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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Israel Enden has pleaded guilty in Buffalo federal court to bringing an unauthorized alien into the United States from Canada earlier this year. Authorities discovered Elazar Wigdorowitz hidden inside Enden's vehicle during border inspection at Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry.
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David Martinez has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $87,000 from a local EMTs and Paramedics union while serving as president between December 2019 and March 2024. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo following an investigation led by federal authorities.
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Brandon Millender of Buffalo faces a ten-count federal indictment for alleged COVID-related fraud involving over $140,000 in PPP funds. Authorities say he used stolen identities in a scheme targeting banks and government agencies from April 2021 through August 2025.
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Isaiah Josiah Dre Riley of Olean pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge involving methamphetamine distribution. Law enforcement seized drugs and cash during a search of his residence following an investigation by multiple agencies.
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A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm during drug trafficking activities. Authorities seized drugs and weapons after an investigation led by federal agents.
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A Dunkirk man was arrested after allegedly shooting an officer during a search related to drug activity. Authorities recovered drugs and firearms from his residence following a standoff ending in his surrender.
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Anabell Santiago has been sentenced for her involvement in distributing fentanyl and cocaine from Jamestown residences. Authorities say multiple searches uncovered drugs and firearms linked to her activities. The case is part of broader efforts against narcotics trafficking.
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John Peterson of Jamestown has been arrested on new federal charges related to child pornography distribution and possession following previous convictions. Law enforcement traced online uploads back to him after receiving tips from Kik through NCMEC.
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A Florida man has been sentenced to more than ten years in prison for receiving child pornography and traveling across state lines for sex with a minor. Authorities say Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik communicated online with a teenage girl before meeting her in New York.
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Eric Rivera has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for drug distribution and firearm offenses following his arrest during a police search operation in Niagara Falls. Authorities recovered large quantities of narcotics as well as weapons during their investigation.
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Norman Kelly from Albion has been sentenced to twelve years in prison for receiving child pornography. The case involved evidence found during an airport inspection after international travel. Federal agencies led the investigation resulting in this conviction.
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A Rochester PhD student has been arrested on charges related to child pornography production, distribution, possession, and enticement of a minor. Authorities allege he engaged in online communications leading to illegal conduct with a minor victim.
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Aaron Miller of Jamestown has been sentenced to ten years in prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The case is part of Operation Take Back America targeting drug trafficking networks.
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Oscar F. Hernandez III has been sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted again for possessing child pornography while already on probation for similar offenses. Authorities discovered additional illicit materials during a search of his home.
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Julio Perez has been sentenced to twelve years in prison for fentanyl distribution after being convicted by a federal jury. Authorities seized drugs and cash from his home during an ongoing investigation into narcotics trafficking.
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Edwin Robles of the Bronx pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and identity theft on Mar. 26 after participating in a multi-state scheme targeting victim bank accounts earlier last year. Authorities say losses totaled over $91,000.
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Jesus Ramos from Dunkirk pleaded guilty to stealing government funds through fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims involving Puerto Rico's labor department. Authorities say his actions contributed to losses totaling over $67,000.
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Daniel S. Ackerman has pleaded guilty to operating a large-scale marijuana grow operation in Cuba after law enforcement seized hundreds of plants and other substances from his property. The case was investigated by several local agencies along with federal authorities.
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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.