Rochester Man Sentenced in Cocaine Trafficking Case

ROCHESTER—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Brian Leonard, 42, of Rochester, New York, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and a $1,500 fine by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that between August 2003 and December 20, 2005, the defendant was involved with numerous others in a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for trafficking between 5 and 15 kilograms of cocaine in the Rochester area. Leonard and other members of the organization would travel to Chicago, Illinois, purchase multiple-kilogram quantities of cocaine from their Chicago-based suppliers, transport the cocaine back to Rochester, and distribute it to mid-level and lower-level drug dealers. Among other methods, members of the organization utilized a 1993 Cadillac equipped with a secret compartment to transport multiple-kilogram quantities of cocaine and avoid detection by law enforcement authorities. In furtherance of the drug conspiracy, the defendant possessed a rifle and shotgun at his residence. Also, on July 26, 2007, the defendant possessed approximately 60 grams of cocaine, which he intended to distribute to others.

Algernon Toole, one of the Rochester-based members of the organization, and his brother, Everette Toole, a Chicago-based cocaine supplier, were convicted on drug conspiracy charges after a jury trial in February 2010 and were sentenced to 240 months and 204 months in prison, respectively. Lawrence Williams, another Chicago-based cocaine supplier, was also convicted of a drug conspiracy charge and sentenced to 262 months in prison, to be served concurrently with a 240-month sentenced imposed for a separate federal drug conspiracy conviction in the District of Wisconsin. Frank Cavallucci, another Rochester-based conspirator, was convicted of drug conspiracy and firearms charges and sentenced to 84 months in prison and a $1,000 fine. Lazero Collado Montero, another Rochester-based member of the organization, was convicted of a drug conspiracy charge and also sentenced to 84 months in prison.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Sheppard.

Buffalo Man Arrested for Online Enticement of a 14-Year-Old

ROCHESTER, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jafet Rivera, 24, of Buffalo, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with online enticement of a minor. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison with a maximum of 30 and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant engaged in a series of sexually explicit online communications with a 14-year-old Rochester child. The child’s father found the chats on the family’s computer and reported the activity to the Rochester Police, who in turn contacted agents of the FBI’s Cybercrimes Division.

The FBI assumed the child’s online identity and agreed to meet with Rivera. The defendant traveled to Rochester via train this morning with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the child. He was arrested without incident at the Rochester Bus Station by FBI agents and members of the Rochester Police Department.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson this afternoon. Rivera is being detained pending a bail hearing which is scheduled for March 23, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

“This case should is a good example of why is it so important for parents to constantly monitor their child’s computer usage, said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “It was the parent who alerted law enforcement to the actions of this alleged predator. As a result, the defendant was stopped before he could hurt this child or any others. Our office, along with our partners at the federal, state, and local level, will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of all of our youth.”

The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota; members of the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James M. Sheppard; and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn.

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.

Hells Angels Members and Others Indicted and Arrested in Connection with Methamphetamine Trafficking

ROCHESTER, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury in Rochester has returned a seven-count superseding indictment charging members of the Rochester and Monterey (California) Hells Angels with drug trafficking and racketeering-related offenses.

Monterey (California) Hells Angels President Richard W. Mar, 60, Rochester Hells Angels members James H. McAuley, Jr., 62, of Oakfield, New York, Richard E. Riedman, 38, of Webster, New York, and Jeffrey A. Tyler, 47, of Rochester, New York, and Donna Boon, 46, of Oakfield, New York, Gordon L. Montgomery, 53, of Batavia, New York, and Paul S. Griffin, 58, of Blasdell, New York, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a $4,000,000 fine.

Boon is also charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between April 2010 and July 9, 2010. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a $2,000,000 fine.

McAuley, Rochester Hells Angels member Robert W. Moran, Jr. a/k/a Bugsy, 59, of Rochester, New York, along with Gina Tata, 47, of Rochester, New York, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity, Moran and Tata are charged with conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity, and Tata, Riedman, and Timothy M. Stone, 31, of Gates, New York, are charged with being accessories after the fact to the assault and conspiracy. These charges were included in the original Indictment, which was returned in April 2011. The assault with a dangerous weapon charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. And the accessory charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $125,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that the superseding indictment alleges that Mar, McAuley, Boon, Riedman, Tyler, Montgomery, and Griffin were involved in trafficking 500 grams or more of methamphetamine between 2002 and July 9, 2010.

The superseding indictment further alleges that Moran and McAuley are members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Rochester, a criminal enterprise engaged in acts relating to drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder, and which controls motorcycle club activity in the territory extending from Rochester to Interstate 81 outside Syracuse. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that, Moran, acting together with McAuley and Tata (an associate of the Rochester Hells Angels), assaulted a patron with a baseball bat at Spenders bar, which at the time was located at 1600 Lyell Avenue, Rochester, New York, on May 31, 2006, in order to maintain or increase Moran’s and McAuley’s positions in the Hells Angels criminal enterprise, after the patron had allegedly made disparaging remarks about motorcycle gangs. The superseding indictment further charges that Tata, Riedman, and Stone (also an associate of the Rochester Hells Angels) helped Moran and McAuley avoid apprehension by law enforcement authorities after the assault occurred at Spenders bar.

Mar has been arrested in California and is awaiting arraignment in federal court. Tyler, Griffin and Montgomery have been arrested and have either been arraigned or are awaiting arraignment in federal court in Rochester. McAuley is in federal prison after being convicted on other charges in the Northern District of New York, and will be arraigned at a later date. Moran, Riedman, Tata, and Stone were named in the original indictment and will be arraigned on the new indictment at a later date.

The superseding indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Mark Koss; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Sheppard.

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.

Cop “how-to” books

March 23, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers who have written text books on law enforcement subjects.

Henry DeGeneste had a distinguished twenty three year career at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where he served as the Director of Public Safety and Superintendent of Police. Henry DeGeneste received his Bachelors in Business Management from Adelphi University. He is a David Rockefeller Fellow and a Leadership New Jersey Fellow. Henry DeGeneste is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Executive Institute IX, and of the Rutgers University Criminal Institute. Throughout his career he has held leadership positions in many national and international organizations. Henry DeGeneste has also served as an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a frequent guest lecturer at major colleges and universities as an expert on crisis and emergency management. Henry DeGeneste also has acted as a consultant to Scotland Yard, Interpol, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Henry DeGeneste has had numerous articles published in professional journals and co-authored Policing Transportation Facilities.

Lieutenant Frank Colaprete began his law enforcement career with the Rochester Police Department (New York) in 1985. He has been assigned to patrol, research, training, administration, internal affairs, and investigative support. Dr. Frank Colaprete earned his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University where his research interests have been primarily in police science and operational issues. Dr. Frank Colaprete has been an adjunct professor of criminal justice studies and institute partner for the Criminal Justice Department and Institute for Public Safety Policy Studies respectively, at the State University of New York College at Brockport since 2000. Frank Colaprete is the author of Internal Investigations: A Practitioner’s Approach.

According to the book description of Internal Investigations: A Practitioner’s Approach “Throughout the history of law enforcement, the internal investigation process has held the most negative connotation of any investigation conducted by law enforcement personnel. As we progress through the new millennium, the need for efficient and effective law enforcement services and practices grows ever more critical. The goal of this book is to demonstrate this need for proper and complete internal investigations, and to teach the entry level and tenured police supervisor the form and function of the internal investigations process.”

Thomas Brandon is a Deputy Inspector with the Suffolk County Police Department (New York). He is a graduate of the U.S. Army and Federal Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Devices School. Thomas Brandon is the co-author of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Response and Investigation.

According to the book description of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Response and Investigation, “This book is designed to provide law enforcement personnel with response guidelines and evidence gathering techniques that may be utilized when responding to an incident involving the use or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). The first part of the book addresses the actions to be taken by the first law enforcement personnel arriving at the scene of a WMD incident.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 882 police officers (representing 385 police departments) and their 1846 police books in 32 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

Three Cops from Local Agencies in New York State

Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. The police officers from local agencies in New York State: Vincent Faggiano, Michael T. Rayburn and William Keegan.

Vincent Faggiano retired from the Rochester Police Department (New York) at the rank of captain. He was responsible for the initial development of the BowMac Critical Incident Response training programs, both for first responders and executive command post managers. He has delivered these programs to thousands of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and elected officials in the United States and abroad. He is the co-author of Critical Incident Management. According to the book description, Critical Incident Management, “shows you how to respond effectively to any incident. The book focuses on first responders and initial actions, the areas typically overlooked by police agencies and the ones most criticized after the fact.”

Michael T. Rayburn has over 26 years of experience in the law enforcement and the security field; and, is currently a 17 year veteran of the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York). He is also an Adjunct Instructor for Smith & Wesson at the Smith & Wesson Academy in Springfield Massachusetts where he teaches Instinctive Point Shooting, Vehicle Stops, Rapid Shotgun Deployment and Instinctive Point Shooting Instructor Certification.

Michael Rayburn has written a number of articles for various law enforcement related magazines including Law & Order, The Police Marksman and Police magazine. He is the author of three books, Advanced Vehicle Stop Tactics, Advanced Patrol Tactics and Basic Gunfighting 101. His video, "Instinctive Point Shooting with Mike Rayburn" is a top seller in the law enforcement and combat shooting communities. According to former Calibre Press, Inc. Street Survival Seminar Senior Instructor Dave Grossi, "Mike Rayburn is a gifted writer, an experienced trainer with a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience to dispense."

Lieutenant William Keegan, Jr., is a twenty–year veteran of the New York Port Authority Police Department. He was awarded the highest medal for his contribution as Operations Commander of the WTC Rescue/Recovery Teams. He was also awarded the Medal of Valor for his rescue of children trapped in an elevator during the 1993 WTC bombing.

According to the book description of his book, Closure: The Untold Story of the Ground Zero Recovery Mission, “On the morning of 9/11, the New York Port Authority Police Department was the first uniformed service to respond to the attack on the World Trade Center. When the towers collapsed, thirty-seven of its officers were killed -- the largest loss of law enforcement officers in U.S. history.

That afternoon, Lieutenant William Keegan began the work of recovery. The FDNY and NYPD had the territory, but Keegan had the map. PAPD cops could stand on top of six stories of debris and point to where a stairwell had been; they used PATH tunnels to enter "the pile" from underneath. Closure shares many never-before-told stories, including how Keegan and his officers recovered 1,000 tons of gold and silver from a secret vault to keep the Commodities Exchange from crashing; discovered what appeared to be one of the plane's black boxes; and helped raise the inspirational steel beam cross that has become the site's icon.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 509 police officers (representing 214 police departments) and their 1075 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.