Law enforcement officials announced on Aug. 5 the results of Operation Clean Sweep – Onondaga County, a large-scale enforcement initiative that resulted in several arrests and significant seizures of firearms and narcotics.
The announcement was made by Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, Federal Bureau of Investigation Albany Field Office Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli, Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin, Onondaga County Sheriff Tobias Shelley, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
Officials said the operation reflects enhanced cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies through integrated planning and intelligence sharing to address violent crime in Onondaga County. The operation resulted in 13 arrests related to narcotics distribution and firearm offenses; the seizure of 11 kilograms of cocaine; 615 grams of crack cocaine; 365 grams of fentanyl; three pounds of methamphetamine; and 37 illegally possessed firearms.
District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said, “I want to thank my friend, U.S. Attorney John Sarcone for honoring his commitment to work collaboratively with local law enforcement to keep Syracuse and other communities in the Northern District as safe as possible. In my three decades as District Attorney, this represents the highest level of cooperation we have had with our federal partners. Let this serve as fair warning to those who seek to prey on our community with deadly firearms and narcotics.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Today’s results prove that when local law enforcement and local prosecutors work together with federal law enforcement and federal prosecutors we can make a difference in the community… In addition to significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, this operation seized 365 grams of fentanyl… That is enough fentanyl to fatally poison the equivalent of more than four sold‑out crowds at the JMA Wireless Dome.”
ATF Special Agent Bryan DiGirolamo said, “Violent crime doesn’t respect agency boundaries… Together, we’ve removed dozens of illegal firearms [and] significant quantities of deadly drugs…” DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent Farhana Islam stated, “The seizure … represents lives protected and violence prevented…” FBI Albany Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli added, “Operations like Clean Sweep present the invaluable opportunity for federal, state, and local law enforcement to deliver a unified response…”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said disrupting illegal guns remains a top priority for State Police members involved in keeping New Yorkers safe.
Sheriff Tobias Shelley stated, “Operation Clean Sweep is about a direct unwavering commitment to … every resident … We are focused relentless [and] unified …”
The announcement emphasized that all participating agencies remain committed to protecting communities by disrupting violent criminal networks while holding offenders accountable through ongoing judicial proceedings where defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
These cases are being investigated by multiple agencies including district attorney offices from Onondaga County along with city police departments—prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District which covers an area exceeding 30,000 square miles across northern/central New York with about 3.4 million residents, according to the official website. The office includes approximately 50 Assistant United States Attorneys plus support staff; it prosecutes federal criminal cases/defends civil matters on behalf of the United States while supporting community wellness through coordinated initiatives/outreach efforts.