Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Madison County Sex Offender Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Sex Offender Registration and Supervised Release Violations

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Floyd Wood Activated and Willfully Failed to Register a Second Email Account Just Months After His Release from Federal Prison

UTICA, NEW YORK – Floyd Wood, age 57, of DeRuyter, New York, was sentenced on October 8, 2025 to a total of 24 months in prison: 18 months for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a consecutive 6 months violating his conditions of federal supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia made the announcement.

In 2017 Wood was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and 15 years of supervised release following his conviction for Coercion and Enticement of a 12-year-old child. He began his term of supervised release in November of 2023 upon his release from prison.  Months later, Wood activated a second email account which he willfully failed to register with the Sex Offender Registry, as required by law. For months thereafter, Wood lied to his supervising Probation Officer about his email accounts, and the new account was only discovered when, during a home visit, Wood was found trying to hide an unauthorized smart phone from Probation Officers.   

Following the terms of imprisonment, Wood will resume a term of supervised release for 10 years, during which he will again be obligated to follow his sex offender registration obligations.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone, III said: “Sex offender registration laws are designed for the protection of the public. They are simple to understand and follow.  Any willful failure to strictly comply will be investigated and aggressively prosecuted by my office to ensure public safety.”

Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia stated: “The arrest of Floyd Wood highlights our continued commitment to locating and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to our communities. The U.S. Marshals Sex Offender Branch works closely with our federal, state, and local partners to track offenders and enforce sex offender registration requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. These efforts are central to the mission of the U.S. Marshals Service. We remain fully dedicated to deploying the necessary resources to locate and apprehend non-compliant sex offenders nationwide, ensuring that those who violate federal law are brought to justice.”

The United States Marshal Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher prosecuted both this case and Wood’s 2017 conviction, as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

###

Posted on

Former Prison Guards Sentenced to Prison for Assault on Inmate

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Michael Williams and Rohail Khan Joined Brandon Montanari in Assaulting an Inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Williams, age 39, of Bloomingburg, New York, and Rohail Khan, age 28, of Utica, New York, have been sentenced to 21 months and 24 months in federal prison, respectively, for depriving an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility of his rights under color of law. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

When Williams and Khan pled guilty, they admitted to assaulting an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in April 2023, along with fellow correction officer Brandon Montanari, age 34, of East Concord, New York. Montanari, Williams, and Khan punched and kicked the inmate without cause in a hallway in the middle of the night, and they later agreed with each other to lie about what happened to internal investigators. After the beating, the inmate was forced to reveal the nature of his underlying criminal conviction to his fellow inmates, and within 24 hours the inmate was hospitalized after an attack by another inmate.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “It is despicable, cowardly, and dangerous for a group of corrections officers to assault a defenseless inmate without cause and then lie about it. My office will continue to prosecute those who abuse their badges in this way.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Williams and Mr. Khan violated the oath they swore to uphold as officers of the law. As they head to federal prison for their actions, the FBI remains committed to working with our partners to investigate and hold accountable any officer who abuses their position to deliberately cause harm to others.”

Montanari was previously sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment for his role in the assault.

FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case.

###

Posted on

Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 18 Months and Ordered to Pay over $160,000 in Restitution for Health Care Fraud and Unlawful Drug Distribution

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Defendant Also Settled False Claims Act Liability by Separate Payment of $188,850

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced today that Anja Salamack, age 50, of Delray Beach, Florida, was sentenced in late October to 18 months in prison and a one-year period of home detention for submitting false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs and for issuing prescriptions for a controlled substance for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of profession practice. The charges were part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.

Salamack, formerly an Albany resident, was a psychiatric nurse practitioner who resided in Florida but claimed to be practicing in Albany. Salamack pled guilty to health care fraud for submitting false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs in New York State for health care services that she never provided, e.g. psychotherapy services, and evaluation and management services. Salamack caused $163,639.58 in losses. Salamack also pled guilty to unlawful drug distribution (also known as drug diversion), for issuing prescriptions for the controlled substance amphetamine (e.g. Adderall) for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of professional practice. For instance, from November 2018 to May 2023, Salamack regularly prescribed amphetamine in the name of a person who had not been her patient since 2016. Salamack issued these prescriptions (108 in total) at the request of a relative of the former patient.

As part of her sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ann M. Nardacci ordered that Salamack pay full restitution to the victims of her fraud along with a $10,000 fine and serve a two-year term of supervised release, to begin after her term of imprisonment. And in connection with her guilty plea, Salamack also surrendered her DEA registration (which had allowed her to prescribe controlled substances).

In a separate civil settlement agreement, Salamack admitted that she submitted claims to Medicare for psychotherapy services that were not rendered. She also admitted that she used $48,670 in Provider Relief Funds (PRF) for impermissible purposes. The PRF was money that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act had allocated to healthcare providers to pay for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Salamack agreed to pay $188,850 to resolve her False Claims Act liability.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This medical professional abused the privilege of providing care to others, and now she will pay the price for it. Thanks to a thorough investigation by the DEA and HHS, Anja Salamack is out of business, will have to compensate her victims—including the federal government through her significant civil settlement—and spend over a year in a federal prison.”

“Anja Salamack’s actions were no different from those of any drug trafficker, when she knowingly chose to put profits above the health and well-being of those lives she took an oath to help” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “While Salamack’s sentencing of 18 months sends a message; the harmful effects from her actions of unlawfully prescribing the controlled substance amphetamine for non-medical purposes could last much longer. Health care professionals must and will be held accountable when wrongfully and illegally prescribing controlled substances.”

“The defendant in this case, a nurse practitioner, put patients’ well-being in jeopardy and exploited health care programs meant to benefit her community,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect essential programs and hold accountable those whose actions could result in potential patient harm.”

The June 2025 charges were a part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15.6 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. In connection with the takedown, the Government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets.

The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS) investigated this case. TDS is comprised of DEA Special Agents and Diversion Investigators, as well as Investigators from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colonie Police Department assisted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Moran represented the United States in the civil matter.

###

Posted on

Acting U.S. Attorney Welcomes Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Since October, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III has sworn in seven Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs).

SAUSAs are able to prosecute cases in federal court under the supervision of the U.S. Attorney’s Office while remaining employed as ADAs. The ADAs recently sworn in as SAUSAs include: First ADA Michael T. Johnson (Herkimer County); Chief ADA J. Sam Rodgers (Madison County); ADAs Manpreet Kaur and Kathleen Hofmann (Montgomery County); and Chief ADA Christopher Bednarski and Senior ADAs Sara Fitzpatrick and Alphonse L. Williams III (Onondaga County).

Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “One of my top goals as the Acting U.S. Attorney is to strengthen the partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement organizations. When we work seamlessly together, more criminals are taken off the street, more weapons are taken out of their hands, and our communities are safer. I am proud to welcome more ADAs as SAUSAs, and I thank District Attorneys Jeffrey S. Carpenter, Christina Pearson, William Fitzpatrick, and Robert A. Mascari for their partnership in this important endeavor.”

Herkimer County DA Jeffrey S. Carpenter stated: “Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney, Michael Johnson, was recently sworn in by Acting US Attorney John Sarcone as a Special Assistant US Attorney.  This honor, the first in Herkimer County’s history, exemplifies the commitment by AUSA Sarcone to ensure the continued safety of the residents of Herkimer County through a joint partnership between our two agencies.”

Montgomery County DA Christina Pearson stated: “This is an exciting opportunity for my office and for the people of Montgomery County, and I thank Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone for his continued partnership. I am confident ADAs Kaur and Hofmann will represent Montgomery County with integrity and distinction.”

Onondaga County DA William Fitzpatrick stated: “I want to personally thank my friend US Attorney John Sarcone for following through on his initial promise to work cooperatively with all 32 DAs Offices within the jurisdiction of the Northern District of New York. Through his cross designations of members of my office as Special Assistant US Attorneys, I look forward to working with John on crimes involving gun trafficking, gang violence, child pornography and human trafficking, and narcotic sales all in an effort to keep Onondaga County one of the safest places to live in New York State.”

Acting Madison County DA Robert A. Mascari stated: “The opportunity provided by Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone to have my Chief Assistant District Attorney Sam Rodgers appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney is greatly appreciated.  Reaching out to counties like Madison in this way speaks volumes to the willingness of Mr. Sarcone and the federal agencies to work closely with Madison County on matters of mutual concern.   I know Sam is the perfect person for this appointment and being our connection to the United States Attorney’s Office.  We look forward to working with Mr. Sarcone and his staff to improve and promote public safety throughout Central New York.”

Pictured above (left to right):

Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Herkimer County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Johnson, his wife, Andrea, and daughters, Emma and Lily.

Pictured above (left to right)

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Madison County Chief Assistant District Attorney J. Sam Rodgers.

Pictured above (left to right):

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Manpreet Kaur, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Hofmann, and Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson.

Pictured above (left to right):

Daniel LaDuke, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Diane Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County Senior Assistant District Attorney Sara Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, and Sean Fitzpatrick.

Pictured above (left to right):

Pictured above: Onondaga County First Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bednarski and his wife, Maria.

Pictured above (left to right):

Onondaga County Senior Assistant District Attorney Alphonse L. Williams III, Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick, and Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III.

###

Posted on

Tulsa Woman Sentenced for Stealing Disabled Army Veteran’s Identity

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa woman was sentenced today for two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft after stealing a disabled Army veteran’s identity, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Monica J. Thompson, 40, to 48 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Judge Frizzell further ordered Thompson to pay $29,440.39 in restitution.

“Taking advantage of a veteran that served our country will never be tolerated in the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thompson not only engaged in identity theft but also took advantage of a vulnerable disabled veteran for her own benefit.”

“This sentence sends a clear message that those who would exploit veterans will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South-Central Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”

According to court documents, Thompson conspired with her boyfriend to defraud an elderly disabled veteran by arranging a sham marriage. After getting married to the victim, Thompson submitted false applications to the Veterans Administration (VA) to control the victim’s disability payments. Even though the victim was entitled to disability payments, he ended up being housed in an RV without food. Shortly after, the victim attempted suicide and was hospitalized. While the victim was on suicide watch, Thompson kept submitting false documents to the VA. A nurse overheard the victim providing Thompson with banking information and reported it to the authorities. 

Thompson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at a later date.

The Office of Inspector General for the Board of Veterans’ Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.

If you suspect fraudulent conduct involving an older adult, don’t hesitate to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline 
at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or find additional resources for older adults in Oklahoma.  

Posted on

U.S. Attorney and Federal Law Enforcement Partners Meet with Rensselaer County and Troy Police Department Officials

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – In September, Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and key federal law enforcement partners met with Sheriff Kyle Bourgault of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office; District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly of the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office; and Chief Daniel De Wolf of the City of Troy Police Department.

Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone stated: “Our law enforcement partners in Rensselaer County work tirelessly to keep our citizens safe, and their collaboration with my office and federal investigators has led to countless significant arrests and prosecutions. Together, we are making a difference every day, and I look forward to continuing our important work.”

Sherriff Bourgault stated: “Yesterday’s meeting with Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone reinforced the strength of our partnership. His commitment, combined with the hard work of our deputies and federal investigators, ensures that we are united in one mission—keeping our community safe. I am proud to continue this collaboration to protect the people of Rensselaer County.”

District Attorney Donnelly stated: “Rensselaer County looks forward to a continued partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other federal law enforcement agencies, as we strive to do all that we can to prioritize public safety.”

Chief De Wolf stated: “Police work and keeping our communities safe have become increasingly difficult in recent years. Thankfully, we have great relationships with our federal law enforcement partners, including our U.S. Attorney’s Office. With the help of our federal partners, we have been able to enhance our crime fighting capabilities and arrest those committing crimes in our neighborhoods. The federal, state and local law enforcement agencies of Rensselaer County will always keep the safety of our citizens at the forefront, and our work together only strengthens our resolve.”

Pictured above (from left to right):

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeremiah Healey, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli, City of Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, Deputy U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Cyrus Rieck, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shane Nastoff.

###

Posted on

Union Ex-President Arrested on Theft and Wire Fraud Charges

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kye Carbone, 68, of Athens, New York, was arrested on October 17, 2025, on an indictment charging him with 30 counts of wire fraud and theft from a labor union.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement.

Between 2003 and 2023, Carbone served as the president of United Federation of College Teachers Local 1460, the union representing faculty members at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.  As alleged in the indictment, Carbone stole over $290,000 from the Local between 2011 and 2023, when he was voted out of office.  Carbone used the money for his personal expenses, restaurants and travel, and buying and renovating a property in Athens.

Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “As alleged, Carbone embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the union he claimed to serve and used the money to fund his lifestyle and buy a home in the Hudson Valley. Upstate New York is a wonderful place to live.  But if you steal money from a union, your next home will be a federal prison.”

Special Agent-in-Charge Mellone said: “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving labor unions.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of fraudulent activity and protect the American worker.”

Carbone is charged with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and 27 counts of embezzlement from a labor union, in violation of 29 U.S.C. § 501(c).  The wire fraud charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine per count, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  The embezzlement charges carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 per count, as well as up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Carbone was arraigned on October 17 in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and pled not guilty.  He was released pending trial.  The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting the case.

###

Posted on

Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Involving Multiple Victims in Different States

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Trevor Metterhauser Was Previously Convicted of Possessing Child Pornography and Will be Sentenced to 80 years’ Imprisonment if the Court Accepts the Plea Agreement

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Trevor Metterhauser, 41, of Pennsylvania, pled guilty on November 13, 2025, to attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography. The aggravated sexual abuse and sexual exploitation charges involve two toddlers (one located in upstate New York and the other in Texas).

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Metterhauser admitted that he was convicted of possessing child pornography in Pennsylvania in 2011. In November 2022, Metterhauser conspired with Brandon Whitford to sexually exploit an approximately 4-year-old girl in the Northern District of New York. Metterhauser traveled from his home in Pennsylvania to Whitford’s home in New York, where Metterhauser made recordings that depicted the child naked. Whitford sexually assaulted the child shortly after Metterhauser left, recorded that content, and sent it to Metterhauser.

In December 2022, the defendant agreed with Carlos Julian Ruiz to sexually assault an approximately 2-year-old child and to record that abuse. Metterhauser traveled from Pennsylvania to Texas to commit the assault and record his sexual abuse of the 2-year-old child.

When Metterhauser was arrested in the Northern District of New York in early 2023, he had with him multiple electronic devices that contained the recordings of his sexual assault of the Texas victim; child pornography he received from Whitford depicting the New York victim; and child pornography he obtained from the internet.

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “The defendant’s admitted conduct is horrendous beyond description. This plea provides much needed finality and certainty for the victims and ensures that this dangerous predator never terrorizes another child. My office and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue pedophiles who target our innocent children for their own twisted sexual gratification.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “Trevor Metterhauser is one of the most disturbing predators FBI Albany has investigated. His sinister crimes spanned multiple states, and the details of his abuse are truly horrific. His admission now ensures he will spend the rest of his life locked up in federal prison. Today, our thoughts are with the children he harmed through his appalling actions. The FBI remains fiercely dedicated to aggressively investigating dangerous predators like Mr. Metterhauser who victimize our most vulnerable.”

If the district court accepts the parties’ plea agreement, at sentencing on March 12, 2026, the defendant will receive a term of imprisonment of 80 years, a lifetime term of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, forfeiture of devices used to commit the offenses, must pay restitution to the victims, and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Whitford and Ruiz have each pled guilty to offenses related to their roles in the abuse of the victims.

FBI-Albany and FBI-San Antonio investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Benjamin A. Gillis are prosecuting it with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

###

Posted on

Jury Convicts New Rochelle Man of Pandemic Fraud and Identity Theft

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aly Kaba, age 30, of New Rochelle, New York, was convicted on October 21, 2025 following a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities.  Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), made the announcement.

The trial evidence showed that in late 2020, Kaba conspired with his former roommate, Tony Brobbey, and fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor worth more than $150,000.  To make the fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, Kaba used multiple stolen identities, including a victim named J.F., a victim named J.M., as well as two men who died more than a decade before the pandemic. Kaba’s fraudulent claims sought more than $500,000 in benefits.  The evidence also showed that Kaba used fraud proceeds on overseas travel and a Rolex watch.    

Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Kaba used stolen identities to fleece benefits programs intended to benefit workers during a desperate time.  Thanks to the hard work of prosecutors in my office and each law enforcement agency involved in this task force, Kaba’s days of exotic travel on the taxpayers’ dime are over and his next trip will be to federal prison.” 

USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Nicholas Bucciarelli stated: “Mr. Kaba’s conviction should serve notice to anyone hoping to misuse the mail for fraudulent purposes.  Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate mail fraud, protect public funds, and bring perpetrators to justice.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said:  “This conviction reinforces HSI Albany’s commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to protecting communities from fraud and ensuring that relief programs serve those who truly need them. We are proud to have successfully brought justice in a case that safeguards the public by preventing the exploitation of critical government resources.”

USDOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan R. Mellone stated: “Aly Kaba unlawfully profited from a scheme that used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain critical taxpayer funds intended for qualified individuals in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains a top priority for the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensure the protection of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.”

Kaba’s sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2026.  The conspiracy and mail fraud charges each carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Brobbey previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. His sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

This case was investigated by USPIS, HSI, and USDOL-OIG, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.

###

Posted on

Broome County Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Drug Trafficking, Firearm Offenses, and Money Laundering

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Corey Jordon Green, age 33, of Vestal, New York, was sentenced on October 3, 2025 to 19 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy spanning the United States. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York, made the announcement.

As part of his previously-entered guilty plea to a seven-count superseding information, Jordon Green admitted that from at least January 2022 through November 2023 he possessed with intent to distribute, distributed, and conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and heroin in and around Broome County.  Jordon Green and his co-conspirators obtained these drugs from sources of supply in California and elsewhere. The Court also found Jordon Green responsible for distribution of methamphetamine. As part of his plea, Jordon Green also admitted to possessing five firearms—three handguns and two AK-47 style weapons—to further his drug-trafficking activities, all while being prohibited from possessing firearms due to having been previously convicted of multiple felonies.  Green also admitted to conspiring with others to launder his drug-trafficking proceeds.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes imposed a 19 year prison term, concurrent 3 and 5-year terms of post-release supervision, and a money judgment of over $185,000 of unrecovered proceeds from his drug trafficking.

Co-conspirator Michael Jacobs, age 35, of Endicott, New York, was previously sentenced by Chief Judge Sannes in December 2024 to a 130-month (10 years and 10 months) term of imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.  Chief Judge Sannes also imposed on Jacobs a 5-year term of post-release supervision.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine are a scourge on our communities.  Coupled with unlawful firearms possession, the danger is multiplied exponentially.  This substantial sentence holds the defendant responsible for the serious harm he caused to the Broome County community, protects the public from his dangerous actions for many years and should serve as a strong deterrent for others engaging in the same conduct. Let this significant prison sentence be a warning to others that if you engage in this unlawful conduct, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan stated: “Today’s sentencing reflects the gravity of the defendant’s crimes and underscores the critical importance of dismantling these dangerous networks, which continue to place the often-unsuspecting public at risk. Drug trafficking, particularly involving fentanyl, devastates our communities, claims countless lives, and fuels addiction. As demonstrated today, HSI Syracuse, together with our law enforcement partners, is unwaveringly committed to protecting New Yorkers and holding accountable those who profit from poisoning our neighborhoods.”

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis stated: “Jordon-Green operated a multi-layered criminal enterprise that included weapons possession, narcotics trafficking and movement of those illicit funds through various banks and money apps.  IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to working in lock-step with our law enforcement partners to make sure dangerous criminals like Jordon-Green are put behind bars for their greed and continued threat to their own community.”

New York State Superintendent Steven G. James stated: “The New York State Police will continue to work with our federal partners to hold those who traffic in fentanyl, heroin, and other dangerous drugs accountable. This investigation shows how coordinated enforcement can remove violent offenders, illegal weapons, and narcotics from our communities. I want to thank HSI, IRS-CI, the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and our VGNET members for their dedication to protecting the people of Broome County and the surrounding region.”

This case was investigated by HSI, IRS-CI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New York State Police VGNET.  Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen Grabowski and Ben Gillis prosecuted this case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

###