U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York
Recent News About U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York
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A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to assaulting a postal worker during mail delivery in South Buffalo last year. The attack left the victim with multiple injuries and led to federal charges carrying significant penalties.
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Lamont Brown of Dunkirk has pleaded guilty to stealing government funds through fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims. Authorities say he orchestrated a scheme using stolen identities during COVID-19 relief efforts. Sentencing is set for August.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced it recovered over $68 million in 2025 from fraud-related settlements and enforcement actions. Major cases included pharmaceutical kickback allegations and Paycheck Protection Program fraud.
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Two Buffalo residents were arrested on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses following an investigation into alleged Bloods gang activity. Authorities seized drugs, firearms, cash, and paraphernalia during searches connected to Ronnie Powell and Daniqua S. Dixon.
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A Mexican citizen has been charged with alien smuggling after allegedly transporting people across the Niagara River into New York by raft. Authorities say Andres Carrillo-Hernandez faces up to ten years in prison if convicted.
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A Houston woman has pleaded guilty for her role in transporting cocaine from Mexico through Texas into Buffalo as part of a larger narcotics conspiracy. Authorities seized drugs and cash during their investigation involving multiple states. Sentencing is set for late September.
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Kelvin Thomas of Jamestown has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to sex trafficking conspiracy and drug distribution involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Authorities say he worked alongside others in exploiting victims struggling with addiction while distributing illegal drugs.
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A Buffalo woman has pleaded guilty for her involvement in a conspiracy to steal mail using an unauthorized postal key. Authorities recovered stolen checks totaling over $369,000 as part of their investigation.
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Michael W. Luehrsen has been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after being convicted of perjury during a previous fraud trial. Evidence showed he lied about his whereabouts while under oath.
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Zaid Mendoza pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges as well as three counts of sex trafficking by force. Authorities say he managed a drug operation that exploited vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction in Jamestown.
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A Tonawanda man faces federal charges including production and possession of child pornography after a grand jury returned a sweeping indictment. Authorities allege Trevor Knapp targeted multiple minors online over several years and traveled across state lines for illegal conduct.
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A former Randolph postal worker has pleaded guilty to stealing a gift card from the mail while employed as a rural carrier associate. Melissa Olson faces up to five years in prison after admitting to opening and delaying delivery of several pieces of mail.
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Dwayne Lowery of Jamestown has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving fentanyl distribution and kidnapping after holding a victim for over three weeks across multiple locations. Law enforcement agencies coordinated their investigation leading up to his arrest.
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Lorenzo Jones of Atlanta has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for his role in a multi-state bank fraud scheme targeting New York businesses. Authorities say he conspired with others to steal checks and recruit people to cash fraudulent versions at local banks.
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A federal grand jury has issued a superseding indictment against James Jackson, 39, and Alicia Osar, 37, both residents of Jamestown, New York.
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A Bronx resident, Michael Herrera, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
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A Buffalo man has been arrested on federal gun and drug charges following an investigation into a fatal overdose at Sisters of Charity Hospital in February 2025.
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Daniel Richter, 47, from Middle Island, New York, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking in federal court, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
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A Niagara Falls man has pleaded guilty to federal gun and drug charges, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
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Wayne McDaniels, 42, of Rochester, New York, has been sentenced to 144 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue and possession of firearms in furtherance of...