Western District of New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ma Le Jones, 37, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with 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 $1,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katerina F. Powers, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the morning of December 13, 2025, Jones presented for inspection at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, using a New York State driver’s license for identification. Jones told a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer that he made a wrong turn and was attempting to return to the United States. The CBP officer conducted database queries, which revealed Jones was subject to an active order of protection, and was also on probation for a prior firearms offense. As a result, Jones was referred secondary inspection, during which CBP officers seized, among other things, two cell phones, $2,383 in cash, quantities of marijuana, MDMA, cocaine and crack cocaine, and a loaded revolver. Jones is currently on parole after being convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in 2017 in New York State Court.

Jones was ordered detained following a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ruben Medina, 20, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on September 11, 2024, Medina was pulled over by a Jamestown Police officer because of an outstanding probation warrant. Initially, he refused to exit the vehicle but later complied and was taken into custody. A search of Medina recovered approximately 109 grams of methamphetamine. Previously, on June 25, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a Newland Avenue residence associated with Medina. Investigators seized cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, suboxone strips, $200 cash, a digital scale, and a firearm.

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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.     

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Cross Abu Cole, 21, a citizen of Ghana, who was convicted of interstate communications with intent to extort, was sentenced to time served (approximately seven months) by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo and turned over to the Department of Homeland Security.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on October 30, 2022, Cole improperly accessed an individual’s (Victim) Snapchat account and obtained nude photographs that the Victim had stored in his Snapchat account. Cole sent a text message to the Victim, utilizing a Google Voice telephone number, demanding payment of $200. If payment was not made, Cole threatened to damage the reputation of the Victim by releasing the nude photographs to family and friends of the Victim. An initial payment of $200 via CashApp was made by the Victim as instructed but then he cancelled the payment. Subsequently, the Victim learned that some of his Snapchat contacts had received the nude photographs.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Houssam El-Atat, 44, of Montreal, Canada, was extradited from Spain, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2021, an individual in Buffalo, NY, (Victim 1) and a marine sales company (Vendor 1) engaged in email communication regarding the purchase of a boat. These communications included specifications, pricing, and payment. In March 2021, Victim 1 received an email from the person he believed to be Vendor 1 with wiring instructions for payment. Victim 1 arranged for the full amount ($295,373.75) to be wired to Vendor 1’s company through a Bank of America account. Victim 1 subsequently learned that Vendor 1 had not received the $295,373.75 and that the wiring instructions provided to him for payment were fraudulent. After reviewing the email correspondence between himself and Vendor 1, Victim 1 realized his email account had been compromised.

Subsequent investigation by the FBI determined that the Bank of America account where $295,373.75 was deposited was owned by an individual named A.Z., who was unaware that the funds he received from Victim 1 were the result of fraudulent activity. A.Z. stated to the FBI that he received the funds from an individual who claimed that he owed A.Z.’s recently deceased father $100,000 and was resolving the debt. Then, at the request of the individual, A.Z. sent $180,200.00 of the funds to an account at La Caisse Centrale Desjardins Bank in Canada. Bank records indicate that the funds were then rapidly disbursed to a number of apparent shell companies before being distributed to El-Atat.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Additional assistance was provided by the Sûreté du Québec Provincial Police.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lamor Runell Bolden, 27, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail theft, was sentenced to serve two years’ probation to include six months home detention by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that on October 2, 2024, Bolden conspired with Eric Michael Robinson and Antonio Jones, Jr. to steal mail from mail receptacles in Cheektowaga, NY. In addition, the defendants also possessed a key used to open authorized mail receptacles. Bolden drove with Robinson and Jones to a mail facility in Cheektowaga at approximately 1:00 a.m. on October 2, 2024. Robinson drove and Bolden and Jones were passengers. Robinson parked the car behind a row of blue collection mailboxes outside the postal facility, Bolden and Jones got out of the car, and Jones opened the mailboxes with the stolen key and stole mail from the mailboxes while Bolden stood watch. The two then got back into the car and Robinson drove away. A short time later, their car was stopped by law enforcement. At the time the car was stopped, various opened and unopened pieces of mail were found inside. Bolden admits that he and his co-conspirators used the stolen key to open mailboxes at other locations around the Western District of New York.

Antonio Jones, Jr. and Eric Michael Robinson were previously convicted.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Hudson, III, 26, of Williamson, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a previous conviction for the sexual abuse of a minor, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that on March 14, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Microsoft that an individual had uploaded nine files of suspected child pornography to a Microsoft platform. The tip was shared with the New York State Police, who traced the uploads to Hudson, a registered sex offender. Hudson was previously convicted of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree for engaging in sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old.

A search warrant was executed at Hudson’s residence, during which investigators seized Hudson’s computer. A forensic examination recovered approximately 111 images and 112 videos of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of prepubescent minors, to include minors being subjected to violence.       

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gilberto Alarcon-Holguin a/k/a Beto, 57, a Mexican national, who was convicted of  conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

According to court documents, on October 14, 2017, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 10 kilograms of cocaine from an identified co-conspirator. HSI obtained a phone number as a point of contact for the delivery of the cocaine, which was linked to co-conspirators of Alarcon-Holguin. On October 19, 2017, HSI conducted a controlled delivery of 10 bricks of “sham” cocaine, which had been wrapped in the same manner as the seized kilograms of cocaine, to a motel parking lot in Corfu, NY. The bag was given to co-conspirator Eduardo Valdez, who was on the phone with Alarcon-Holguin during the delivery. Following the controlled delivery, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Valdez was riding in. HSI seized $259,960 in cash as a result of the controlled delivery.

Subsequent investigation determined that Alarcon-Holguin had multiple communications with another co-conspirator, Edgar Pavia. Alarcon-Holguin provided instructions to Pavia about shipments of cocaine, packaging of money, and more, all of which was passed along to drug distributors supplied by Alarcon-Holguin in cities including Buffalo, and Louisville, KY. Alarcon-Holguin also passed information to Pavia that was separately conveyed to other co-conspirators, including those involved in the transportation of drugs. For example, on June 21, 2018, co-conspirator Adrian Goudelock received 40 kilograms of cocaine in Buffalo. Over the course of the conspiracy, Goudelock received multiple shipments of 10 kilograms of cocaine or more brokered by Pavia and supplied by Alarcon-Holguin. Alarcon-Holguin also provided instructions to Pavia on how Goudelock should wrap and mark money being sent back to Mexico. Specifically, Alarcon-Holguin told Pavia that Goudelock should wrap the money into 52 packages of $10,000 each.

Other deliveries organized by Alarcon-Holguin during the investigation included: 17 kilograms of cocaine seized from a co-conspirator in West Seneca, NY, and shipments of 10, 15, 20, and 40 kilograms of cocaine to a co-conspirator in Kentucky. In addition, approximately $1,144,735 in cash was seized from a commercial truck driver in Chicago, Illinois. During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately $2,600,000.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, under the direction of Director Christopher Romosz. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Alarcon-Holguin.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Burris, 35, of Ellicottville, NY, who was convicted of two counts of enticing travel to engage in sexual activity, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that between January and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced Victim 1, a woman suffering from drug addiction, to perform commercial sex acts. He did so by threatening the use of physical violence, and by supplying, and at times withholding, quantities of controlled substances. Burris, who knew Victim 1 was physically addicted to controlled substances, also provided transportation, housing, a cellular phone, and food to Victim 1, who was homeless during this time. In exchange, Victim 1 performed commercial sex acts and gave the proceeds to Burris, who posted online advertisements on Skipthegames.com, which contained sexually suggestive photographs of Victim 1. Burris then transported Victim 1 to various locations in the Western District of New York and elsewhere, including to Pennsylvania, to engage in these commercial sex acts.

Between June 2020, and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced a second victim (Victim 2) to perform commercial sex acts, once again threatening physical violence, and providing money for the purchase of controlled substances, and by supplying, and at times withholding, quantities of controlled substances. Like Victim 1, Burris knew Victim 2 was physically addicted to controlled substances and homeless. Victim 2 performed commercial sex acts and gave the proceeds to the defendant. Burris also posted ads for Victim 2 on Skipthegames.com and transported Victim 2 to various locations in the Western District of New York and elsewhere, including Pennsylvania, to perform commercial sex acts.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin, and the Millcreek, PA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Carter Mook. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Carl R. Goodwin, 29, of Cheektowaga, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2025, law enforcement began investigating Goodwin’s drug trafficking activities. On December 18, 2025, Cheektowaga Police officers and the DEA executed a search warrant at his Union Road residence, seizing approximately 576 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 1324 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 30 grams of suspected crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, two rifles, and cash.

Goodwin made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.

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 Marcus Elliott, 40, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

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

The plea is the result of of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove.    

Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brandon Washington a/k/a B Mack, 40, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who handled the case, stated that between at least May 2021 and July 21, 2022, Washington operated an armed drug trafficking organization that sold significant quantities of marijuana from various drug houses located in the city of Rochester. In addition to selling from drug houses on St. Paul and Sixth Streets in Rochester, he also maintained stash locations, including one at 52 Laser Street, also in Rochester. Washington employed several individuals to supply, package and sell marijuana 24 hours a day, generating thousands of dollars per shift. Other men were hired to provide protection for his operation.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement executed numerous search warrants resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, $21,644 in cash, and nine firearms. At Washington’s residence located at 55 Laser Street, officers seized marijuana, packaging materials and over 100 rounds of ammunition.  Washington’s prior criminal history prohibited him from possessing any firearms or ammunition.   

Gun traces on several of the seized firearms connected them to multiple shootings and homicides in Rochester in the summer of 2022. While investigating one of the homicides, Rochester Police Department Tactical Unit Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz and Investigator Sino Seng were conducting surveillance from a van when Kelvin Vickers discharged numerous rounds into their van, killing Mazurkiewicz and injuring Sang.  Kelvin Vickers was later convicted of that murder and sentenced to life in prison.   

“Today’s sentencing brings an end to the stranglehold of drugs and violence that Brandon Washington and his co-conspirators had on the Rochester community,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “A total of 23 defendants filled the streets with poisonous narcotics and inflicted violence that led to the murder of Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners, each of these defendants is now being held accountable for their criminal behavior, including Washington, who is going to prison for a very long time.”   

Rochester Police Chief David Smith said, “the Rochester Police Department would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, DEA, and all of our law enforcement partners for their assistance in bringing the successful apprehensions and prosecutions of Brandon Washington, and his co-conspirators, who brought a reign of terror to our community and took the life of Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated, “Today’s sentencing marks an important measure of justice in a case that laid bare the devastating toll of armed drug trafficking on our communities and on the law enforcement officers sworn to protect them. We honor their courage and service, and we extend our deepest respect and sympathy to their families. Together with our partners, we remain relentless in dismantling violent criminal organizations and reducing gun violence across Rochester.”

DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino stated, “Today’s sentencing of Brandon Washington held a key member of a Rochester drug organization accountable for fueling an illegal marijuana distribution network, while arming himself to protect his profits.”  

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Susan Walker, 31, 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, 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 Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between 2020 and 2023, Walker conspired with others to sell narcotics for profit, utilizing social media to conduct her drug trafficking activities. Walker and co-defendant David Sekerak Ledesma also maintained two Lafayette Street residences in Jamestown for their drug trafficking activities. The investigation included a series of controlled purchases and the execution of two search warrants at Walker and Ledesma’s Lafayette Street residence, during which investigators seized cash, which represented drug proceeds, drug paraphernalia, and cellular phones.

In July 2020, Ledesma sold drugs to an individual identified as A.R., who overdosed and suffered seriously bodily injury. He was previously convicted and is 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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 10, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Eddie Franceschini, 34, of Buffalo, NY, with eight counts of production of child pornography and three counts of possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on eight separate occasions between December 1, 2023, and July 26, 2024, Franceschini coerced a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit behavior, and then produced a visual depiction of the conduct. In addition, between June 27 and July 27, 2025, Franceschini possessed images of child pornography on three different cellular telephones.

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

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright 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.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph A. Buelow, 31, of South Dayton, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2024, the West Seneca Police Department seized Buelow’s phone, based on communications he was having online. A search of the phone recovered six images of child pornography that were saved on the phone and received by Buelow between August 2022, and November 2023. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors and violence against children. In addition, Buelow admits that he engaged in the sexual abuse, exploitation, or attempted sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor on two or more occasions.

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 West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Shyasia Kelis McCullough, 25, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of robbery of a postal worker, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2023, McCullough, co-defendant Malik Shameer McCray and others, robbed a United States letter carrier to obtain a postal key on Lake Avenue in Rochester. McCray committed the robbery while McCullough and others waited nearby in a getaway car. McCullough sent McCray a text message encouraging him to do the robbery, “U gotta scare him and make sure he don't see u again bro jus get up on him when he least expected ... It 100,000 on the line take a deep breath and jus go for it ... He not stronger then you.” After the robbery, McCray fled to the getaway car and he and McCullough fled the area.

Malik Shameer McCray was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Long.

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kyle Stack, 40, of Medina, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that in July 2020, Stack possessed a cellular phone, which contained more than 4,000 images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included prepubescent minors less than 12-years-old and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Stack possessed a laptop, which contained more than 9,000 images and videos of child pornography.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James Brandow, 37, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and fentanyl, was sentenced to time served (approximately 39 months) by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between July 2020, and June 2021, Brandow conspired with others to sell heroin and fentanyl. Brandow utilized Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking activities including arranging deals with customers, associates, co-conspirators, and suppliers. On July 31, 2020, Brandow sold heroin and fentanyl which resulted in the death of an individual identified as K.T. and resulted in seriously bodily injury to an individual identified as B.F.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andre Richards, 26, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Jacovetti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that in the summer of 2022, law enforcement began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Richards in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties in NY, and in Warren, PA. During the investigation, Richards was charged with several New York State felonies involving the possession and distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl as well as criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Despite these pending felony charges, Richards continued to operate a significant drug trafficking organization. Richards utilized a North Main Street residence in Russell, PA, as well as a residence on South Work Street in Falconer, NY.

In March 2023, after investigators conducted surveillance of Richards driving around Jamestown, NY, and observed him engaging in activity consistent with narcotics dealing, including a brief meeting with an individual that involved a hand-to-hand exchange, search warrants were executed on his vehicle and the residence in Falconer, NY. During the searches, law enforcement seized approximately 84 grams of crystal methamphetamine, approximately $6,600.00 of United States currency, a digital scale, a drug processing press, a 9mm magazine, and bullets. During a search of the Russell, PA, residence, law enforcement seized approximately 20 lbs. of crystal methamphetamine.

The plea is the result of a joint investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric butler, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Warren County, PA, Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Brian Zeybel.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brandon G. Uber, 25, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Uber will serve 36 months of his sentence consecutive to previous sentence of 210 months for a total of 246 months. At the time of the current offense, Uber was awaiting sentencing on a distribution of child pornography charge and was subsequently sentenced to serve 210 months on that charge.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on August 22, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at Uber’s residence because of child pornography files he uploaded to a KIK application server. During the search, various electronic devices were seized, including three tablets and a laptop. At the time, Uber was a member of a KIK chat forum used to trade child pornography with other users. Uber used the forum to distribute child pornography to other users and was a moderator of the forum at one point. Subsequent examination of the seized devices recovered approximately 33 images and five videos of child pornography, some of which depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler and 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, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John C. Aldrich, IV, 55, of Palmyra, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 30 years prison and 10 years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that law enforcement began investigating Aldrich in March 2024, after receiving information that he had engaged in the ongoing physical and sexual abuse of a minor victim in Palmyra, NY. Investigators recovered messages between Aldrich and the victim, which revealed that Aldrich had been involved in an ongoing pattern of abuse, during which he sexually abused the victim and produced child pornography. The abuse took place on a weekly basis over a period of more than one year, beginning when the victim was only 14 years old.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alisha Klinger, 45, Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carry The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 17 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that Klinger conspired with co-defendant Jacob Snow and others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Jamestown area. Conspiracy members utilized acts of violence to collect alleged drug debts. On December 24, 2020, Klinger and an individual identified as D.R. went to the residence of Holly Berenguer, associate of Klinger to collect on an alleged debt. D.R. struck Berenguer in the face with a handgun, causing a facial fracture, orbital fracture, and multiple contusions. The handgun discharged, but the bullet did not strike Berenguer.  On January 2, 2021, a vehicle Klinger and Snow were riding in was stopped by Jamestown Police. A search of the vehicle recovered $8,648, a blue crystal-like substance, and cell phones. A search of Klinger’s person recovered approximately 41 grams of fentanyl. On May 24, 2021, Klinger participated in the robbery of Victim 1.  Klinger and D.R. took Victim 1 from a residence at gunpoint and drove to a wooded area in Jamestown, where they were joined by co-defendant Snow. Victim 1 was assaulted in retaliation for stealing approximately $10,000 of heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine from Snow. Victim 1 was made to take off her clothes and walk back to town.

On June 24, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Klinger’s residence, during which methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and $29,316 in cash was recovered. On November 19, 2021, Klinger and two others, brandishing weapons, robbed Victim 2, who owed Klinger money for drugs. Victim 2 was hit in the face with a gun and zip tied.

Jacob Snow was previously convicted and is 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 comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal bureau of Investigation.

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

Sentencing is scheduled for February 26, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Sekerak Ledesma, 52, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to distribution of controlled substances causing serious bodily injury, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $1,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Nicholas A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that between 2020 and 2023, Ledesma conspired with others to sell narcotics for profit, utilizing social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities. Ledesma and co-defendant Susan Walker also maintained two Lafayette Street residences in Jamestown for their drug trafficking activities. In July 2020, Ledesma sold drugs to an individual identified as A.R., who overdosed and suffered seriously bodily injury.

In April 2021, Ledesma was pulled over by a Pennsylvania State Trooper, who search the vehicle and recovered a bag containing heroin and fentanyl. He was convicted of a felony in Pennsylvania. During the investigation, investigators conducted several controlled purchases from Ledesma. In July 2021, a search warrant was executed at the Lafayette Street residences associated with Ledesma, during which cash, a quantity of heroin and a cell phone was seized. In April 2023, another search warrant was executed at one of the Lafayette Street residences. During that search, drug paraphernalia, cellular phones, and cash were seized.

Charges remain pending against Susan Walker.

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

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph L. Crapsi, 29, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to pointing a laser pointer at an aircraft, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that on March 2, 2024, a Delta Airlines flight was in flight and on approach to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Crapsi lives in the flight path of the airport and aimed the beam of a green laser pointer at the Delta Flight.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kingsley Brown, 23, of North Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that between August 2022, and July 2023, Brown, along with co-defendant Cross Malik Williams, purchased approximately 570 stolen bank cards from various online marketplaces. Williams and Brown then used a card-making device to load the stolen banking card information onto blank plastic bank cards with magnetic strips, which allowed purchases to be made using the victims’ funds from the victims’ bank accounts. Williams and Brown used, or allowed others to use, the stolen bank card information to purchase gas for other individuals. The gas customers would then pay Williams and/or Brown an amount of money less than the cost of the gas. As part of his plea agreement, Brown agreed that he was responsible for $192,673 of total loss.

Cross Malik Williams was previously convicted and sentenced.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Charles Washington, 41, formerly of Jamestown, NY, now living in North Carolina, with narcotics conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between July 2016, and March 2021, Washington conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, and others, to sell heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana in the Olean area. Zaso was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

Washington was arraigned in the Western District of North Carolina and is being held pending a detention hearing in the Western District of New York.

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

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

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jennifer E. Curran, 40, of Dansville, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of official duties, with a deadly or dangerous weapon. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated on December 4, 2025, various threats were posted online, including a threat to kill the President, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and to commit a mass shooting. The threats were posted on the social media platform GETTR by a user identified as @Word_Smith. Subsequent investigation tracked the post to Jennifer Curran.

The following day, investigators from the FBI and New York State Police went to Curran’s residence. Investigators made contact with Curran, who was holding a hammer in her hand.   Curran admitted to posting the threats, stating that she was “very upset” and that there were some “social workers” and “police officers” that she wanted to “hurt.” Curran also stated that she can post whatever she wants, while waving the hammer in a threatening manner. Curran told investigators that if she had to kill someone on her property to get her point across, she would. Curran refused to drop the hammer stating, “get away from me before I assault you.” Curran was subsequently taken into custody.

“The safety and protection of law enforcement, at every level, is paramount to law enforcement being able to do their jobs and protecting our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Any individual who threatens to commit violence against any member of law enforcement will be held accountable for their actions.”

“When someone chooses violence instead of compliance, it risks the safety of those who serve and protect our communities,” Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office stated. “The FBI appreciates the extraordinary vigilance of our agents and swift coordination with our law enforcement partners.”

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Edward E. Leeper, Jr. aka Edward E. Barnes, Jr., 47, of Jamestown, NY, attempted sex trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping, aiding and abetting, distribution of fentanyl, and maintaining a drug involved premises, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 90 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2019 and 2024, Leeper is accused of sex trafficking or attempting to sex traffic and kidnapping a total of eight victims, using force and threats of force. In addition, Leeper used a Broadhead avenue residence for his drug trafficking activities, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Leeper is also charged in a separate federal case with narcotics trafficking. He is accused of conspiring with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area between 2018, and May 26, 2022.

If you have been victimized by Edward Leeper, Jr. in any way or have any additional information regarding his alleged illegal behavior, please call Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

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

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

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ever Josue Erazo-Lopez, 30, a native and citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to re-entry of a removed alien. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that Erazo-Lopez is an alien without any legal status in the United States. He was physically removed from the United States in July 2019. On September 27, 2025, Erazo-Lopez was taken into custody by the Brighton, NY, Police Department for suspected drunk driving.

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

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael J. Keitz, 56, of Canandaigua, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with interstate transmission of threats to injure the persons of another, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the afternoon of November 5, 2025, the Director of the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum received an email from justonstclair0@gmail.com with the subject line “$20,000 donation consideration.” In the body of the email, the sender stated that he would like to donate to the museum but wanted to visit the museum before making any donation. Over the next few days, the Director and the sender exchanged emails regarding upcoming events at the museum and a potential visit. Late in the morning of November 7, 2025, the Director received another email from justonstclair0@gmail.com, but the subject line read “DEATH TO THE JEWS.” The email contained a threat to “bring death and destruction” to an event scheduled at the museum that weekend. The email also stated that “we will bring a swift justice worse than OCTOBER 7th.” The threatening email resulted in the cancellation of the event, which resulted in a loss of approximately $10,000 in expenses and a substantial amount of revenue.

On November 9, 2025, Keitz was taken into custody by Canandaigua Police officers on an unrelated matter. During that investigation, Canandaigua officers determined that the email address justonstclair0@gmail.com belonged to Keitz, and the emails were sent from the Wood Library in Canandaigua.

Keitz has prior felony state and federal convictions and is currently on federal supervised release based on a 2021 conviction for bank robbery, for which he served 84 months in prison.  

“A threat by any individual to harm a large number of people in a public setting is concerning and something that our Office takes very seriously,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Residents of the Western District of New York deserve to move around their community freely, whether it be everyday activities or attending a holiday event. The threats made in this case were quickly traced to the defendant, who will now be held accountable for his actions.”

“Today’s federal arrest of Michael Keitz should serve as a warning for those who use the internet to threaten violence and terrorize people.” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “Unfortunately, the FBI continues to see threats of violence all too often – in person and online. The FBI takes all acts or threats of violence seriously and is committed to working side-by-side with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities.”

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

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Canandaigua Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mathew Nielsen, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Angel Valentin-Martinez, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.

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

Charges are pending against Daniel Plata Miranda.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Victor Jose Marino Pullo, 24, a native and citizen of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being an alien in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late in the morning on November 25, 2025, Custom and Border Protection (CBP) officers encountered Marino Pullo at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry as he operated a U-Haul box truck. Marino Pullo and another individual were moving from Connecticut to Buffalo. Marino Pullo was following a Global positioning system (GPS) and was directed on to the Peace Bridge. Marino Pullo did not enter Canada, however.  Instead, Marino Pullo turned around on the bridge, where he was inspected by CBP officers. Marino Pullo and his companion were sent to secondary inspection for not having proper immigration documents. During secondary inspection, an officer discovered pictures of Marino Pullo holding a pistol on his cell phone. During a search of the U-Haul truck, officers recovered the loaded pistol in a cardboard box filled with clothes. Record checks reveal that Marino Pullo was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol on four previous occasions and was removed from the United States. 

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Micayla L. Blair, 23, 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 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on October 30, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a William Street residence connected to Blair. During the search, investigators recovered a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a pistol.

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

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

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jaquez Thomas, 22, 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, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Russell Sims, 32, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katerina F. Powers and Joshau A. Violanti, who are handling the case, stated that in the early morning hours of July 20, 2025, a Jamestown Police officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the vicinity of East 6th Street. Sims was a passenger in the vehicle. After noticing that Sims was agitated, the officer ordered him and the driver out of the vehicle. Sims and the driver were interviewed separately, giving inconsistent details. A search of the vehicle recovered a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and four cell phones. Fentanyl was also located on Sims’s person.

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

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Setterstix Inc. and MAE-EITEL Inc. have agreed to pay, collectively, $1,757,603.65 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for which they were not eligible.

In March of 2020 Congress created the PPP to provide emergency financial assistance to American small businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A PPP loan was both forgivable and guaranteed by the SBA.  Among the requirements for eligibility to obtain a PPP loan and subsequent forgiveness, applicants were required to disclose and certify that the applicant, together with affiliates, did not exceed size thresholds.   

In 2020, Setterstix obtained a PPP loan after certifying that it had fewer than 500 employees. The government alleges that, at the time it applied for its PPP loan, Setterstix had more than 500 employees when accounting for employees of its parent entity and affiliated companies. Similarly, in 2021, MAE obtained a PPP loan after certifying that it had fewer than 300 employees. The government alleges that, at the time it applied for its PPP loan, MAE had more than 300 employees after accounting for the employees of its parent entity and affiliated companies. Setterstix and MAE are both part of the GESCO Group, a German-based conglomerate that acquires and holds medium-sized industrial companies.

“PPP loans were meant to help small business weather the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but too often large businesses obtained these funds through subsidiaries that failed to disclose their true size,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This office has been committed to recovering misspent money and, in 2025, more than $10 million has already been recovered from companies and entities that obtained PPP loans through false and fraudulent representations on PPP loan applications.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party—known as a relator—can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. Setterstix Inc.; MAE-AMERIKA GmbH, 25-cv-418 (W.D.N.Y.). The relator will receive a share of the settlement.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Coriell and Investigator Margaret McFarland, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.

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

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Sheldon Marquis Adams, 26, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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

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

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Postal Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. 

Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kevin Burns, 45, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 54 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that on November 5, 2024, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at the Burns’ residence in Irondequoit, because of a child pornography file he uploaded to Bing Image. During the search, electronic devices were seized, including a computer. More than 450 images of child pornography were found on the computer. Some of the images depicted violence against children and the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kevin Miller, 35, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine. In addition, Kevin’s brother, Kaylen Miller, 28, of Lackawanna, NY, was arrested and charged in a separate criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to the complaints, Kevin Miller was charged after he made two controlled sales of methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Since 2019, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, along with the Lackawanna and Buffalo Police Departments, have been investigating the drug trafficking activities of Kevin Miller, an Alma Avenue Gang member with a prior federal narcotics conviction.   

Kevin’s brother, Kaylen Miller, was also charged as the result of the execution of a search warrant by law enforcement that resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun, suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia and $2,005.00 in cash. Further investigation determined that the recovered handgun had been reported stolen in Cleveland, Ohio. Kaylen Miller was prohibited from possessing the gun due to a prior felony conviction.

“Kevin and Kaylen Miller have a documented history of criminal behavior, which they have both been prosecuted and punished for in the past,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “These brothers clearly did not learn a lesson the first time around and are now being held accountable once again for their actions. Let these newest charges serve as a reminder that my Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue our efforts to keep defendants like the Miller brothers from filling our community with drugs, guns, and violence.” 

“Kevin and Kaylen Miller are previously convicted felons, who, once again, find themselves, in federal custody. These arrests and seizures demonstrate our relentless determination to remove gun and drug-fueled violence from our city,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force is proud to work side by side with the Lackawanna and Buffalo Police Departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring these individuals to justice.”

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, Kaylen and Kevin Miller appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer today. Judge Roemer ordered Kevin Miller to be detained and released Kaylen Miller on conditions.

The complaints are the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright, and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard.

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

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BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Geoffrey Hayes, 40, of Webster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession, receipt, and distribution of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine up to $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in November 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a child pornography CyberTip from Stelivo LLC, a company that runs several chatroom websites, including FreeChat. The tip reported that an individual, later identified as Hayes, uploaded approximately 11 image files of suspected child pornography to the website schat.freechatnow.com. Hayes is a registered sex offender who was convicted of Attempted Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child in 2021.

In May 2024, the New York State Police executed search warrants at Hayes’ residence. During the search, investigators seized two cell phones. An analysis of one of the phones recovered approximately 83 image files of suspected child pornography, approximately 41 image files of suspected child exploitative and erotica images, and approximately 81 image files of age difficult explicit material. An analysis of the second phone recovered approximately 5,174 image files and approximately 1,901 video files of suspected child pornography, and approximately 6,714 image files and 205 videos of child exploitative and erotica material.

Hayes made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was held pending a detention hearing.

The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jonathan Woody, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of coercion and enticement of a minor, was sentenced to 144 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Charles J. Siragusa.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in January 2024, Woody engaged in sexually explicit online and text communications with a 13-year-old child that he met on social media. On January 2, 2024, Woody paid for an Uber to transport the child to a hotel in Greece, NY, where he rented a room. While at the hotel, Woody provided alcohol and marijuana and engaged in sexual acts with the child. After realizing that the child was missing from home, the child’s family called 911 to initiate a missing person investigation. The child returned home, at which time law enforcement learned of Woody’s interactions with the child. Subsequent investigation resulted in the identification and arrest of Woody.       

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexander J. Weidner, 35, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve five years in prison and 35 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who handled the case, stated that on February 28, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed at Weidner’s residence as a result of child pornography uploaded to Snapchat and Instagram accounts, both associated with Weidner. Investigators seized two cellular telephones, which contained approximately 4,843 images and 371 videos of child pornography. Some of the images depicted minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, on two occasions, Weidner used the Session application to upload and share a video file containing child pornography with another Session user.

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 New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Fortino Pilier, 28, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of a postal service key, was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison and three years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that on October 23, 2024, Pilier was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by Erie County Sheriff’s deputies. During the traffic stop, Pilier fled from the vehicle and deputies pursued and arrested him. After he was arrested, Pilier was searched, and two United States Postal arrow keys were found in his pocket. An arrow key can be used to open authorized mail receptacles owned by the Postal Service. Pilier admitted that he planned to use the arrow keys to unlawfully access mail receptacles.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tracy Przepiora, 58, of Alden, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in March and April 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received two child pornography CyberTips from MediaLab/Kik, a messaging app that that allows users to send messages, photos, videos and live stream. The tips reported that 21 files of suspected child pornography were uploaded by a user later identified as Przepiora. On June 12, 2025, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at his residence in Victor, NY, where he lived at the time, seizing three Apple iPhones and one Apple iPod touch. An analysis of the phones recovered 22 image files of suspected child pornography.

Przepiora made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was released on conditions.

The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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

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BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that two defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaints are:

• Evaristo Calixto Miranda Lopez, 37, a native and citizen of Guatemala. On November 2, 2025, Miranda Lopez was encountered by law enforcement in Cheektowaga, NY. As law enforcement approached, Miranda Lopez fled but was caught and detained. He did not have any legal status or immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. Miranda Lopez was physically removed from the United States in both August and September of 2019.
• Jairo Anain Roman Murillo, 26, a native and citizen of Honduras. On October 29, 2025, Roman Murillo was encountered by law enforcement in Hamburg, NY. As law enforcement approached, he fled. After an extensive search, law enforcement found Roman Murillo hiding in the woods. Roman Murillo did not have any legal status or immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally and he was taken into custody. Roman Murillo was physically removed from the United States in November 2019.

The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained.

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

The complaints are the culmination of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Erasmo Perez Ruiz, 30, Luis Gerardo Perez Lopez, 29, and Ismael Ivan Perez Lopez, 27, all citizens and nationals of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to illegal reentry. They were each sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the cases, stated that on September 30, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a vehicle that the defendants were riding in, in Amherst, NY. As agents approached the vehicle with emergency lights and sirens activated, the driver, Erasmo Perez Ruiz, fled at a high rate of speed. After a brief chase, the vehicle pulled into a retail parking lot and the three defendants exited the vehicle and ran into a wooded area but were quickly apprehended. Further investigation determined that Erasmo Perez Ruiz was physically removed from the United States two times in April 2014, Luis Gerardo Perez Lopez was physically removed in May 2018, and Ismael Ivan Perez Lopez was physically removed in May 2017.

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

The pleas and sentencings are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks.

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BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that two defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, two other defendants were charged in separate complaints with unlawful re-entry after certain convictions, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaints are:

• Mario Dario Cao-Tzul a.k.a. Mario Hernandez-Lopez, 38, a native and citizen of Guatemala. On November 6, 2025, law enforcement encountered Cao-Tzul following a traffic stop of a vehicle that he was driving in Amherst, NY. Cao-Tzul was illegally present in the United States without any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain. A subsequent records check determined that Cao-Tzul was physically removed from the United States in August 2010, April 2013, and May 2019.
• Miguel Ibarra-Saavedra, 43, a native and citizen of Mexico. On November 3, 2025, Ibarra-Saavedra was encountered by law enforcement in West Seneca, NY, as they conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle he was riding in. When questioned about citizenship, Ibarra-Saavedra stated that he did not have any legal status or immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. A records check determined that Ibarra-Saavedra was physically removed from the United States in January 2008 and February 2008.
• Pedri Servin Grimaldo, 53, and Luis Alberto Servin Sanchez, 47, both natives and citizens of Mexico. On November 3, 2025, Servin Grimaldo and Servin Sanchez were encountered by law enforcement following the traffic stop of a vehicle the two men were passengers in near a construction site in West Seneca, NY. Neither defendant had any valid immigration documents that would allow them to remain in the United States. A records check determined that Servin Grimaldo was convicted of felony charges in the State of Florida in August 1995 and February 1999. In October 2001, Servin Grimaldo was physically removed from the United States. Servin Sanchez was convicted of a felony charge in September 2001 in the State of North Carolina. He was physically removed from the United States in December 2001. In August 2004 Servin Sanchez was found to be in the United States unlawfully and was physically removed once again in September 2004. In October 2008, Servin Sanchez was again found to be in the United States unlawfully and was physically removed in December 2009.

The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained.

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

The complaints are the culmination of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald.

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

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BUFFALO, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that four defendants were charged in separate criminal complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaints are:

• Salvador Vargas Nava, 43, a native and citizen of Mexico. On October 20, 2025, Vargas Nava was pulled over by law enforcement for running two stop signs in Concord, NY. When questioned, Vargas Nava did not possess valid immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. Vargas Nava was physically removed from the United States in July 2009.
• Juver Vidal Quex Tocora, 29, a native and citizen of Guatemala. On October 20, 2025, law enforcement encountered Quex Tocora in Amherst, NY. When questioned, he did not possess valid immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. Quex Tocora was physically removed from the United States in May 2013.
• Jose de Jesus Rodiguez Esparza, 32, and Mauricio Rangel Rangel, 48, both natives and citizens of Mexico. On October 16, 2025, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop of two vehicles in West Seneca, NY, associated with a company that transported and hired illegal aliens. The vehicle Rangel Rangel was riding in pulled over and when asked by law enforcement, he stated that he did not have any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. Rangel Rangel was physically removed from the United States in October 2014. The vehicle Rodiguez Esparza was riding in pulled over, but the occupants attempted to flee. Law enforcement caught up to Rodiguez Esparza, who did not possess any valid immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States legally. He was physically removed from the United States in September 2016.

The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and were detained.

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

The complaints are the culmination of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas.

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Moises Orduna-Rios, 36, and Raquel Orduna-Rios, 30, of Plymouth, Michigan, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy, transporting and harboring unauthorized aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain, conspiracy to bring in, harbor, and transport unauthorized aliens, employment of at least 10 unauthorized aliens within a 12-month period, engaging in a pattern or practice of employing unauthorized aliens, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 for each unauthorized alien employed by the defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Orduna Plumbing Inc., is a plumbing company based in Michigan, with operations throughout the United States, including in New York, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio. Moises Orduna-Rios is the president of Orduna Plumbing, while Raquel Orduna-Rios is the Treasurer and Secretary.

It is believed that since January 2022, through December 2024, the defendants employed approximately 253 individuals. Out of the 253 individuals, only six were confirmed to be legally present and permitted to work in the United States. The defendants collected the passports of the unauthorized aliens and housed them in overcrowded houses and hotel rooms. It is estimated that between January 1, 2022, and August 7, 2025, Moises Orduna-Rios and Raquel Orduna-Rios generated approximately $74,000,000 in customer revenue.  During the course of the investigation, U.S. Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 23 unauthorized aliens employed by Orduna Plumbing, in Buffalo, Rochester, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The investigation uncovered messaging communications between Moises Orduna-Rios and some of the unauthorized aliens, during which they discussed payroll, proper care of company vehicles, proper use of company credit cards, concerns about being undocumented, switching housing locations to be less visible to law enforcement, and precautions that should be taken to avoid being apprehended. For instance, on February 1, 2025, Moises Orduna-Rios sent this message by way of a group chat stating, “Gentlemen, with all the controversy that is going on, its better to get ready, drive the speed limit, limit yourselves going to the store, only do minimal running of errands, and do not have any gatherings such as barbeques…”

In the summer of 2025, Border Patrol agents executed a search warrant at a Rochester residence that housed some of the unauthorized aliens believed to be working for Orduna Plumbing. Border Patrol found nine individuals, all of whom were illegally present in the United States, living in a small sparsely furnished residence.  

A financial review of Orduna Plumbing revealed the company paid hundreds of employees known to be illegally present in the United States through multiple bank accounts used and controlled by the defendants.

Moises Orduna-Rios and Raquel Orduna-Rios made an initial appearance today in Federal Court in the Eastern District of Michigan and were released on conditions. They are scheduled to appear in the Western District of New York on December 2, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen.

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

The criminal complaint and seizures are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, Rochester Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Juan Ramirez, Jr., and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis. Additional assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Rose Brophy, Director of Field Operations and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, under the direction of Director Christopher Romosz.

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

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ROCHESTER, NY-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Shabon Banks, 42, of Gates, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 63 months prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Banks was also ordered to pay $92,903.34 in restitution to various retailers, including Best Buy, Home Depot, Kohls, Lowes, Macy’s, Target, and Walmart.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between December 2021, and October 17, 2024, Banks conspired with a group of serial larcenists, including Amanda Reeves and Chad Lewis, to engage in an ongoing retail theft conspiracy involving the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop. The pawn shop is owned and operated by another co-defendant Dominic Sprague and managed by co-defendant James Civiletti.

Banks and the other larcenists stole new-in-box items from store shelves on a weekly, and sometimes daily, basis. They then sold the stolen goods to the pawn shop for a fraction of the actual retail value. The pawn shop, including Civiletti, then resold the stolen merchandise on eBay at much higher prices, resulting in significant profits. The pawn shop purchased 37,936 stolen new-in-box items from Lewis, Jr., Banks, and Reeves on more than 670 occasions, for which the larcenists were paid $290,000.00. The actual losses to the victim-retailers were approximately $1,160,000.00. 

In addition, Banks unlawfully used an ID belonging to another person to engage in transactions at the pawn shop. She also recklessly created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another person in the course of fleeing from law enforcement while the scheme was ongoing. In 2022 and 2024, Banks led police on high-speed car chases, which police discontinued because of the threat posed to other motorists.

Reeves, Banks, Sprague, and Civiletti were previously convicted.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that 3rd Avenue Transit, Inc. and Y&M Transit Corporation have agreed to pay $4.4 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they improperly obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which they were not eligible.

The PPP was an emergency loan program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March of 2020 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could obtain loans to cover payroll costs or other specified business expenses. PPP loans were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and subject to forgiveness if spent on eligible expenses. However, PPP loans were only available to a subset of businesses that met the eligibility criteria. As one condition to second-draw loan eligibility, the applicant company and its affiliates must have had no more than 300 employees collectively. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their loan applications, including regarding their size, number of employees, and affiliate entities.

3rd Avenue and Y&M applied for and received a total of $2,402,800 in second-draw PPP loans, certifying that they were a small business with fewer than 300 employees. The government contends that 3rd Avenue and Y&M, along with a third company, were affiliates under the PPP rules. As a result, 3rd Avenue and Y&M were ineligible for the second-draw loans because they employed more than 300 employees.

“Paycheck Protection Program loans were intended to help small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo.  “Our office continues to invest time and resources to hold accountable those who obtained PPP funds for which they were not eligible.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment. 

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

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

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

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