. Stone was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon- 2nd Degree: Loaded Firearm and Criminal Possession of a Weapon-3rd Degree: Large Capacity Feeding Device. In December 2013, Stone was convicted of a felony in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Stone made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on April 21, 2026.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Craig Macy and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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 Miguel Angel Guevara-Murillo, 35, of Stockton, California, who was convicted of possession of device-making equipment, was sentenced to time served (approximately nine months) by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

On July 28, 2025, Guevara-Murillo was inspected at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry. In the trunk of his car, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found, among other things, a laptop, an access card printer, blank plastic access cards, a scanner, and a paper cutter, which Guevara-Murillo brought with him from California to New York. He used these items to make counterfeit identification documents that appeared to be issued under the authority of different states in the United States. Guevara-Murillo then sold the documents for $250, which allowed individuals who purchased the documents to work for an online food delivery company.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that The Buffalo Club has agreed to pay $1,500,000 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.

The PPP loan program, enacted in March 2020, provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program allowed eligible small businesses to receive loans guaranteed by the federal government.

For decades, the SBA has explained that private clubs and businesses, which limit the number of memberships for any reason other than capacity, or restrict patronage for any reason other than capacity, are not eligible for loans through the SBA. The SBA’s guidance also specifically states that this restriction applies to eligibility for PPP loans. 

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

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Ferris, and Investigator Margaret McFarland, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability. 

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Angel Valentin-Martinez, 34, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was sentenced to serve five years supervised release and pay restitution totaling $13,098 by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Between October and December 2024, Martinez conspired with Daniel Plata Miranda to fraudulently gain access to the credit card accounts of individuals at Synchrony Bank. The two used an account holder’s personally identifiable information to pass Synchrony’s account verification process. Martinez and Miranda then changed the address of record on the accounts to an address that they controlled or had access to. This oftentimes caused new credit cards to be sent to Martinez’s residence in Buffalo, or to a P.O. Box registered to Miranda in Rochester, NY.  On one or more occasions, Martinez drove to the Rochester P.O. Box to retrieve mail. Martinez and Miranda then used the fraudulently obtained credit cards to make purchases in the Western New York area, including numerous purchases at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. In total, Martinez and Miranda used five fraudulently obtained credit cards at six different Lowe’s locations to make more than two dozen purchases, totaling approximately $13,098.

Charges are pending against Daniel Plata Miranda.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley, Boston Division.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel Lopez-Rivera, 40, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to the complaint, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating Lopez-Rivera, who is believed to be involved in on-going narcotics activity in Buffalo. On April 12, 2026, the Postal Inspection Service was alerted to a Priority Mail parcel, suspected of containing narcotics, being shipped from Puerto Rico to a residence on Tonawanda Street in Buffalo, a residence utilized by Lopez-Rivera. On April 14, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant on the parcel and found approximately seven pounds of suspected cocaine inside.

On April 16, 2026, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to the Tonawanda Street address. A short time after the delivery, Lopez arrived at the residence. Investigators observed another individual approach Lopez’s vehicle and hand him a grocery bag with the parcel inside. Lopez then returned to his Chadduck Avenue residence, where he was taken into custody. Investigators then executed a search warrant on the residence, seizing postage labels addressed to another residence believed to be utilized by Lopez for his drug trafficking activities.

Lopez-Rivera made an initial appearance this afternoon before US. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley, Boston Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kenneth Tootle, 37, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, and receipt of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.

According to the criminal complaint, on January 18, 2026, the Rochester Police Department received a report from a mother that she found disturbing messages between her seven-year-old daughter (minor victim) and Tootle on her daughter’s cell phone, including sexual photos and videos. A review of the minor victim’s phone confirmed that she was communicating with Tootle and sent him images and videos of herself that constitute child pornography. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed on Tootle’s cell phone. However, the complaint states that the images of child pornography sent by the minor victim to Tootle had been deleted.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, 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. 

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an 11-count indictment charging Damon Singleton-Spencer, 33, of Lockport, NY, with enticement of a minor, three counts of production of child pornography, and seven counts of possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

According to the indictment, on June 30, 2019, Singleton-Spencer coerced a minor victim to engage in sexual activity. He is accused of coercing the minor victim on three more occasions, in November 2020, June 2021, and November 2022, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct. In addition, on February 16, 2024, Singleton-Spencer possessed three hard drives, a desktop computer, an SD card, a gaming computer, and a cellular telephone that all contained images of child pornography.

Singleton-Spencer was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The indictment is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Felicetti.

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 Dustin Coffelt, 36, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to two counts of production and one count of possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.

In July 2022, the Depew Police Department received a report that Coffelt sexually abused a 13-year-old girl (minor victim). Subsequent investigation determined that the alleged abuse may have been ongoing for several years and included communication over various social media applications and text messaging. On July 29, 2022, Coffelt provided a voluntary statement to detectives from the Depew and Cheektowaga Police Departments admitting to the sexual abuse and producing sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim. Coffelt also voluntarily provided his phone to the detectives and subsequent extraction of the device revealed numerous sexually explicit images of the minor victim, which constitute child pornography. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation subsequently arrested Coffelt on August 11, 2022.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maeve E. Huggins and Sasha Mascarenhas. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief James McNamara, 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 Philip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gilbert Santiago, 39, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

In August 2019, a search warrant was executed at Santiago’s residence in the City of Tonawanda. Investigators recovered a .22 semi-automatic rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition. In December 2013 and July 2014, Santiago was convicted in Erie County Court of felony crimes and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. In addition, in February 2020, Santiago was found in possession of approximately five grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.  

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Robert L. Robinson, 50, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to the plea agreement, on June 7, 2024, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Robinson’s Sterling Avenue residence, during which approximately 125 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, two firearms, ammunition, and $35,869.00 in cash were seized. Robinson was taken into custody following the search warrant execution. Robinson was previously convicted of felony crimes in 2003 and 2011 and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Sheldon Marquis Adams, 26, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Between March and September 29, 2023, Adams conspired with others to obtain hundreds of checks that had been stolen from U.S. Postal Service mailboxes in the Rochester, NY, area. Adams and his co-conspirators would then forge or alter the checks with the intent to obtain money from the associated bank accounts. Adams used social media to recruit individuals to cash or deposit the checks into their own accounts and withdraw the money before the issuing bank detected the fraud. If the individuals successfully cashed the checks, they would give the money to the members of the conspiracy in return for a small payment. On September 29, 2023, in furtherance of the conspiracy, Adams was found in possession of 15 pages of blank check stock paper and approximately 335 checks that had been stolen between April and June 2023 from U.S. Postal Service blue collection boxes. Some of the checks had been altered by washing them with acetone.

The scheme involved approximately 227 individual victims and 36 business victims, in addition to the victim financial institutions, and stolen and altered checks totaling approximately $516,912.17.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Postal Inspector-in-Charge Jason Buckley, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin, 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 Steven Hoskins, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000. 

According to the plea agreement, between December 2022 and November 2024, Hoskins conspired with others to coordinate the shipment of cocaine from California to Buffalo through the mail and through the use of secret compartments in vehicles that were transported across the country. Hoskins would obtain anywhere between five and 50 kilograms of cocaine a month, which he would sell and distribute in the Western District of New York. On three separate occasions in July, August and September 2023, Hoskins delivered drug proceeds totaling $439,840.00 to an individual he believed was a member of the drug trafficking organization but was in fact an individual working with law enforcement. Hoskins distributed over 450 kilograms of cocaine throughout this conspiracy.

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, Meghan E. Leydecker, and Elizabeth M. Palma. 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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brandon Murray, 41, of Jamestown, NY, and Latika Saintkitts, 35, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. In addition, Saintkitts is charged with distribution of crack cocaine and fentanyl.

According to the indictment, between 2021, and September 2024, Murray and Saintkitts conspired with others to possess and distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. In addition, on April 3, 2024, Saintkitts possessed and distributed crack cocaine, and on June 14, 2024, she possessed and distributed fentanyl.

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).

Murray and Saintkitts were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Murray was detained pending a detention hearing on April 13, 2026, and Saintkitts was released on conditions.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The indictment 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 a federal grand jury has returned a 10-count indictment charging Brandon Millender, 24, of Buffalo, NY, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and concealment money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine up to $500,000.

According to the indictment, between April 2021, and August 2025, Millender conspired with others to defraud financial institutions, financial service companies, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting fraudulent Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan applications and PPP loan forgiveness applications. The applications contained information regarding non-existent businesses, including payroll expenses and revenue. Millender carried out the scheme by:

• creating, using, and maintaining numerous e-mail addresses using the names, or variations of the names, of other individuals without knowledge or permission. In addition to names, he used social security numbers, addresses, and other personal information of these individuals.
• creating bank accounts, credit card accounts, on-line profiles, and CashApp/Block accounts, which he then used to receive proceeds of the scheme, conceal proceeds of the scheme, and spend proceeds of the scheme.

Affected financial institutions included Key Bank, Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC, Benworth Capital Partners, CashApp/Block, and the Small Business Administration.

In addition, between June and August 2025, Millender sought to obstruct the federal investigation of the conspiracy by attempting to influence an individual to provide false and misleading information to federal investigators.

Between April 21 and May 11, 2021, Millender conducted financial transactions involving property, which included the proceeds of some of the unlawful activity. Millender did so knowing that the transactions were designed to conceal and disguise the nature, ownership, and the control of the proceeds.

In total, the scheme involved over $140,000 in PPP loan proceeds. 

The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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.

Millender was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and released on conditions.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis.

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 a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Blake D. Smith a/k/a Sweets, 50, and Willie Graham a/k/a Wu, 45, both of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, Hobbs Act Robbery, kidnapping, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, Smith is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distribution of fentanyl causing serious bodily injury. Both defendants face a maximum of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between February 2017, and January 2024, Smith and Graham conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, and others, to sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Jamestown area. During the conspiracy, Smith possessed a firearm.

Between May 9 and 11, 2023, Smith sold fentanyl causing serious bodily injury to individuals identified as R. P. and D.C.

On March 8 and 9, 2023, the defendants kidnapped an individual identified as D.D. and robbed a $25,000 check from D.D. In furtherance of the robbery, a firearm was brandished.

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 superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that La D. Huynh, 43, of Chula Vista, California, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 126 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Huynh, a California-based drug trafficker, supplied quantities of methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana to other members of the conspiracy, including Jun Martinez, a Jamestown-based drug trafficker. In 2019, after receiving a large amount of methamphetamine, there was a payment issue between Martinez and Huynh, and Martinez stopped taking calls from Huynh. Sometime in 2020, Huynh and Martinez started their narcotics operations again, and Huynh began shipping quantities of cocaine, heroin/fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the mail, from the San Diego, California, area.

In September 2020, Martinez traveled to the San Diego area and met with Huynh and co-conspirator Kevin Hughes, receiving large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. After the transaction, Martinez and Hughes started to travel back to the Western District of New York. During the return trip, on September 15, 2020, an Illinois State Police Trooper stopped Martinez and Hughes. A search of the vehicle yielded approximately 6,359 grams of methamphetamine, 3,157 grams of fentanyl, 2,241 grams of cocaine, and marijuana products. Martinez and Hughes were arrested and charged by Illinois State law enforcement.

On October 16, 2020, local law enforcement executed a search warrant at Martinez’s Wescott Street residence, recovering 438 grams of methamphetamine and approximately $62,000 in cash. On July 9, 2021, California law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Huynh, recovering narcotics in the trunk. A search warrant was then obtained. During the execution of the warrant, investigators found two cardboard boxes containing a total of 101 kilograms of cocaine.

Defendant Maritnez was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Defendant Hughes was previously convicted and sentenced.

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 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 Juan Sosa, 30, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon N. Gonzalez, who is handling the case, stated that on May 22, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Sosa’s Northlane Drive residence, during which they seized approximately 193 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, approximately 142 grams of cocaine, approximately 16 grams of dipentylone, $4,813 in cash, a loaded pistol, an assault rifle with a sawed-off barrel, and drug paraphernalia. The warrant, executed as part of a large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation, was one of multiple warrants executed at locations throughout Monroe County. Sosa has three prior felony convictions in Monroe County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Webster Police Department, under the direction of Dennis Kohlmeier, Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi, the New York State Police, under the direction Major Amie Feroleto, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County Crime Analysis Center.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before Judge Wolford.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jaquez Thomas, 22, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between 2020 to 2022, Thomas distributed quantities of fentanyl and cocaine he received from Joseph Zaso. Thomas utilized Facebook and Cash App to conduct his drug trafficking activities. During the conspiracy, he supplied quantities of fentanyl to Justin Yuchnitz and Joseph Thayer.

Thomas also conspired with Jose Maisonet in 2022. In Spring of 2022, Jamestown Police officers conducted three controlled purchases from Jose Maisonet. In July 2022, a search warrant was executed at Thomas’ Allen Street residence. During the search a loaded handgun, and drug paraphernalia were seized. A search warrant was also executed at Maisonet’s Forest Avenue residence, during which quantities of suspected crack cocaine and methamphetamine, digital scales, cell phones, and $2,715.00 in cash was seized.

Joseph Zaso, Joseph Thayer, and Justin Yuchnitz were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Jose Maisonet was previously convicted and sentenced in a separate case.

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 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 Christopher Marcinkowski, 39, of Dunkirk, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with maintaining a drug involved premises and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Garrett Fitzsimmons, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in February 2026, the DEA began assisting the Chautauqua County Narcotics Unit with an investigation of Marcinkowski’s drug trafficking activities. In February and March 2026, investigators conducted two separate garbage pulls at a residence on Franklin Avenue in Dunkirk associated with Marcinowski. Numerous plastic baggies were located with residue that tested positive for the presence of cocaine. On March 24, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at the Franklin Avenue residence. As the execution of the warrant began, an individual, later identified as Marcinowski, fired two rounds from a firearm, one of which struck an officer. A standoff then took place for several hours, during which Marcinowski told the police negotiator that he shot the officer. After several hours, he surrendered without further incident. After the residence was cleared, officers seized approximately 197 grams of suspected psychedelic mushrooms, approximately 11 pounds of suspected marijuana, three firearms, approximately $30,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.

Marcinowski has three prior federal convictions. In October 2013, he was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In November 2021, Marcinowski was convicted of distributing cocaine.

Marcinowski will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy on April 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, and the Dunkirk Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Witkowski.

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 Isaiah Josiah Dre Riley, 23, of Olean, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that in December 2024, law enforcement observed Riley make sales of crack cocaine utilizing a 3rd Avenue residence in Olean as his base of operation. On January 14, 2025, investigators executed search warrants at the residence, seizing quantities of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and $2,579.00 in cash. Riley was taken into custody at the scene.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anabell Santiago, 53, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, maintaining a drug involved premises, and being a user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that in November 2023, a search warrant was executed at a Van Buren Street residence, during which law enforcement seized cash, a quantity of fentanyl, pills, and drug paraphernalia. As law enforcement was securing the apartment, Anabell Santiago’s husband and co-defendant Santos Santiago attempted to destroy his fentanyl causing a large amount of fentanyl to go airborne. Two officers inhaled the cloud with one experiencing physical effects requiring medical attention.

In March 2024, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Anabell Santiago. In April 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at the Santiago’s Whitley Avenue residence, seizing fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone, two loaded pistols, ammunition, $30,369.00 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. The defendant admits the seized U.S. currency converts to at least 300 grams of fentanyl. Anabell Santiago admits that at the time of her possession of the firearms, she was an unlawful and habitual user of fentanyl. On January 15, 2025, Anabell Santiago pleaded guilty in Chautauqua County Court to possession of more than four ounces of fentanyl.

Santos Santiago was convicted and sentenced to serve 132 months in prison.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Antonio Rivera-Perez, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Fitzsimmons and Katerina Powers, who are handling the case, stated that on January 22 and January 28, 2025, the DEA conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Rivera-Perez. On April 22, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rivera-Perez’s Langfield Drive residence, seizing approximately 1,072 grams of powder cocaine, 198 grams of crack cocaine, 190 grams of fentanyl, a Glock 19 handgun, several firearm magazines, ammunition, approximately $3,500 in U.S. currency, and drug paraphernalia.

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.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John Peterson, 42, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography by a person with a prior child pornography conviction, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from the messaging app Kik that two files of suspected child pornography were uploaded between June 14 and June 16, 2025. The files were uploaded with the username “hardinny41_mkc” and were shared with other Kik users. On July 05, 2025, NCMEC received another CyberTip from Kik that a file of suspected child pornography was uploaded on June 28, 2025 by someone with the username, hardinny4_mf7” and had also been shared with other Kik users. Subsequent investigation traced the uploaded files to Peterson. On December 3, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on Peterson’s person, seizing his cell phone. A forensic analysis identified approximately nine image files and five video files of suspected child sexual abuse material. Some of the images included infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children.

Peterson is a level 1 sex offender following a 2010 misdemeanor conviction in Carroll Town Court for Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16 Year of Age. He was subsequently convicted in 2023 in Chautauqua County Court of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16 Years of Age and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

Peterson made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on April 2, 2026.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan 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, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik, 23, of Orlando, Florida, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who handled the case, stated that in February 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik, who was 21 years old at the time, began communicating with a 16-year-old minor victim on social media. Between February 2024 and April 2024, the minor victim sent a video file and two image files depicting the minor victim to Cardoso Tehovnik, each of which constituted child pornography.

In late April 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik flew from Florida to the Western District of New York and rented a hotel room to meet the minor victim in person. On April 27, 2024, the minor victim met Cardoso Tehovnik in the hotel room and the two engaged in sexual intercourse.  Between April 2024 and June 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik continued to communicate with the 16-year-old victim on social media.  On June 4, 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik again traveled to the Western District of New York to meet the minor victim.  Cardoso Tehovnik picked up the minor victim from her school and left the district with the minor victim, intending to take her to Florida.  Law enforcement located Cardoso Tehovnik with the victim in New Jersey and Cardoso Tehovnik was arrested and taken into custody. 

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari, with assistance from the Beach Haven, NJ, Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Markoski.

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