Western District of New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that two Mexican nationals pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to re-entry of a removed alien. Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago, 36, pleaded guilty and was then sentenced to serve four months in prison. Zeferino Marceliano Leon, 35, pleaded guilty, was sentenced to time served, and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that on July 24, 2025, Border Patrol agents encountered Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago and Zeferino Marceliano Leon. When questioned by agents, the two men confirmed that that they are citizens of Mexico, and not a national of the United States. Further investigation determined that Gregorio Santiago was previously removed from the United States in 2011 and twice in 2019, and Marceliano Leon was previously removed in 2011.

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, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Yuizanet Elias, 46, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with transportation within the United States of an illegal alien, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 18, 2025, agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO) performed surveillance at 317 Schenck Street in North Tonawanda, NY, which is the residence of Elias and her boyfriend, Jose Antonio Arzate-Negron, a known illegal alien. Arzate-Negron was seen by agents but as they approached, he ran back into the residence. Elias then exited the residence and was confronted by agents, who requested that she bring Arzate-Negron to the door, but she refused. Agents explained that Arzate-Negron was illegally present in the United States. However, Elias still refused to go get Arzate-Negron. Agents then left the residence.

On multiple days in July 2025, agents surveilled the residence and observed Arzate-Negron exiting the residence and getting into a vehicle registered to and driven by Elias. On these days, it also appeared that Elias was conducting counter-surveillance before Arzate-Negron would leave the residence, attempting to spot law enforcement vehicles. On July 25, 2025, Arzate-Negron exited the residence and got into Elias’s vehicle. Agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop but Elias fled the area. Agents followed the vehicle which, after a short distance, stopped, and Arzate-Negron got out and fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, Arzate-Negron was apprehended and taken into custody.

Elias made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Charles Wilson, 66, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to disable a CSX railroad switch in a manner that could cause a derailment or damage railroad equipment. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on June 22, 2025, Amtrak personnel reported to CSX employees that a pad lock was replaced on a railroad switch at the CSX Transportation Niagara Rail Yard on 29th Street in Niagara Falls, NY. CSX trains that use the Niagara Rail Yard carry items including chlorine, sulfuric acid, and bleach.

A railroad switch enables trains to be guided from one track to another. The Amtrak switch pad lock was stolen and replaced with an orange Maintenance of Way (MOW) pad lock, a large pad lock with one universal key. Because the pad lock was replaced with an MOW lock, the railway switch could not be changed in a timely manner. As a result, an Amtrak passenger train was delayed.

On June 23, 2025, surveillance cameras were installed in the area by CSX personnel. A subsequent review of surveillance footage identified Wilson as an individual entering the CSX Niagara Rail Yard on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and appearing to remove a pad lock and replace it with a MOW pad lock. CSX personnel had to remove the unauthorized MOW pad lock and return the switch back to its original position. Wilson’s actions created an interruption and a safety concern to train operations that could have led to a derailment of train cars that contain hazardous material. On July 1, 2025, Wilson drove an ATV from the direction of his home to the CSX Niagara Rail Yard and is seen on surveillance moving a mechanical hand switch into a new position, which could have caused a train derailment. The derailment of a train carrying chlorine, bleach and sulfuric acid could have potentially catastrophic consequences. In the following days, on July 2 and 6, 2025, Wilson is again seen trespassing on CSX property. According to the complaint, he’s been under investigation by the CSX Police Department for various issues since 2013 and was arrested in 2014 and 2016 for criminal trespass and criminal tampering. The 2016 charges resulted in an order of protection barring Wilson from being on CSX property.

Wilson made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was held pending a detention hearing.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the CSX Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean Douris, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge 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 Ancelma Contreras Pano, 40, a citizen and national of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to re-entry of a removed alien. She was sentenced to serve two months in prison and will then be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that Contreras Pano is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In June 2015, she was physically removed from the United States. On July 31, 2025, Contreras Pano was found in Erie County, NY, by Border Patrol Agents and did not have any documents allowing her to be legally present in the United States.

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

The plea and sentencing 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, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar Figueroa Rosario, 41, a citizen and national of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to re-entry of removed alien subsequent to a felony conviction, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that Figueroa Rosario was physically removed from the United States in August 2007. He was found in the United States again in September 2007 and was physically removed on September 20, 2007. Figueroa Rosario was subsequently found in the United States again and physically removed in November 2007, two times in January 2009, and in June 2011. On August 1, 2025, Figueroa Rosario was encountered at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry when the vehicle he was in made a wrong turn towards Canada. He was not in possession of any legal documents allowing him to be present in the United States.

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

The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alejandro Vazquez-Landin, 40, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 10, 2025, while conducting surveillance of a pickup truck with out-of-state plates parked at a hotel in Amherst, NY, law enforcement observed four male subjects, all wearing construction attire, enter the vehicle. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. Vazquez Landin, a passenger in the vehicle, opened his door and began running towards a nearby parking lot. After a short foot chase, he was apprehended. Vazquez Landin did not possess any valid immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. An immigration record check determined that he is a native and citizen of Mexico, who was physically removed from the United States in June 2008 and September of 2012.

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 complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks.

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 Swapnil Ramesh Tejale, 34, a citizen of India, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. He was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that Ramesh Tejale is an alien without any legal status in the United States. On July 10, 2025, he was encountered by United States Border Patrol Agents and had in his possession a counterfeit United States Permanent Resident Card, which alleged his legal status in the U.S. The Permanent Resident Card contained Ramesh Tejale’s biographical information and photograph, however, it lacked security measures, had blurry water marks, low quality background imaging, and improper font. Ramesh Tejale admitted to the agents that the document was not legitimate. Immigration record checks determined that he was never granted a lawful Permanent Residence Card.

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 the U.S. Border Patrol Niagara Falls Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal.   

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Miguel Angel Vasquez-Amaya, 46, a citizen and national of Honduras, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 31, 2025, Vasquez-Amaya was a passenger in a vehicle that was encountered by Customs and Border Protection at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. The vehicle was referred for secondary inspection. An immigration records check revealed that Vasquez-Amaya was physically removed from the United States in November 2002.

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

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 Edin Julian Hernandez Mejia, 23, a citizen and national of Guatemala, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to re-entry of a removed alien. He was sentenced to serve three months in prison. Hernandez Mejia will then be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that Hernandez Mejia is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In February and March 2024, he was physically removed from the United States. On August 5, 2025, Hernandez Mejia was found in Erie County, NY, by United States Border Patrol and did not have any documents allowing him to be legally present in the United States.

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

The plea and sentencing 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, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Lamont Brown, 37, and Jesus Ramos, 41, both of Dunkirk, NY, with conspiracy to defraud the United States and theft of government funds, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between July and October 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Brown and Ramos conspired with others to defraud the United States and Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. Brown and Ramos recruited individuals who had never lived or worked in Puerto Rico to use their personally identifiable information (“PII”), including their names, social security numbers, and dates of birth, to apply for, obtain, and attempt to obtain Unemployment Insurance benefits from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor. They provided the PII to individuals in Puerto Rico to complete applications for unemployment insurance and utilized existing bank accounts or opened new bank accounts to deposit the unemployment checks received. The banking institutions included Lake Shore Savings Bank, Key Bank, and Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union.

Brown and Ramos stole, or attempted to steal, a total of $67,000 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources.

Brown and Ramos were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were released on conditions.

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

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Roberto Perez-Solis, 31, a citizen and national of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to re-entry of a removed alien. He was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that Perez-Solis is an alien without any legal status. In August 2012, the defendant was physically removed two separate times from the United States. On August 5, 2025, he was found in Chautauqua County, NY, and did not have any documents allowing him to be legally present in the United States.

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

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Travis McNaughton.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Petronilo Castillo Bonilla, 40, a citizen and national of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to re-entry of a removed alien. He was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that Castillo Bonilla is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In August 2017, following an arrest for public intoxication in Tennessee, he was ordered removed from the United States. On June 24, 2025, Castillo Bonilla was found in Erie County, NY, by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the parking lot of a store in Amherst, NY. He was in possession of a Honduran passport but did not have any legal documents allowing him to be present in the United States.

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

The plea and sentencing 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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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel P. Walsh, 58, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that Walsh came to the attention of the Rochester Police Department in November 2024, after Google reported that an account associated with Walsh had been flagged for containing child pornography. Rochester Police and the FBI executed a search warrant at his residence, during which they seized multiple computers and other digital devices. A forensic review revealed that Walsh received and possessed more than 600 images and videos of child pornography, to include child pornography depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexual conduct with adults, and children being subjected to violent sexual abuse. In many instances, Walsh superimposed the faces of minors that he knew onto the images of child pornography, so that it appeared that the minors were engaged in sexual acts.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Durst Image Technology US LLC (Durst) agreed to pay $1.8 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.

Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. Regulations provided various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the applicants’ number of employees, including employees of the applicants’ foreign affiliates. Specifically, applicants for second draw PPP loans were required, generally, to have 300 or fewer employees.

The United States contends that Durst obtained a forgiven PPP loan that it was not eligible for because it exceeded the size requirements for a second draw PPP loan. In 2021, when Durst obtained a second draw PPP loan, it was a wholly owned subsidiary of Durst Group AG, a company based in Brixen, Italy with multiple subsidiaries worldwide. Durst Group AG and its affiliates, including Durst, had over 300 employees at the time of Durst’s PPP loan.

“PPP was designed to support small business during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “When companies fail to comply with the size and eligibility rules, this office is committed to recovering taxpayer dollars that were improperly obtained and spent.”

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. GNGH2 Inc. v. Durst Image Technology US LLC, 24-cv-6185 (W.D.N.Y.). The relator will receive a share of the settlement.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Coriell and USAO 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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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Augusto Mateo Francisco, 34, of Dunkirk, NY, who was convicted of two counts of forced labor, and one count of transportation of a minor, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Francisco was also ordered to pay restitution and register as a sex offender.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, and Department of Justice Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit Trial Attorney Meghan Tokash, who handled the case, stated that Francisco, a native of Guatemala and a Legal Permanent Resident, facilitated the illegal entry of Guatemalan migrants into the United States and helped transport them to the Dunkirk area, where he would provide them with housing and work at area farms. Francisco would charge the migrants for their housing, rides to work, and for other items. He would also take a cut of the wages they earned working at the farms. Francisco threatened two of the victims by telling them that if they stopped working for him or if they did not pay back the money they purportedly owed to him, he would harm their families or would call immigration authorities and have them deported.

Francisco also pursued a sexual relationship with a minor victim, who was a 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant who had come to the U.S. with her mother. Francisco repeatedly raped the minor and threatened to harm her family in Guatemala, if she told anyone about what had happened. Francisco also kidnapped the minor victim and took her to a trailer in Ripley, NY, where she was held for nearly two weeks, until being rescued by police. After being rescued, the minor victim and her mother fled to Georgia to escape Francisco. However, he followed them and kidnapped the minor victim again and brought her back to the Western District of New York, where he unlawfully held her for several more days.

“This defendant’s conduct of facilitating the illegal entry of migrants into the United States and then extorting them for his own personal and sexual gratification underscores the evils that can be associated with illegal trafficking,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “My office will continue to pursue and prosecute those individuals who engage in such conduct.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan stated, “This case lays bare the sheer depravity of Francisco’s crimes — perpetrated by a foreign national who not only exploited the vulnerabilities of migrants for profit, but also  subjected a minor to unimaginable abuse. Francisco weaponized his victims’ immigration status through threats, coercion, and violence, including repeated rapes and multiple kidnappings. This significant sentence underscores the seriousness of his heinous actions and demonstrates HSI's unyielding commitment, together with our law enforcement partners, to holding such predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Giovanni Bernal Guerrero, 39, a citizen and national of Mexican, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to re-entry of a removed alien. He was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated in September 2017, Guerrero was physically removed from the United States to Mexico. On July 19, 2025, he defendant was found in Erie County, NY, by United States Customs and Border Protection officers and did not have any documents allowing him to be legally present in the United States.   

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

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy. 

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lucas Celas Saula, 39, a citizen and national of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that on September 7, 2025, Saula was encountered by law enforcement at a retailer in Cheektowaga, NY. A records check of Saula’s vehicle determined that he was previously ordered removed from the United States in November 2014 and is a citizen and national of Ecuador. When questioned by officers, Saula did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully.

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.

Saula made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy. 

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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that an effort known as Save our Seniors, which targets defendants who prey on and defraud senior citizens, has resulted in the arrest of eight defendants in seven different criminal complaints. The defendants are responsible for over $11,053,989 in actual and attempted losses, impacting over 139 victims, many here in the Western District of New York (WDNY). Named in the seven criminal complaints are:

Dhruv Patel, 34, of Franklin Park, NJ, is charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, and transportation of stolen money in interstate commerce and conspiracy to transport stolen money in interstate commerce, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. According to the complaint against Patel, he was caught attempting to pick up $567,000 worth of gold bars from an elderly woman in the WDNY, who fell victim to a customer support scam. Just weeks before, he was arrested in the Northern District of New York while trying to pick up $48,000 from another elderly victim, who also fell victim to a customer support scam. Patel also allegedly acted as a middleman between fraudsters and couriers, arranging for pickups to take place around the country. Patel is accused of defrauding at least 12 victims out of more than $9,100,000. Patel is currently serving a sentence of probation for a state fraud conviction.

Stephen Odiboh, 53, of Stone Mountain, GA, is charged with mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. According to the complaint against Odiboh, he received money from an elderly woman in the WDNY who fell victim to a romance scam. The victim lost over $175,000, with Odiboh personally receiving $70,000. Odiboh then laundered that money. He was previously convicted of money laundering in the Southern District of New York was on supervised release when he laundered the victim’s money. Odiboh was also previously convicted of Forgery in the third degree in Gwinett County Superior Court, Gwinett, Georgia. He is accused of victimizing individuals, with losses and attempted losses totaling $356,525.

Renee Thompson, 52, of North Lauderdale, FL, is charged with bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. According to the complaint against Thompson, she created 17 counterfeit checks totaling $193,167 from a company in the WDNY, deposited them into her own checking account, and laundered the funds. The investigation revealed that she also deposited approximately $7,000 in counterfeit checks from a second company. Thompson was issued a “money mule letter,” which warns a person that they are laundering fraudulent proceeds through their accounts and can be charged with a crime if they do not stop. Despite receiving that warning, Thompson continued to launder money through her bank account, with losses and attempted losses totaling $234,485.22. She was previously convicted of bank embezzlement in the Southern District of Florida.

Christopher Hernandez, 29, of North Bergen, is charged with possession and transfer of fraudulent identification documents and conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, computer fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison and a maximum of 15 years. According to the complaint against Hernandez, he was part of a conspiracy that hacked into the retirement account of a victim located in the WDNY and stole $175,000 from her, which he then deposited into his own bank account and dispersed the proceeds. The investigation also discovered that Hernandez is manufacturing and selling identification documents and bank cards using stolen personally identifiable information.  One of the victims whose name and information was used to create a fake license and bank card resides in the WDNY. Hernandez is accused of losses and attempted losses totaling $265,800.89. Hernandez has an extensive criminal history that includes convictions in City of Mary’s, Pennsylvania, for Felony Access Device Fraud and Felony Identity Theft; Bronx County Supreme Court for Attempted Possession of a Forged Instrument-2nd Degree; Credit Card Crime-CR Card Theft-4th Degree in Hudson County Superior Court; and Hudson County, New Jersey, for Aggravated Assault-Knowingly Pointing a Firearm-4th Degree.

Touhedul Tuhin, 24, and Iftekhar Latif Nieon, 23, both of Kent, OH, are charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. According to the complaint against Tuhin and Nieon, they collected $40,000 from an elderly resident in the WDNY, who fell victim to a scam in which the perpetrators posed as Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agents; $38,000 from an 81-year-old resident of the WDNY, who fell victim to a scam in which the perpetrators posed as tech support (tech support scam); $19,500 from an elderly victim in the WDNY who fell victim to a tech support scam; and $28,000 from an elderly resident of the WDNY who fell victim to a tech support scam. The defendants, who are both in the United States on student visas, are accused of taking money from several other elderly victims in other jurisdictions including $15,000 from an elderly victim in Ohio. Tuhin and Nieon are accused of losses and attempted losses totaling $276,000.

Elias Circle, 23, of Rossford, OH, is charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. According to the complaint against Circle, he and his co-conspirators sent email solicitations to elderly victims and falsely represented that they were writing on behalf of a government agency that was responsible for distributing restitution to victims. Between 2017 and 2024, Circle fraudulently induced an elderly resident of the WDNY to send him payments totaling approximately $600,000.

Estermarie Jones, 35, of Rochester, NY, is charged with conspiracy, altering a postal money order, identification document fraud, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud and conspiracy to commit access device fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. According to the complaint against Jones, she obtained approximately 50 $1.00 Postal Money Orders, altered them to increase their value to $1,000, and then deposited (or attempted to deposit) them. In addition, she used the names and other personally identifiable information of eight other victims to create fraudulent driver’s licenses with her own photograph, which she then used to open bank accounts, register two businesses with the Monroe County Clerk’s Office, fraudulently endorse checks, register for and pay utilities for her residence, and withdraw money from a victim bank account. Jones allegedly possessed approximately 31 fraudulent or stolen identification cards, four fraudulent or stolen Social Security cards, and 65 fraudulent or stolen bank cards.  Jones is accused of losses and attempted losses totaling $190,032.

“These cases should send a loud and clear message that if you prey on the senior citizens of our community, no matter where you are in the country, we will identify, arrest and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Too often, many seniors fall victim to these fraudsters, who don’t think twice about taking advantage of our parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. It’s important that we all consistently remind the seniors in our lives to reach out to a loved one or friend if they think they could be the victim of a scam.”  

Save our Seniors (SOS) in a working group founded in April 2025. It’s comprised of members of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, Secret Service, New York State Police, the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. Additional assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida, the Northern District of Georgia, the District of New Jersey, and the Northern District of Ohio.

If you or someone you know is asked to do any of these things mentioned in the above case, you are dealing with a fraudster, and you should do the following immediately:

• Do not send any more money
• Save copies of your communications, receipts, bank records, etc.
• Call your local police department or sheriff’s office, the New York State Police, or the FBI
• Submit a complaint online at IC3.gov

In addition, an individual employed by the federal government will never:

• Tell you to withdraw any of your money from your bank accounts.
• Ask you to convert your money to gold bars or some other form of currency.
• Come to your house or meet you at a predetermined location and take money from you.
• Ask you to wire money to an account.
• Ask you to send money via CashApp, Zelle, Apple Pay, or any other peer-to-peer platform.
• Ask you to send cryptocurrency.
• Ask you to buy gift cards and send them (either by mailing the physical cards or by scratching them off and sending pictures of the redemption information).
• Tell you they need remote access to your computer or any of your accounts.
• Ask you for your social security number, bank account information, or any other sensitive information over phone or email.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Mitchell, 32, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late in the evening on August 25, 2025, Buffalo Police officers responded to a residence on Austin Street for a call reporting a male in the house with a gun. When officers arrived, they located the 911 caller down the street. Officers made contact with Mitchell at the residence and detained him while conducting the investigation. Officers searched the residence, during which they seized a black hoodie sweatshirt with an unloaded firearm in the pocket, and a container with two 9mm rounds of ammunition. Officers also located a small amount of suspected crack cocaine.

In April 2013, Mitchell was convicted of a federal charge of bank robbery by force of violence and sentenced to serve 108 months in prison. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dejan Karlovic, 30, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of theft of funds related to a government program, was sentenced to serve three months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. In addition, he was ordered to pay restitution totaling $584,884.99, and forfeit a BMW, a pickup truck, and more than $240,000 in cash and financial accounts.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that between January and March 1, 2024, Jericho Road, which operates the Jericho Road Community Health Center, received more than $10,000 in federal grants and funding. Karlovic was employed by Jericho Road as a Senior Grants Accountant, and in that role acted as a liaison between the program and finance side of Jericho Road, with access to several Jericho Road commercial credit cards and other financial accounts. Between March 1 and June 26, 2024, Karlovic stole or intentionally converted funds belonging to Jericho Road totaling $584,884.99, by submitting fake invoices to Jericho Road from a company called “D and D” and making them appear as expenses related to moving and relocation, which is one service Jericho Road provides to its clients. Karlovic then paid these fraudulent invoices using a Jericho Road commercial credit card.

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

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Miguel Angel Ruiz Guevara, 53, a citizen and national of El Salvador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of removed aliens and re-entry of previously deported or removed aliens following a felony conviction, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 29th, 2025, investigators encountered Ruiz Guevara at a hotel in Bowmansville, NY. They approached the room that he was staying in and questioned Ruiz Guevara regarding citizenship. Ruiz Guevara did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully, presenting instead an El Salvadorian passport. Further investigation determined that he was ordered removed from the United States on three occasions, in 1992, 2005, and 2011. In addition, in September 2004, Ruiz Guevara was convicted of DUI for the third time, a felony.

Ruiz Guevara made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was 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 complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks.

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 Sandra Pavlock a/k/a Sondra L. Pavlock, 45, 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, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, 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 Pavlock was an associate of Zaid Mendoza, a Jamestown-based drug trafficker, distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine to other individuals on Mendoza’s behalf. she utilized Facebook to conduct her drug trafficking activities, often messaging Mendoza about the conspiracy and drug trafficking activities. On February 9, 2024, law enforcement stopped a vehicle Pavlock was riding in along with other individuals. During the traffic stop, officers searched the vehicle and found methamphetamine, which belonged to Pavlock. She was convicted of criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree in Jamestown City Court and sentenced to 90 days in prison. On February 29, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Charles Street residence where Pavlock was inside with others. During the search, they recovered cocaine and oxycodone tablets, $478 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Pavlock was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree in Chautaqua County Court and sentenced to one year in prison.

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

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Bradley D. Knapp, 46, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Knapp bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and his own use, utilizing Facebook to conduct his drug trafficking activities. Knapp also used a West 9th Street residence in Jamestown to facilitate the manufacture, packaging, and distribution of the illegal drugs. On August 12, 2020, Knapp sold approximately a gram of heroin/fentanyl to an individual identified as M.H. The next day, on August 13, 2020, M.H. took approximately .5 grams of the heroin/fentanyl, overdosed, and stopped breathing. M.H. received multiple doses of Narcan and was revived.

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

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the 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.

# # # # 

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Saima Qamar, 55, a citizen of Canada and native of Pakistan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to re-entry of a removed alien. She was then sentenced to serve three months in prison and will then be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that in April 2019, Qamar was physically removed from the United States. On June 9, 2025, she was found in Niagara County, NY, by Border Patrol Agents and did not have any documents allowing her to be legally present in the United States.

This investigation 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 Niagara Falls Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jorge Alfredo Martinez Sanchez, 50, a citizen and national of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to illegal re-entry of a removed alien. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that in October 2017, Martinez Sanchez was physically removed from the United States. On July 27, 2025, he was found in Erie County, NY. Martinez Sanchez was encountered by United States Border Patrol and did not have with him any documents allowing him to be legally present in the United States.

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

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

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar Leo Hernandez Sanchez, 38, a citizen and national of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to illegal re-entry of a removed alien. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that Hernandez Sanchez is an alien without any legal status in the United States. He was physically removed from the United States in December 2011. On June 26, 2025, Hernandez Sanchez was found Erie County, NY, by United States Customs and Border Protection and did not have any documents allowing him to be legally present in the United States.

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

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric Michael Robinson, 33, 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 in October 2024, Robinson conspired with co-defendants Lamor Runell Bolden 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. Robinson drove Bolden and Jones to a mail facility in Cheektowaga at approximately 1:00 a.m. on the morning of October 2, 2024. Robinson parked behind a row of blue collection mailboxes outside the postal facility. Bolden and Jones got out of the car, while Robinson remained in the driver’s seat and kept watch. Jones opened the mailboxes with the stolen key and stole mail from the mailboxes. Bolden and Jones got back into the car and Robinson drove away from the mail facility. 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. Robinson admits that he and his co-conspirators used the stolen key to open mailboxes at other locations around the Western District of New York.

Lamor Runell Bolden and Antonio Jones, Jr. were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. 

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

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tevin Williams, 31, and Zakyia Williams, 25, both of Sherman Oaks, California, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGrath, who handled the case, stated that according to the complaint, in December 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Tevin Williams and the associates in his drug trafficking organization. Since December 2021, and March 2023, the organization has distributed large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Rochester area and elsewhere. Williams resides in Sherman Oaks, California with his girlfriend and co-defendant Zakyia Williams. The two shipped drug parcels through the United States Postal Service to co-conspirators in the Rochester area. Fentanyl is distributed in the form of pressed pills, which bear markings resembling 30mg Percocet pills, known as fake “Perc 30s.” Subsequent investigation determined that Tevin Williams also traveled to Rochester regularly to resupply his co-conspirators.

Between February and August of 2022, investigators conducted eight controlled purchases of fentanyl from Tevin Williams and his associates. In December 2022, investigators intercepted a package containing approximately 800 grams of cocaine addressed to a residence in Webster, NY, associated with the drug trafficking organization. The cocaine was replaced with sham and a controlled delivery of the package was conducted. Once the package was delivered and subsequently opened, a search warrant was executed at the residence. No narcotics were seized but investigators did recover drug trafficking paraphernalia. In January 2023, another package was intercepted, which contained approximately 718 grams of cocaine and 555 grams of blue pills containing suspected fentanyl. In March 2023, a third package was intercepted, which contained approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills.

The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and were detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. The defendants fled to Trinidad and Tobago after being charged and were located and apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.

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 Andre Ali, 27, a citizen and national of Guyana, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with escape from custody, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.  

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that in the early morning hours of September l, 2025, at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls, NY, Customs and Border Protection officers encountered Ali, who was driving a vehicle that made a wrong turn onto the bridge, coming from the United States. Ali did not have an identity document and was escorted to secondary inspection, during which it was determined that he was unlawfully present in the United States. Ali was admitted to the United States in April 2018, as a visitor and was authorized to remain for a temporary period, not to exceed October 15, 2018.

Ali was handcuffed and escorted to a secure room to await his administrative processing. A short time later, an officer opened the door to the secure room to tell Ali that he was being detained and must see a judge. Less than a minute after the officer left the area, Ali climbed on top of a bench in the secure room and proceeded to climb into the ceiling cavity. A short time later, he fell through the ceiling in the room directly adjacent to the secure room, where he crawled under a shelf. Officers quickly noticed Ali had escaped and retook physical control.

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 complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

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

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Segundo Juan Maynato-Guaman, a/k/a Segundo Juan Mainato-Guaman, 46, a citizen of Ecuador, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. 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 on June 25, 2025, Rochester Border Patrol Agents conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle that Maynato-Guaman was driving at the intersection of Brockport-Spencerport Road and Washington Street. When asked for citizenship, he responded, “Ecuador.” Maynato-Guaman voluntarily presented the agent with a New York State identification card which displayed the name Segundo Mainato-Guaman. When asked if he was present in the United States illegally, Maynato-Guaman replied, “yes, I do not have any documents.” A subsequent records check determined that in December 2009, Maynato-Guaman was physically removed from the United States.

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

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Juan Ramirez, Jr. 

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that William Morrison, Jr., 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that late in the evening of July 19, 2024, Buffalo Police responded to the area of Ashley and Mohr Streets for a report of a man with a gun. The caller indicated the suspect, later identified as Morrison, was wearing an ankle bracelet and was waiving a black pistol around. The caller then reported that the suspect was inside an Ashley Street residence, which was referred to as a “dope house.” When officers arrived, they observed Morrison running from the rear of the residence. Morrison was quickly apprehended. Officers searched the area of the yard where Morrison had fled and recovered a loaded 9mm handgun. In November 2019, Morrison was convicted of a felony gun charge in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2025, before Judge Arcara.

# # # #

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marcobrien S. Volcy, 28, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under the laws of New York State relating to the possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in August 2023, Volcy pleaded guilty in Monroe County Court to Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less Than 16 Years of Age and was sentenced to one to three years in prison. On January 19, 2024, while on New York State probation for his 2023 conviction, Volcy possessed a cell phone that contained images and videos of child pornography. In total, Volcy possessed more than 650 images and videos of child pornography, some of which depicted prepubescent children.

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

Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2026, before Judge Wolford.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James M. Lajoie, 30, of Appleton, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under New York law relating to sexual abuse, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and 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 June 2016, Lajoie was convicted of Attempted Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree and sentenced to serve three years in prison and 10 years post release supervision. In August 2023, a New York Parole Officer conducted a home inspection at Lajoie’s residence and found an unauthorized cellular telephone in his possession. A review recovered approximately 54 images and four videos of child pornography stored on the device. Lajoie obtained these images and videos of child pornography over the internet. Some of images depicted prepubescent minors and violence against children.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, before Judge Arcara.   

# # # # 

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Maxwell H. Gawley, 34, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who handled the case, stated that in August 2022, Gawley engaged in sexually explicit conversations via Snapchat with a minor victim, who was a 14-year-old male. During these conversations, Gawley asked the minor victim to send him pictures of himself and discussed having sexual contact with him, which the minor victim complied with. In response, Gawley told the minor victim that he “might even have to make a road trip ... [come] see you if we were dating.” In September 2022, Gawley engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with another individual over Snapchat, during which Gawley shared images and videos of child pornography over the internet via Snapchat.

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 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Wilson Paul Loja-Angamarca, 28, a citizen of Ecuador, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to re-entry of a removed alien. He was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that Loja-Angamarca is an alien without any legal status in the United States. He was removed from the United States in October 2019. On July 24, 2025, Loja-Angamarca was found in Cattaraugus County, NY, and did not have any documents allowing him to be legally present in the United States.

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

The 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.

# # # #

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Immco Diagnostic LLC (Immco) and Primus Corporation (Primus) have agreed to pay $2.375 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.

In March of 2020 Congress created the PPP to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A PPP loan was both forgivable and guaranteed by the SBA.  One of the requirements for a business to obtain a second draw PPP loan, was the business had to have 300 or fewer employees.   

In 2021, both Immco and Primus obtained second draw PPP loans. When Immco and Primus made their loan applications and again when they sought loan forgiveness, they were owned and controlled by Trinity Biotech plc (Trinity), a company based in Ireland with multiple subsidiaries worldwide. Trinity and its affiliates, which included Immco and Primus, had over 300 employees when they applied for the loans and corresponding forgiveness. The United States therefore contends that Immco and Primus were ineligible for these loans because, together with their affiliates, they had more than 300 employees, in violation of the PPP rules.

“PPP was designed to support small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these companies failed to disclose accurate information about their size and eligibility thereby obtaining $1.8 million in forgiven loans that they were not entitled to,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This office is committed to recovering taxpayer dollars that were improperly obtained by through the PPP.”

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Coriell and Jonathan W. Ferris, 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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BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Fredy Hernandez-Lopez, 19, a citizen and national of Mexico, and Pablo Marlon Frias Teran, 40, a citizen and national of Ecuador, were arrested and charged in separate criminal complaints with Visa fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaints, in the early morning hours of August 26, 2025, Hernandez-Lopez and Frias Teran were passengers in a vehicle that made a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, coming from the United States. When questioned by Customs and Border Protection officers, Hernandez-Lopez was not in possession of an identity document and was escorted to secondary inspection, during which officers located what appeared to be a United States Permanent Resident Card and a United States Social Security Card, both bearing the name “Freddy HERNANDEZ.”  Subsequent investigation determined that both cards were fraudulent. Frias Teran also was not in possession of an identity document and was escorted to secondary to determine his immigration status. Officers discovered an Alien Registration Receipt Card, bearing the name Marlon Teran, which was also determined to be fraudulent. Previously, Frias Teran was ordered removed from the United States in July 2024 but never left the country.

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

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

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 Hugo Lopez Morales, 48, and Martin Lopez Morales, 30, both a citizen and national of Guatemala, were arrested and 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, Hugo Lopez Morales is charged with illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien following a felony conviction, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaints, on the afternoon of August 16, 2025, Hugo Lopez Morales was driving a vehicle at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry in Lewiston, NY. There were five passengers in the vehicle, including Martin Lopez Morales. Neither defendant had valid U.S. entry documents. The occupants of the vehicle were escorted to secondary inspection. Subsequent investigation determined that Hugo Lopez Morales was physically removed from the United States to Guatemala in November 2016.  Also, he was previously convicted of illegal reentry in June 2023 and was again deported in August 2023. In addition, he previously voluntarily returned from the United States to Mexico in July 1998, and December 2004. Martin Lopez Morales was physically deported to Guatemala in October 2020. He was also given a voluntary return from the United States to Mexico in April 2001 and twice in May 2021.

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

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

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 Zachary Guthrie, 32, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distributing and possessing 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 Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in May and July 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received CyberTips from Instagram that child pornography was uploaded by a user utilizing an IP address in the Rochester, NY area. Subsequently, the uploads were traced back to Guthrie. On September 15, 2024, law enforcement received a report from Microsoft that Xbox user HeadStashClass made the following threat: “im gonna shoot up the local preschool tomorrow for the vine.” Once again, the post traced back Guthrie. In October 2024, a search warrant was executed at Guthrie’s residence, during which law enforcement seized a cell phone. An analysis of the phone recovered more than 200 videos and more than 320 images of child pornography.

In February 2025, NCMEC received another CyberTip from Instagram involving the online enticement of children for sexual acts. A 14-year-old female reported that she had sexually explicit conversations online with an individual later identified as Guthrie. In March 2025, the FBI National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) also received an anonymous tip identifying “Zachary Guthrie” as “soliciting for sex with minor” and “asking local sex workers in the area for girls 12 and under” after a Facebook user posted screenshots of the conversation on Facebook. And in April 2025, Facebook submitted a CyberTip involving child sex trafficking. According to Facebook, a user sent sexually explicit messages to an adult female via Facebook Messenger, offering money to perform sexual acts on her “kid.” Once again, the message traced back to Guthrie.

Guthrie made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was held pending a detention hearing on August 29, 2025.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anabell Santiago, 53, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, maintaining a drug involved premises, and being a user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 40 years.

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

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

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

The 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 is scheduled for December 23, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ameer Clark, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum of 30 years, and a $1,000,000 fine.

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

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

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

Co-conspirators Lorenzo Jones and Quentavious Price were previously convicted. Charges remain pending against Montez White.

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

Sentencing is scheduled for January 5, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.

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ROCHESTER, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stuart J. McHenry, 35, of Hornellsville, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that McHenry knowingly possessed digital images of child pornography. At least one of the images depicted prepubescent minors under 12-years-old. The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from the instant messaging application Kik, which stated that Kik user “acman990,” uploaded approximately 24 files of suspected child pornography. A review found that approximately 22 of the files constituted child pornography. Subsequent investigation traced the account to the defendant and revealed messages between the defendant and other users in which the defendant sought, received, and distributed child pornography. Some of the videos and images possessed by McHenry contained violent conduct, and one of the images depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant. At the time of the offense, McHenry was working as a deputy for Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Jim Allard. 

Sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Antonio Gutierrez, 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who handled the case, stated that on December 9, 2022, an individual identified as C.R. was found dead of a drug overdose in his Orchard Park, NY, residence. Investigators recovered several items from the bedroom where C.R. was found, including his cell phone, as well as suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. Gutierrez’s DNA was found on a glassine envelope recovered from the residence. In addition, C.R. had frequent communications with a phone number linked to Gutierrez, including in the hours before his death. During this time, their phones were in the same area in the City of Buffalo.

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

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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, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to 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. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $8,000,000.   

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who is handling the case, stated that between May 2021 and July 21, 2022, Washington conspired with others to sell marijuana from various drug houses located in the city of Rochester. He oversaw the operation of marijuana distribution houses on St. Paul and Sixth Street in Rochester, and stored marijuana at two residences on Laser Street, also in Rochester. Washington oversaw the supply of drug houses, which were hardened with firearms, with quantities of pre-packaged marijuana for sale and paid individuals to deliver to and sell marijuana from these locations.

On July 14, 2022, Rochester Police officers executed a search warrant at the St. Paul Street residence, seizing quantities of marijuana, scales and drug ledgers, as well as $8,254 in cash. On July 16 and July 21, 2022, search warrants were executed at the Sixth Street residence, during which investigators seized quantities of marijuana, approximately $13,390 in cash, and four firearms. Also on July 21, 2022, a search warrant was executed at a Laser Street residence, which served as a stash location, revealing significant quantities of marijuana packaged for sale and five firearms. Gun traces on the firearms connected the conspirators to several other shootings in Rochester in the summer of 2022. A search warrant was also executed at another Laser Street residence, which was Washington’s residence, resulting in the seizure of quantities of marijuana and over 100 rounds of ammunition. Washington, as a previously convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing any ammunition.   

The case against Washington and his co-conspirators stemmed from the investigation into the murder of Rochester Police Department Investigator Anthony Mazurkewicz and the assault of Investigator Sino Seng, who were shot in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Mazurkewicz died because of his injuries. Co-conspirator Kelvin Vickers was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life in prison. The investigation also focused on a double homicide occurring the day before, on July 20, 2021, resulting in the deaths of Richard Collinge and Myjel Rand. Co-conspirators Kelvin Vickers, Deadrick Fulwiley and Raheim Robinson were convicted of those murders. Vickers and Robinson were sentenced to life in prison, and Fulwiley received 30-years in prison.   

The plea 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 Miller, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2025 before Judge Geraci.     

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Terrance Michael Ciszek a/k/a DrMonster, 35, of Buffalo, NY, with affecting transactions with access devices issued to other persons and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Ciszek was previously indicted on charges of possession of unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and making a false statement to an agency of the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.

According to the superseding indictment and a previously filed complaint, between March and August 2020, Ciszek, a Buffalo Police Detective, purchased 11 packages on Genesis Market that included 194 stolen account credentials. In March and April 2020, Ciszek is accused of attempting to use the stolen credit cards to make purchases. In addition, on April 15, 2020, Ciszek is accused of possessing and using the identification, including name, address and credit card, of another person.

On April 4, 2023, Ciszek is accused of making false statements to the FBI, claiming that he had not purchased stolen credentials from the internet, and further stating that his nephew may have been responsible for the online purchase of stolen credentials.

The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

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 Timothy Douglas, 65, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of child pornography by person having prior conviction related to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual conduct involving a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prsion, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that in August 2023, Douglas knowingly possessed a cellular telephone that contained images of child pornography. The images depicted prepubescent minors or minors under 12-years-old. Between July 2022 and August 2023, Douglas produced images of three minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. One of the children was five years old and the other two children were approximately 10 years old. Some of the images sadistic in nature. In 2003, Douglas was convicted in New York State of Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than 16 years old, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the 2nd Degree.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2025, before Judge Arcara.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Munef Fadhel, 38, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of health care fraud, was sentenced to serve one year probation by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that between June 2017, and December 2020, Fadhel defrauded the Medicaid program. Fadhel was an owner of Great Lake Transportation, Inc., a transportation company that provided rides to Medicaid beneficiaries. While working at Great Lake Transportation, he knowingly submitted multiple false and fraudulent records seeking transportation reimbursement for trips. Fadhel submitted claims for shared rides which he certified as individual rides in order to claim a higher reimbursement amount. This resulted in a loss to Medicaid in excess of $95,000.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jeryel L. Winfield a/k/a Derezz a/k/a Idriys, 51, of McDonough, GA, formerly of Binghamton, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2019, and May 26, 2022, Winfield conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl.

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

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

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

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley, and Chad Brown, all of Rochester, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with mail theft, unlawful possession of USPS mailbox keys, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 28, 2023, U.S. Postal Service inspectors received notification that blue collection boxes were open in early morning hours in Irondequoit and Brighton, NY. A review of video in both areas identified a vehicle and three males. On December 4, 2023, inspectors once again received notification of that a blue collection box in Irondequoit had been opened. On this date however, mail was removed from the collection box. The same vehicle and three individuals were once again captured on video surveillance.

On December 7, 2023, a search warrant was executed at a residence associated with the vehicle, as well as the vehicle and the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge that the three males went to after allegedly stealing the mail. At the residence, inspectors recovered approximately $1,400 in money orders, and numerous checks which were not in the names of any of the defendants. Inspectors spoke with several of the legitimate owners of the checks recovered and all victims stated they originally deposited the checks into blue collection boxes. Inspectors also recovered a handgun, ammunition, and a quantity of marijuana. During a review of video from the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge, four individuals were seen inside the location sorting what appears to be hundreds of pieces of mail. One of the individuals was identified as Lamarius Bradley. Subsequent investigation also recovered text messages discussing the theft between the defendants.

The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. Lamarious and Lucius Bradley were released on conditions. Chad Brown was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, Boston Division, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi, the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.

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

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Leeladhar H. Tandel, 44, of Mobile, AL, Barry M. Wright, 55, of Marietta, GA, and Jesus Andon, 56, of St. Louis, MO, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, the Buffalo Office of the DEA has been investigating online websites, including “MEDDZONLINE.COM,” which sell counterfeit pharmaceutical and controlled substances. The website has listed for sale medications such as Percocet, Adderall, Alprazolam, and Oxycodone. MEDDZONLINE.COM and related websites are believed to be part of a larger organized drug trafficking organization, operating domestically and internationally. After orders are received, the organization sends a bulk shipment of drugs via international mail, to a U.S. based bulk re-shipper, which are then sent to domestic re-shippers who are responsible for shipping out the individual orders via USPS to customers. These domestic re-shippers are paid by the drug trafficking organization for each package they mail out to customers.

In February 2024, the DEA began investigating a non-fatal overdose in the Silver Creek, NY, area, of a victim who purchased drugs five separate times from the MEDDZONLINE.COM website, including Valium, Ambien, and Tapentadol. Payment was made to an individual in Pakistan. This exchange shows the flow of money back to the head of the drug trafficking organization overseas in Pakistan, even though the website advertises the drugs as originating in the USA and shipping within the USA. Subsequently, investigators conducted several controlled purchases through the websites operated by the head of the drug trafficking organization. One of the controlled purchases identified defendant Tandel as a co-conspirator operating in the Mobile, Alabama, area. Law enforcement believes he is a distributor of illegal controlled substances and/or counterfeit substances through the United States Postal Service. He is believed to have mailed at least 40 packages from Summerdale, Alabama, to locations across the country, including Buffalo.

During the investigation, law enforcement also conducted undercover purchases from defendant Wright in Georgia. Wright is also accused of shipping packages across the country, mailing out a total of 333 parcels containing a variety of Schedule II and Schedule IV drugs. Defendant Andon is accused of shipping 41 packages of Ambien pills from St. Louis, Missouri to an individual identified as C.B.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Offices in St. Louis, MO, Atlanta, GA, and Mobile, AL.

If members of the public have purchased substances from any of the following websites, they should not ingest the substances and contact law enforcement:

• MEDDZONLINE.COM
• PHARMACYSTOREONLINE.COM
• MEDSHEALTHONLINE.COM
• PHARMACYHUBONLINE.COM
• PHARMACYMEDSONLINE.COM

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

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