News

A federal jury has convicted Hadi Matar, 28, of Fairview, New Jersey, of attempting to provide material support to Hizbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization, engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and providing material support to terrorists. 

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric J. Barner a/k/a E a/k/a Dree, 40, Ashanique Graham a/k/a Shorty, 30, Geneno Mable, 51, Matthew R. Swinko, 28, and Ryan Palmieri, 36, all of Elmira, NY, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine. Charged in a separate complaint with conspiracy was Dominic Murphy, 31, also of Elmira. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life, and

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Donald Coty, 40, and his wife, Megan Coty, 38, both of Conesus, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, conspiracy to produce child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Giovanni Rosa, 32, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John W. Burns, 42, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to arson of a building used in interstate commerce before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Celina Serva aka Ce Ce, 27, of Akron, OH, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of life, and a $10,000,000 fine. 

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Dean, 24, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a weapon, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jason Knobloch, 56, of Lancaster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Leeladhar H. Tandel, 44, of Mobile, AL, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Otis Williams a/k/a Skino, 39, Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, which carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marcus Elliott, 40, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison followed by 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. 

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ernest Brown, a/k/a Wayne Perry, a/k/a Wayne Brown, 43, Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 175 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Brown’s federal sentence will be served consecutive to the sentence of 25 years to life that he received after an Erie County Court jury convicted him of Murder, 2nd degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 2nd degree.