Western District of New York

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric Rivera, 39, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute of 400 grams or more fentanyl and being felon in possession of ammunition, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who handled the case, stated that on March 14, 2024, the Niagara Falls Police Department was executing a search warrant at an Ontario Avenue residence. Shortly after entering the residence, an investigator looked out the back door and saw a male throw a shopping bag over a fence, jump over the fence, and run, before entering an abandoned garage next door with the bag, and then exiting without the bag. The male looked back toward law enforcement vehicles, while attempting to hide. Investigators quickly located the male identified as Rivera. A narcotics detection K-9 dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in the back of the garage, where investigators located the bag Rivera was seen holding. Investigators seized approximately 18 grams of cocaine and fentanyl, 642 grams of heroin and fentanyl, approximately eight grams of cocaine, 1511 grams of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, magazines, and ammunition.

In March 2007, Rivera was convicted in Erie County Court of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division.

# # # # 

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Norman Kelly, 69, of Albion, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that on October 20, 2023, Kelly arrived at the Port of Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Michigan, on a flight from Incheon, South Korea. During an inspection of his baggage, Kelly removed a cellular phone from his pocket, and had a computer bag, which contained a laptop computer, and four USB thumb drives. Due to a lack of eye contact during questioning, inconsistencies in his travel story, and nervous behavior, the devices were authorized to be examined. A Customs and Border Protection officer examined the cell phone, laptop and one of the thumb drives and discovered what appeared to be suspected child pornography. Subsequent investigation determined that between March 12 and September 20, 2023, Kelly used his laptop computer to entice minors to engage in sexually explicit behavior for the purpose of producing images, which he would receive via the internet. On March 12, 2023, Kelly received a sexually explicit image of a female child, approximately 10-12 years old. On July 20, 2023, he received a sexually explicit video file of an infant female, approximately 1.5 to three years old. Kelly possessed approximately 475 image files and 377 video files of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images included depictions of violence against children.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Additional assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, Michigan.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar F. Hernandez III, 24, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor following a prior conviction under New York law relating to possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who handled the case, stated that in December 2022, Hernandez was convicted of Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court and sentenced to serve six years of probation. On June 18, 2024, Hernandez used Instagram to share two child pornography videos with another Instagram user, who he believed to be a minor. Hernandez used a cellular telephone to upload the videos to Instagram and share them with the other user. On May 14, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Hernandez’s residence, during which law enforcement seized a number of electronic devices, including a cellular telephone, which contained 15 images of child pornography.

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

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tristan Bass-Krueger, 32, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, distribution and possession of child pornography and enticement of a minor. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 12, 2026, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a mother that her 14-year-old child (minor Victim 1), had sent and received sexual images to and from an adult male, and may have been having a sexual relationship with the adult male. The mother turned minor Victim 1’s cell phone over to investigators. An initial search of the cell phone revealed a Tinder Account created by minor Victim 1 and a Tinder profile user identifying as “Tristan,” who was messaging with minor Victim 1. The bio of “Tristan’s” account stated: “PhD at UR, love art and literature, good food, travelling and gathering new experiences.” Investigators also discovered conversations between minor Victim 1 and “Tristan” that were sexual in nature. The two then began to message off the Tinder application and through WhatsApp. Subsequent investigation determined that “Tristan” was Bass-Krueger.

The complaint further states that late on the night of February 4, 2026, Bass-Krueger is suspected of picking up minor Victim 1 at home with the two spending approximately five hours together before minor Victim 1 returned home. On February 8, 2026, Bass-Krueger sent minor Victim 1 a message stating: “I really like you an am looking forward to hanging out tomorrow, but tbh I see this relationship ending in heartbreak for you, the age gap just too big to work out long term and I’m risking serious jail time that’ll start to weigh on me more and m.” On February 9, 2026, Bass-Krueger and minor Victim 1 exchanged messages, discussing the fact that someone may have found out about their sexual relations. Bass-Krueger sent a message stating: “If you suspect anything delete all our communication and vids.” Investigators also discovered messages that minor Victim 1 exchanged with a friend, during which minor Victim 1 stated: “I had sex with him . . .” Minor Victim 1 also stated that Bass-Krueger took videos of their encounter. Investigators located the video on minor Victim 1’s phone.

Bass-Krueger was arrested in Atlanta, GA, on March 25, 2026, and made an initial appearance in the Northern District of Georgia. He is being detained and will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Aaron Miller, 32, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 120 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 Miller bought and sold methamphetamine and cocaine for profit and for his own use. He received large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from co-defendant Jun Martinez, a Jamestown drug dealer, and from others. Miller then distributed the drugs to other individuals in the Jamestown area, for profit.   

Co-defendants Jun Martinez, La Huynh, and Antasia Babcock were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.

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 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 Acting Chief Scott Forster.

# # # # 

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Julio Perez, 65, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. McGrath and Brandon N. Gonzalez, who handled the trial of the case, stated that in June 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Perez’s residence, seizing approximately an ounce of fentanyl and nearly $10,000 in cash. The warrant was part of a large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. Warrants were also executed at multiple locations in both Monroe and Ontario Counties. At the time the search warrant was executed, Perez was on supervised release following federal narcotics trafficking convictions in 2018 and 2002.

Perez was convicted of this latest charge by a federal jury in November 2025. With a third narcotics trafficking conviction, the Court determined that Perez is a career offender, resulting in an enhanced sentence.

The sentence is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.               

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edwin Robles, 38, of the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

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

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

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

Ashley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.      

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jesus Ramos aka Manny, 42, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-defendant Lamont Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. In July 2020, Ramos provided his identification information and social security number to Lamont Brown, knowing that it would be used to obtain money that he was not entitled to. After he provided his personal information to Brown, Ramos received a check totaling $11,454 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank, owned by Lamont Brown. These funds were later withdrawn and spent. Ramos did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico and was therefore legally ineligible to receive the PUA funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. The total loss amount to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the actions of Ramos and others involved in the scheme was $67,524.

Brown was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel S. Ackerman, 59, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 50 or more marijuana plants, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that Ackerman operated and maintained a marijuana grow and distribution center on Farnsworth Road in Cuba. On October 10, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant, seizing 475 growing marijuana plants, 124 dried marijuana plants, approximately 2,097 grams of processed marijuana, 10 glass jars containing liquid concentrated cannabis, three tubes of concentrated cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, scales, and multiple cell phones. In addition, investigators seized a 9mm pistol and ammunition.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, the Cuba Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dustin Burch, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Scott Cicirello, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra. 

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a Jacob D. Ortiz, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to assaulting a federal employee resulting in bodily injury, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that on September 9, 2025, a United States Postal Service (USPS) Letter Carrier approached the mailbox of a residence on Columbus Avenue in South Buffalo and observed Ortiz on the front porch of the house. Without any warning or provocation, Ortiz descended the front steps and lunged toward and tackled the letter carrier (victim) to the ground. Ortiz then began punching the victim repeatedly with his fists, forcing the victim to use their hands to protect their face as Ortiz delivered punches to the victim’s face, head, and midsection. Ortiz temporarily stopped, but then charged a second time, forcing the victim to flee the scene for their own safety. Ortiz gave chase but was unable to catch up, allowing the victim to get to safety. As a result, the victim sustained bodily injury, including a bump on the back of the head, several contusions to other parts of the head and face, and bruises and scrapes to their elbows and knees.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York recovered more than $68,000,000 in 2025 through settlement agreements and enforcement actions.

In 2025, the ACE Unit settled False Claims Act (FCA) cases, including cases that arose under the FCA’s qui tam or whistleblower provision. Among the settlements:

• Pfizer, on behalf of Pfizer’s subsidiary Biohaven, paid more than $50,000,000 to settle allegations that Biohaven paid kickbacks to providers in return for the providers prescribing Biohaven’s drug Nurtec.
• Five cases involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud, which will result in the recovery of more than $10,000,000.

The ACE Unit also settled non-False Claims Act related matters, including self-disclosed overpayments to federal health care programs and several claims involving the federally funded Railroad Retirement Board pension program.

U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo praised the work of the ACE Unit stating, “The settlements and recoveries achieved by the ACE Unit in 2025 demonstrate this Office’s commitment to protecting taxpayer money. My office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse involving government programs and hold those responsible accountable” 

The ACE Unit is the civil arm of the United States Attorney’s Office that investigates and pursues civil claims to recover money lost to fraud and other misconduct under the Federal False Claims Act. The False Claims Act allows the government to recover both the underlying loss amount and adds to the amount a damage multiplier. Many of these cases result from individuals or entities with inside information about fraudulent conduct.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud are encouraged to report information to federal authorities. Information about fraud involving federal health care programs can be reported to HHS Office of Inspector General (1-800-HHS-TIPS) or the FBI (1-800-CALL-FBI). Information about COVID-19 fraud can be reported 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.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ronnie Powell, 40, and Daniqua S. Dixon, 34, both of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Buffalo Police Department and the Buffalo Police Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the criminal activities of the Bloods, a violent street gang operating in and around the City of Buffalo. Numerous members of the Bloods have been identified as well as gang territory located on the east side of Buffalo. Members have been arrested by several police departments for violent criminal acts, including drug and firearm trafficking. Bloods gang members are known to commit violent criminal acts in furtherance of the gang to protect gang-controlled territory and houses associated with the gang.

Powell and Dixon are suspected Bloods gang members, in part because of various gang-related tattoos indicating gang membership and their associations with other Bloods gang members. The investigation determined that Powell and Dixon are narcotics traffickers who supply various individuals. On March 18, 2026, a search warrant was executed at a South Domedian residence utilized by Powell and Dixon, during which investigators seized two loaded firearms, a brick of suspected cocaine, quantities of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $10,333.00 in cash. Also on March 18, 2026, investigators conducted a traffic stop and placed Powell under arrest.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Craig Macy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam.

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 Lamont Brown, 37, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. Brown and his recruits obtained personally identifiable information and used that information to obtain PUA funds from the Puerto Department of Labor and Human Resources. Brown received a portion of the PUA funds the recruits received as payment for allowing them to participate in the scheme. In July 2020, Brown personally received a check totaling $10,122.00 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank within the Western District of New York. He later withdrew and spent the funds. The money was issued through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Brown did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico. The total loss to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the scheme was $67,524.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andres Carrillo-Hernandez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with alien smuggling, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of three years in prison, and a maximum of 10 years.  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Evan K. Glaberson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 15, 2026, Buffalo Border Patrol agents received information regarding possible alien smuggling. Agents were told that multiple subjects, including two adult males and an adult female carrying a small child, were spotted on infrared camera inflating a raft on the Canadian shoreline at Boyers Creek. The subjects then boarded the raft and began crossing the upper Niagara River, heading to the United States shoreline. Border Patrol agents proceeded toward the possible landing site near a residence on West River Road in Grand Island, NY. The raft was located, and the raft driver, later identified as Carrillo-Hernandez, was taken into custody for illegally entering the United States and suspected alien smuggling. Agents, who then heard a child crying, discovered another adult male, an adult female, and an infant child. The adult male and female were also arrested for illegal entry into the United States. Carrillo-Hernandez admitted to federal agents that he was paid approximately $2,000 to transport the two adults and child, via raft, from the Canadian shoreline to the United States. Subsequent investigation determined that Carrillo-Hernandez, and the three individuals smuggled across the river, had not applied for or received any authorization or approval to enter the United States.

Carrillo-Hernandez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on March 24, 2026.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.

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 Shannell Gosine, 28, of Houston, 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler, Donna Duncan, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that between April 2023, and February 20, 2025, Gosine conspired with others to sell cocaine that came from Mexico and was transported from Texas to multiple locations throughout the United States, including Buffalo. Gosine’s role was primarily that of a drug courier and the receiver of bulk currency for counting. She personally made numerous trips with bulk cocaine to Buffalo 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 Gosine and one of her 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, Gosine or her co-conspirators transported approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine to Buffalo and additional kilograms of cocaine to other destinations.

Gosine 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., Ian Dyer, and Norman Patillo. Gosine is the second to be convicted.

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 and the FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

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 September 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kelvin Thomas, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between October and December 2022, Thomas conspired with Zaid Mendoza and Cora Waddington to conduct a sex trafficking operation involving two individuals with drug addictions, Victim 1 and Victim 2. As part of the conspiracy, Thomas, Mendoza, and Waddington, provided shelter to the victims at a W. Main Street residence in Falconer, NY, and provided them with food, clothing, and daily quantities of heroin/fentanyl in exchange for their performance of commercial sex acts for money, with the proceeds going to Mendoza. Thomas assisted the operation by securing and communicating with commercial sex buyers, posting online advertisements with photographs of Victim 1 and Victim 2 on Skipthegames.com, transporting Victim 1 and Victim 2 to “out calls” away from the residence, and providing protection and assistance to sex trafficking victims while they were on out calls. In exchange for his assistance, Thomas was paid in drugs by Mendoza or Waddington.

Thomas’s involvement in the sex trafficking conspiracy also involved him in Mendoza and Waddington’s drug trafficking operation. He distributed heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine for Mendoza and Waddington, in addition to using the drugs himself. Between August 30 and October 30, 2023, investigators conducted three controlled purchases fentanyl and methamphetamine from Thomas. On November 1, 2023, a search warrant was executed at a Newland Avenue residence associated with Thomas, during which quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine HCL were seized.

Mendoza and Waddington were previously convicted.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, 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 Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael W. Luehrsen, 41, of Miami, Florida, who was convicted of perjury, was sentenced to serve three years’ probation by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Luehrsen will also pay approximately $2,000,000 in restitution and forfeit approximately $2,000,000 in assets, including investments and real estate proceeds.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Grace Carducci, who handled the case, stated that in February 2022, Luehrsen testified under oath in his previous jury trial before the United States District Court for the Western District of New York as follows:

Q. Mike, I want to start by talking about your dad. You told Mr. Kruly that on the days that those prescriptions were faxed you were not in town, is that what you said?

A. That’s correct.

Q. Can you tell the jury, where were you?

A. On June 27, 2014, I was actually in California visiting Cornerstone Pharmacy with two physicians. On July 11, of 2014, I was in Boston, Massachusetts.

Q. And how do you remember that?

A. I have photographs from my phone showing me in those particular cities.

Evidence from Luehrsen’s cellular telephone shows that the testimony quoted above was false. Photographs on the cell phone establish that he was, in fact, in Buffalo on July 11, 2014. In addition, telephone records and financial records established that Luehrsen was in Buffalo on that date. At the time of this testimony, Luehrsen was being tried for, among other crimes, conspiring to commit health care fraud. It was a matter material to the  trial whether or not Luehrsen was in Buffalo when an altered compound prescription form was faxed from his father’s home located in the Western District of New York.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexandria Duncan, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that between October 9 and October 14, 2024, Duncan conspired with co-defendant Timothee S. Tidwell to steal mail from receptacles in Hamburg, NY, and take articles from inside the letters and envelopes that were stolen. For instance, in the early morning hours of October 14, 2024, Duncan drove a vehicle to Camp Road with Tidwell, who exited the vehicle and approached a row of mailboxes outside the post office on Camp Road with a postal arrow key he was not legally entitled to possess. After Tidwell exited the vehicle, Duncan drove the vehicle across the street to a gas station where she was approached by a Village of Hamburg Police officer. While the police officer interacted with Duncan, Tidwell fled the scene.

Duncan and Tidwell used a postal arrow key to open various mailboxes in the Hamburg area to steal multiple mail items. On October 14, 2024, law enforcement recovered opened and unopened mail addressed to other people from Duncan’s vehicle. The opened mail included checks from various individuals and businesses and totaled approximately $369,104.92.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Village of Hamburg Police, under the direction of Chief Richard Schara, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Taylor Hernandez, 31, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on January 15, 2026, members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant of Hernandez’s person and her Falconer Street residence, seizing approximately 181 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 23.5 grams of suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and $4,165.00 in cash.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting 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.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Eric Simpson, a/k/a Major Hands, 66, of Macedon, NY, with use of interstate facilities to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate a prostitution enterprise. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Chalbeck, who is handling the case, stated that Simpson was recently a public-school teacher in Rochester, who lived on Canandaigua Road in Macedon, NY. According to the indictment, between 2021, and December 2025, Simpson maintained and utilized his Canandaigua Road residence as a location where commercial sex workers met with customers and engaged in commercial sex transactions. Simpson regularly promoted, managed, and carried on prostitution parties, arranging to have commercial sex workers present and available to perform commercial sex acts with himself and with those he invited to the parties.

Simpson promoted the prostitution parties via email. In these emails, he detailed how many women would be present, sometimes identifying them by first name. Simpson managed the terms of the prostitution parties, including setting a cover charge for admission to the party, designating what rooms and other accommodations would be available, and telling prospective customers where to park, to avoid being parked too close to his house. The emails directed customers to negotiate “donations” for services directly with the “dancers.”

In addition to the prostitution parties, Simpson promoted, established, and carried on prostitution activity by authorizing commercial sex workers to use his residence to meet with customers and engage in prostitution services even when he was not present. Simpson utilized the internet to advertise which commercial sex workers were working out of his residence, and to inform prospective commercial sex customers what specific sex acts the commercial sex workers would perform.

Simpson was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Macedon Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Colella, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Zaid Mendoza a/k/a Diamond, 47, of Jamestown and Falconer, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to narcotics conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more methamphetamine, and heroin, and three counts of sex trafficking by force. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between 2020, and December 2022, Mendoza was a manager and supervisor of a drug trafficking organization, utilizing drug runners, drivers, and associates to sell his drugs and collect his debts. During the conspiracy, Mendoza bought and sold fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin for profit. He used his West Main Street residence to manufacture, distribute, and use the drugs. On October 6, 2022, law enforcement stopped a vehicle Mendoza was a passenger in and recovered methamphetamine from the driver and approximately 25 grams of fentanyl on Mendoza.

On December 7, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Mendoza’s residence, recovering cash, approximately 34 grams of fentanyl, approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately a gram of a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, a semi-automatic pistol, and a large capacity magazine.

In 2000, Mendoza met Victim 1 and pursued her for sexual activity. Victim 1, who was addicted to drugs, believed that if she had sex with Mendoza, he would give her heroin/fentanyl. Consequently, Victim 1 had sex with Mendoza in exchange for drugs on three occasions.

In the Spring of 2022, Mendoza met Victim 2 at a drug house in Jamestown. She was also a heavy drug user and knew that Mendoza was a drug dealer. In June 2022, Victim 2 met Mendoza at a motel in Jamestown. Victim 2’s understanding was that she would engage in sexual activity Mendoza and that he would give her drugs. This occurred on several other occasions in July 2022.

Between October and December 2022, Mendoza conspired with co-defendants to force Victim 3 and Victim 4 to engage in a commercial sex act. Both victims struggled with drug addictions. Victim 3 and Victim 4 were provided shelter at Mendoza’s residence as well as food, clothing, and daily quantities of fentanyl in exchange for their performance of commercial sex acts for money. The proceeds went to Mendoza. The co-conspirators utilized the website “Skipthegames.com” to find customers.

Charges are pending against co-defendant Kelvin Thomas. Cora Waddington was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, 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 Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 39 count indictment charging Trevor Knapp, 34, of Tonawanda, NY, with 15 counts of production of child pornography, two counts of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, one count of distribution of child pornography, 19 counts receipt of child pornography, and two counts possession of child pornography. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 930 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in April 2024, a 17-year-old minor female contacted the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department stating that she was being harassed by a 32-year-old male named Trevor Knapp online. The minor victim met Knapp in 2020, when she was 13 years old, on the friend finding website called “mylol.” As the two began communicating, the conversations became sexual in nature. Knapp sent sexually explicit videos of himself to the minor victim and he asked that she send naked images of herself, but she declined. However, the minor victim would get out of the shower naked while the two were video chatting and Knapp would screen capture an image of her. The two also messaged through Google Chat and Knapp utilized multiple Google email accounts. The minor victim, who was uncomfortable with how he was talking, would delete or block Knapp but he would utilize a new account to regain contact. Knapp also located the minor victim’s Instagram account and messaged her on that platform as well. The minor victim advised Knapp multiple times of her real age.

The minor victim requested for months that Knapp leave her alone, stating that she had a boyfriend. Knapp then requested images of the minor victim and her boyfriend having sex. He also sent her a naked image of a second minor victim, a female living in Pennsylvania. The two minor victims began communicating, and the second minor victim described Knapp as “the pedophile.” Subsequent investigation traced Knapp back to the Western District of New York.

On October 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Knapp’s residence, during which investigators seized two of his cell phones, both of which were found to contain child pornography. A preliminary search recovered a sexually explicit video that included Knapp and the first minor victim.

The indictment includes charges relating to six minor victims, one of which Knapp is accused of traveling in interstate commerce to have sex with the victim on two occasions.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean Connolly, 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.

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 Melissa Olson, 47, of Randolph, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of mail by postal employee, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated Olson was hired by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2023 as a rural carrier associate assigned to the Randolph Post Office. Between April and May 2023, Olson opened a stamped, first-class mail envelope that had been entrusted to her for delivery and removed a Visa gift card from the envelope. Olson also admitted that on various dates in 2023, she opened various envelopes and mail that were entrusted to her for delivery, and rifled through the items, delaying their delivery.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a Dwayne Lowery aka Chi Chi, 31, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and kidnapping, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donna M. Duncan, Joshua A. Violanti, and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that on December 7, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lowery’s West Cowden Place residence, seizing approximately 59 grams of fentanyl, $1,140 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Prior to the search warrant, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lowery at his residence.

In mid-October 2023, Lowery invited an individual (Victim) to a North Union Street residence in Olean, NY. For the next approximately 22 days, the Victim was held by Lowery at various locations, including residences associated with Lowery in Buffalo and Olean, and a Buffalo hotel. When the Victim attempted to flee, Lowery physically prevented her from doing so. During this time, the defendant regularly provided the Victim with narcotics. On November 3, 2023, the Victim escaped Lowery’s Buffalo residence, went to Buffalo Police headquarters, and reported that she was being held against her will.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Ron Richardson.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lorenzo Jones, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated ID theft, was sentenced to serve 34 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that between January and September 2022, Jones, along with co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price, 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, Jones, Price, 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, Jones, Clark, Price, 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.

The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, Is $64,979.67.

Co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price and Montez White were all previously convicted.

The sentencing 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.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging James Jackson, 39, and Alicia Osar, 37, both of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. In addition, Jackson is charged with maintaining a drug involved premises.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between 2018, and February 2025, Jackson and Osar conspired with Ernest W. Brown, Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell fentanyl. In addition, between 2019, and 2021, Jackson is accused of using a Bush Street residence in Jamestown to manufacture and sell heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Defendant Jackson is being detained, defendant Osar is released on conditions. Defendants Brown and Zaso were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.

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 and the FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott D. 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.

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 Michael Herrera, 45, of the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, co-conspirator Vance Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with Herrera, and two other co-conspirators, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts.

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

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

Ashley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

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 Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.      

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Legend Davis, 22, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2024, Davis was convicted in the Western District of New York of possession of a postal key and theft of mail and sentenced to serve three years’ probation. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing ammunition.

On December 16, 2025, Rochester Police officers responded to an address for a report of harassment. The caller stated that a car full of individuals came to their house, beeped the car horn, and called for them to come outside. According to the caller, Davis was one of the occupants of the vehicle and said, “you gonna lie down,” and “it’s on today, ya’ll going to see me light it up,” and made firearm gestures and pointed to his waistband. The incident led to United States Probation officers conducting home visits on December 16, 2025, on January 21, 2026 at Davis’s Rauber Street residence. An officer asked Davis if there was anything in the residence that he was not permitted to possess. He admitted that he possessed ammunition. Officers located nine rounds of ammunition.

Davis made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was held pending a detention hearing.

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 and the FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, and United States Probation, under the direction of Clifford D. Jackson, Chief Probation Officer.

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

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Herschel Dawson, 35, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of distribution of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGrath, who handled the case, stated that in April 2022, members of the Brockport Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a fatal fentanyl overdose at a Gordon Street residence. After a thorough investigation by local law enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, into the circumstances of the overdose, Dawson was identified as the drug dealer responsible for distributing the fatal dose of fentanyl. The investigation, which included an undercover purchase,  also determined that Dawson was engaged in drug dealing for several years prior to the overdose incident.

The sentence is the result of an investigation by the Brockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Paul Wheat, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.                     

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Derrel Lemorn Moore, Jr. a/k/a Derrel Austin, 47, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that in January 1996, Austin was convicted of multiple felony charges in Erie County Court, including kidnapping, burglary and robbery. Part of his sentence included lifetime parole. On February 17, 2022, New York State Parole officers and the Niagara Falls Police officers searched Austin’s 7th Street residence, seizing approximately 17 grams of cocaine, 44 grams of fentanyl, 40 suboxone packages, and a pistol.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel Richter, 47, of Middle Island, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to cyberstalking. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that, between December 24, 2023, and March 27, 2024, Richter sent hundreds of threatening and sexual emails via the internet to Victim 1’s personal email address. He threatened not only Victim 1, but members of her family as well. For instance, over a two-day period in February 2024, Richter sent over 50 email messages to Victim 1’s personal email address, including one email mentioning Victim 1’s son by name. He also sent multiple emails and/or Google voicemails to Victim 1 on an almost daily basis, which became more threatening as time progressed. Richter threatened to visit Victim 1 in person and threatened to kill her. In March 2024, Richter traveled from California to the Western District of New York, where he was arrested at a local hotel. Law enforcement found photos of Victim 1, handwritten notes of Victim 1’s phone number, as well as a black knit ski mask, and several bottles of women’s hair dye in Richter’s hotel room.

In September 2020, Richter was convicted of interstate communication of threat to injure in the Western District of New York and was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tehran Muhammad, 40, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribute, crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2025, the DEA and Buffalo Police began investigating the fatal overdose of an individual at Sisters of Charity Hospital. According to the complaint, on February 13, 2025, a victim was discovered unresponsive inside of a bathroom stall at the hospital. Burned tinfoil with suspected fentanyl was found near the victim, who was admitted to the hospital. The following day, February 14, 2025, the victim was pronounced dead due to non-traumatic anoxic brain injury caused by drug intoxication and overdose.

Investigators reviewed the victim’s medical records, cellular telephone, and surveillance footage from the hospital near the time of the overdose. They discovered that beginning on February 12, 2025, the victim began communicating with a “Cuzo Dope,” who was later identified a Muhammad. According to text messages, the victim reached out to Muhammad to purchase drugs on February 12 and February 13, 2025. Cell phone data and surveillance video also indicate that both the victim and Muhammad were in the area of the hospital near the time of the overdose. Subsequent investigation also included two controlled purchases from Mohammad.

On February 27, 2026, search warrants were executed at Muhammad’s Seminole Parkway residence, during which investigators seized a rifle, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. In 2005, Muhammad was convicted of Attempted Burglary 1st and Rape 1st and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Muhammad made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on March 4, 2026 before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Craig Macy.     

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

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Wayne McDaniels, 42, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that in November 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at McDaniels’ Maria Street apartment. Law enforcement seized over 400 individually packed bags of fentanyl, significant quantities of bulk fentanyl and cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and two loaded firearms. The search warrant was part of a larger investigation into a group of drug dealers that had been selling fentanyl and crack cocaine from various drug houses for years. McDaniels was a leader in the group. One of these drug houses included a Jay Street residence, where McDaniels’ six-month-old nephew died from a fentanyl overdose on August 1, 2022.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of David Cirencione, and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET).        

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexander Grupp, 33, of Lancaster, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that in March 2018, Grupp was convicted in New York State Court of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than sixteen years of age, and sentenced, in part, to 10 years' probation. In October 2022, Grupp communicated with a 15-year-old girl using the instant messaging application, Discord. During these conversations, Grupp persuaded the victim to send him nude pictures of herself.

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

# # # # 

BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Neubauer, 39, of Falconer, NY, who was convicted of aiding and abetting a kidnapping, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on May 27, 2014, Neubauer and Matthew Rudy kidnapped Joseph Anthony and then traveled from Jamestown, NY, to Rudy’s property in Pennsylvania. Anthony was tricked into traveling to Pennsylvania by an offer of cocaine. Neubauer and Rudy took Anthony to Pennsylvania because they believed he was a cooperator. After arriving in Pennsylvania, Neubauer and Rudy told Anthony they did not have any cocaine, before shooting and killing him, and then burying him on Rudy’s property.

Matthew Rudy was previously convicted and sentenced to prison.

“Anthony Neubauer and his co-defendant went to great lengths to silence a person they believed was cooperating in a law enforcement investigation, including kidnapping, crossing state lines, murder and disposing of a body” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “A lot of time may have passed, but our law enforcement partners demonstrated perseverance and unwavering determination, which ultimately resulted in uncovering Neubauer’s actions. As a consequence, he will now spend the next two decades in prison.”

“Today’s sentencing of Anthony Neubauer reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “When the Jamestown Police Department requested assistance with this cold case murder investigation, the FBI surged resources across Western New York and northern Pennsylvania. By combining investigative technology and proven tactics, we were able to secure justice for the victim and his family.”

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief Scott D. Forster and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Additional assistance was provided by the Warren County, PA, District Attorney’s Office.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edward Wilkie, 31, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2025, law enforcement received information that Wilkie and co-conspirator Daniel Eberle were storing and selling large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine at Wilkie’s Shelly Court residence and at a stash house on Sheridan Parkside Drive. Wilkie used both residences to store the drugs, which he would then distribute in Salamanca, NY, and Pennsylvania.

On March 25, 2025, investigators executed search warrants on Wilkie’s vehicle, his Shelly Court residence and the Sheridan Parkside Drive stash house. They recovered $42,330 in cash and approximately 384 grams of heroin from Wilkie’s vehicle and $4,000 in cash from his residence. As investigators entered the Sheridan Parkside Drive stash house, they encountered Daniel Eberle attempting to destroy narcotics evidence by flushing it down the toilet. Law enforcement ultimately recovered approximately 66 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded shotgun.

Charges remain pending against Daniel Eberle.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Robert Fiels, 38, City Falls, Oregon, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Fiels served as the source of supply for individuals that trafficked marijuana and marijuana-based products across the country. Fiels utilized individuals, including co-defendant Syed Ahmad and others, to deliver the marijuana and marijuana-based products. Others, including co-defendant Frank Vacanti, then distributed the marijuana to individuals such as co-defendant Vincent Lopresti, who then sold the marijuana and marijuana products across Western New York. Between late 2016, and June 2019, Fiels trafficked approximately 1,800lbs of marijuana to one individual.

In January 2017, Fiels was stopped by DEA-Chicago and Amtrak Police while traveling from Buffalo, NY to Chicago, Illinois. After questioning and providing consent, DEA-Chicago seized $222,965.00 in drug proceeds located in Fiel’s suitcases. On December 31, 2017, in Morgan County, Illinois, local law enforcement and the DEA, recovered approximately 1,000 lbs. of marijuana from an RV driven by co-defendant Syed Ahmad and another individual. The marijuana belonged to Fiels and was destined for locations around the United States. On January 18, 2018, Fiels was stopped in a vehicle for traveling too fast for conditions in Hobart, Indiana by local law enforcement. During a search his vehicle, law enforcement seized $48,000 in drug proceeds. On February 10, 2020, law enforcement in Springfield, Oregon seized approximately $15,000 in drug proceeds sent to the defendant via USPS.

On June 29, 2020, law enforcement executed search warrants at three locations in the State of Oregon associated with Fiels, including his residence, work apartment, and the residence of his former girlfriend. Law enforcement recovered marijuana, marijuana-based products, USPS parcels, drug paraphernalia, packing materials, scales, psychedelic mushrooms, two firearms, and liquid steroids.

Syed Ahmad, Frank Vacanti, and Vincent Lopresti were previously convicted and sentenced.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; HSI Portland, Oregon; HSI Springfield, Illinois; the Illinois State Police, under the direction of Director Brendan F. Kelly; the Oregon State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Casey Codding; the Morgan County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff’s Office Director Mike Carmody; the Hobart, Indiana Police Department, under the direction of Chief Garrett Ciszewski; and the Springfield, Oregon Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jami Resch.

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Steven L. Ploof, 48, of Greece, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to threatening to assault a member of the immediate family of a Federal law enforcement officer with intent to impede with such law enforcement officer while engaged in the performance of official duties, or with intent to retaliate against such law enforcement officer on account of the performance of official duties. The charge carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez, who is handling the case, stated that on September 15, 2025, Ploof went to the Ogden, NY, residence of an FBI Special Agent and his family. When he arrived at the house, Ploof placed two posterboard signs on the front porch, one sign read “Corrupt FBI AGENT!” and the other sign read “I Want To (expletive) Your Kids!” Video of Ploof placing the two signs on the front porch was obtained from a residential security system.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Ogden Police Department, under the direction of Chief Travis Gray, and the Orleans County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2026, before Judge Vacca.   

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brandie S. Williams, 45, of Dallas, Texas, and Brittany L. Herbert, 39, of Brandywine, Maryland, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. In addition, defendant Herbert also pleaded guilty to bank fraud.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen M. McCarthy and Charles M. Kruly, and Ariel Glaser and Jennifer L. Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, who are handling the case, stated that between May 2020 and June 2021, Williams and Herbert conspired with Adam Arena and Amanda Gloria, and others, to fraudulently obtain and misuse multiple COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) emergency relief loans, including:

• Williams, Herbert, and Gloria worked together to fraudulently obtain an approximately $292,700 loan for Williams’s business, Beyond the Next Level, Inc. including by, among other things,  preparing and submitting a fraudulent IRS tax form as part of the PPP loan application, which falsely stated that Williams’s business had 25 employees and paid total payroll expenses of $1.4 million in 2019 when, in fact, the business had no employees. After receiving the PPP loan, Williams did not use the funds for legitimate business-related purposes. Instead, Williams used the funds for her own personal enrichment and transferred over $43,000 to bank accounts controlled by Gloria and Herbert.
• Williams, Herbert, Gloria, and Arena also worked together to fraudulently obtain a loan for approximately $954,000 for Arena's business, ADA Auto Group. After the PPP loan proceeds were transferred into an account controlled by Arena, he conducted a series of financial transactions, including for his own personal benefit, for Gloria's benefit, and for the benefit of others.

Adam Arena and Amanda Gloria were previously convicted for their roles in the conspiracy.  

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

The pleas are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr.; the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli; and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Michael McGill, New York Field Division.

Brandie Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2026, and Brittany Herbert is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2026, both before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Charles Barker, 70, of Niagara Falls, 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 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 on June 13, 2025, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) was alerted to a parcel being shipped from Arizona to Niagara Falls, that was consistent with parcels containing narcotics. USPIS investigators executed a search warrant on the parcel, which was found to contain approximately 703 grams of crystal methamphetamine. On June 17, 2025, a controlled delivery of the parcel was conducted to the 77th Street residence of Barker, who was listed as the recipient. Barker was arrested after accepting the parcel, which had been replaced with sham methamphetamine. During a search of the residence, investigators recovered quantities of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine, a shotgun, and $25,821 in cash.

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 United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.   

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gregory Trotter, 51, of Williamsville, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to impeding with a federal officer, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $100,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that in September 2022, an FBI Special Agent arranged to meet with Trotter, who was an Amherst Police detective at the time, regarding Trotter’s involvement in a 2019 investigation of the alleged theft of a Rolex watch belonging to Peter Gerace. Trotter was questioned about his contact with Gerace during the investigation, with the agent asking Trotter multiple times whether Gerace had reached out to him while the investigation was active, to ask him questions about the status of the investigation. Trotter said no. During this exchange, Trotter reacted with disproportionate emotion and became physically animated, losing his professional bearing. Due to Trotter’s status as a trained law enforcement officer who was possibly armed, this conduct intentionally impeded the agent in the performance of his duties.          

“This defendant, a police officer, who was sworn to protect and serve, intentionally impeded the duties of another sworn law enforcement officer, and as a result he now stands convicted of committing a federal crime,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo.

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

Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ronald D. Mitchell, 44, of Little Valley, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.   

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that according to the 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 made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by 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.  

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brian O’Brien, 43, of East Aurora, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison and 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. O’Brien will also have to register as a sex offender.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who handled the case, stated that between June 2022, and July 19, 2023, O’Brien used Snapchat and WhatsApp to receive, view, and upload visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his cellular telephone. Between June 2022, and March 2023, O’Brien used WhatsApp to communicate with an individual located in Phoenix, Arizona. During these communications, he discussed sexually abusing minor children, and distributed files containing child pornography to the other individual.

Between December 2022, and May 2023, O’Brien communicated by text message with a person he knew as “J.J.” During these communications, he solicited J.J. to find a minor boy for him to sexually abuse. J.J. provided O’Brien with a phone number for a person purported to be a 15-year-old boy. O’Brien then negotiated with the purported 15-year-old boy to perform sex acts. O’Brien then sent a message to J.J. in which he agreed to pay both the purported 15-year-old boy and J.J. for sexual activity with the purported minor and offered to buy drugs for the purported minor.

In July 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at O’Brien’s residence in East Aurora, during which numerous devices were seized, including two cell phones, a hard drive, and a laptop computer. A search of the devices recovered over 2,000 images and videos of child pornography.

“This case highlights the lengths that predators will go in their attempts to abuse children,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Thankfully, this defendant was unsuccessful in his attempts but let this serve as a reminder of how important it is for adults and minors to be vigilant online.”

“The FBI has zero tolerance for any adult, like Brian O’Brien, who preys upon the innocence of children. Today’s sentencing reiterates that those who exploit children will be held accountable for their actions,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by 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 Amie Feroleto.

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Timothy Siverd, 38, of Webster, NY, who was convicted of two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to serve 111 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that in November 2021, while employed as a vice president at Tompkins Community Bank, Siverd convinced two victims to invest in fraudulent real estate transactions. Victim 1 paid Siverd approximately $158,429, but after realizing that the transactions were fraudulent, Victim 1 demanded repayment. Siverd returned $108,429 of Victim 1’s funds, using funds fraudulently obtained from Victim 2, who paid Siverd $346,511.55. Siverd never returned any of Victim 2’s funds.

While on supervised release for committing this scheme, between November 2022, and September 19, 2024, Siverd operated and controlled ROC Scrubby LLC, a residential and commercial cleaning services company. During that time, Siverd overbilled ROC Scrubby clients for cleaning services that were not performed. He would manually change appointments on ROC Scrubby’s booking software without client permission to increase the amount each client would be billed, however employees would not perform the more expensive services. He used, without lawful authority, client credit card numbers to overbill his clients.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and Department of Homeland Security Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan announced the #DatingOrDefrauding Campaign to draw attention to relationship investment scams.

Romance scams are on the rise and are becoming more sophisticated than ever. Would be scammers use dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms to find victims. These scammers build trust to gain confidence of victims and then push victims into investments, which turn out to be fake crypto or trading platforms with manipulated results. Victims are often left emotionally devastated and financially drained. Over the past few years, scammers have targeted just about every one of every age, including:

• Professionals
• Seniors
• Younger people, who are more willing to consider online dating and crypto investing

One of the newest romance scams is called “pig-butchering.” Scammers lure in a victim, bombard them with affection, manipulate their emotions, and then convince them to make an investment. The scam’s name comes from the way these predators “fatten up” their victims—encouraging larger investments—before slaughtering their hopes and stealing every dollar. To avoid this and other types of fraud:

• Do not engage with online requests for money
• If something doesn’t feel right, rust your instincts
• Limit who can see your information on social media and what you share
• Check privacy settings on all social platforms, messaging apps, and mobile devices
• Report suspicious people and activity to social media, dating or messaging platforms
• Don’t respond to wrong number text messages
• Before investing, learn all that you can about the investment
• Never risk more money than you can afford to lose

“With romance scams on the rise and more and more people being targeted, it’s imperative that everyone uses extreme caution online to avoid being emotionally devastated and financially drained,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Be very cautious about what you share online and do not engage with any online requests for money. Trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”

Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan stated, “The Valentine’s Day season brings an increased risk of romance scams, including and especially the ‘so-called’ pig-butchering schemes – which are not just financial crimes; they are calculated attacks on people’s trust, emotions, and livelihoods. The reality is, these scams target everyday people, and anyone can be a victim. The emotional toll is significant, and many victims feel embarrassed or ashamed, making it harder to come forward. Together with the FBI, the Western District of New York, and several partners, our newly created Homeland Security Task Force is utilizing every tool at our disposal to ensure criminal opportunists cannot freely exploit innocent, unsuspecting and hard-working Americans.”

“Romance and confidence scams remain a significant threat, causing substantial financial and emotional harm to victims nationwide. As criminals exploit various tools, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance their schemes, it is vital for individuals to be vigilant,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI encourages anyone who believes they have been targeted to immediately stop communication, report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and contact their local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency.”

According to the FBI, in 2024, approximately 59,000 people fell victim to romance-related scams, losing over $672-million dollars. The FBI says that many times, once a victim realizes that they have been exploited, they feel embarrassed or ashamed, and do not want to let anyone know what happened to them, including law enforcement. However, the FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized by this fraud or unsuccessfully targeted to file a complaint. If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you have already sent money, report any transfer of funds to your financial institution and contact law enforcement.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Reinaldo Sanchez Gonzalez a/k/a Delvis Mendoza, 51, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 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 Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, on April 28, 2023, Sanchez Gonzalez traveled to the Buffalo, NY, area with co-defendant Robert Hernandez, intending to distribute approximately a kilogram of fentanyl. The vehicle that Sanchez Gonzalez and Hernandez were riding in was pulled over by deputies from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. During the traffic stop, law enforcement recovered a brick of fentanyl from the trunk of the vehicle.

Sanchez Gonzalez is awaiting sentencing on prior felony convictions in New York State Court for Sexual Abuse 1st (sexual contact with an individual less than 11 years old) and Sexual Conduct Against Child 2nd (two or more acts/child less than 11 years old). Federal charges remain pending against Robert Hernandez

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 June 11, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.     

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dominic Sprague, 42, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. 

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

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

Banks, Reeves, Lewis and Civiletti were previously convicted.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Daniel Gregory, 33, of Clarence, NY, with attempted enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously complaint, on January 6, 2025, the North Tonawanda Police Department learned that a person named “Daniel Gregory” was sending messages to other Facebook users asking the following question: “You know any NT teens I could hook up with? 13-16” Detectives traced the messages to the defendant. On January 9, 2025, an undercover law enforcement officer created a Facebook profile under the name “Alexis Jones,” and sent Gregory a friend request, which he subsequently accepted. Gregory started sending messages to “Alexis Jones” via Facebook messenger. After sending messages, Gregory began attempting to video call “Alexis Jones” and asked for “Alexis Jones” to call him. No video calls were answered, all communication was done electronically through Facebook messenger. In the subsequent weeks, Gregory consistently attempted to coordinate a meeting with “Alexis Jones,” who he believed was 12 years old. He also repeatedly attempted to video call and sent explicit photos of himself to the undercover account. Some of the conversations between Gregory and the undercover law enforcement officer were sexual in nature. 

On February 3, 2025, Gregory arranged to meet “Alexis Jones” at an apartment in the City of Tonawanda to engage in sexual activity. When Gregory arrived at the apartment, North Tonawanda detectives were waiting and took him into custody. They also seized Gregory’s cell phone. 

In May 2019, Gregory was convicted of Harassment in the 2nd Degree, in Cheektowaga Town Court, for contacting a minor victim on social media, and attempting to pursue a romantic relationship with the minor for approximately two years. 

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

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 Jose Perez, 41, of Celeron, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on December 15, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Perez’s residence after he uploaded a child pornography file to Dropbox, an electronic service provider that offers internet-based file storage services. During the search, Perez’s cell phone was seized. A subsequent examination of the phone revealed approximately three images and one video of child pornography. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors less than 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Perez admits that, on two or more occasions, he engaged in the sexual abuse, exploitation, and attempted sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Omar Vazquez-Baez, a/k/a Tutu, 33, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five kilograms or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve a total of 146 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Vazquez-Baez received 120 months for his drug conviction and 46 months for failing to appear in court for his original sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that between July 2017 and September 29, 2017, Vazquez-Baez conspired with others to distribute cocaine in the Niagara Falls area for a drug trafficking organization led by co-defendant Cesar Rivera-Figueroa. Vazquez-Baez regularly distributed quantities of cocaine to customers on behalf of the Rivera-Figueroa organization.

On September 13, 2017, investigators intercepted a phone call between Rivera-Figueroa and Vazquez-Baez. During the call, Rivera-Figueroa told Vazquez-Baez, “I have some lockers for you to take a look at. I already gave six, but for you to see them and offer them around. . . .I’m like a display cabinet right now.” Vazquez-Baez then met with Rivera-Figueroa and collected several packaged quantities of cocaine. Later that day, Vazquez-Baez called Rivera-Figueroa looking for more cocaine but Rivera-Figueroa indicated he was out of supply. On September 29, 2017, during the execution of a search warrant at Vazquez-Baez’s residence, investigators recovered a firearm and ammunition, multiple quantities of cocaine and marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and numerous cell phones.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Craig Macy, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

# # # #