Rochester Man Arrested For Threatening A Federal Law Enforcement Officer

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051 

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Tony Ivey, 52, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with threatening to assault or murder a Federal law enforcement officer with the intent to interfere with the officer while performing official duties. The charge carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

“Thanks to the quick work of the U.S. Marshal Service, this defendant is now is police custody and unable to carry out any of these alleged threats,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.

“We take a zero tolerance approach when any individual threatens to commit an act of violence with a gun against a law enforcement officer or any member of our community,” said U.S. Marshal Salina.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on June 13, 2016, Ivey contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rochester and complained about the Rochester Housing Authority. During these calls, the defendant became verbally abusive and agitated. 

Ivey contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office once again on June 14, 2016. During that call, an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) attempted to advise the defendant that the U.S. Attorney’s Office would not be able to assist Ivey with his complaints but would assist in directing the defendant to other entities. Ivey became agitated and claimed his civil rights were being violated.

As the call continued, the defendant became verbally abusive and stated that he was going to go to the AUSA’s office with an assault weapon and shoot people. Ivey further stated that he was willing to die.

The United States Marshals Service tracked the defendant to a residence on Westland Parkway in Cheektowaga where he was arrested. During his arrest, Ivey told a Deputy Marshal, “you are the type of people that provoke Orlando.” The defendant further stated, “I wish I had a gun, I just don’t have access...but I would if I got them, do that (expletive) I would.”                  

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina and the United States Marshals Service Task Force. 

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.