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According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Monday afternoon, July 24th police were called to a residence on Marvin Street in the Village of Clinton for a burglary in progress. The homeowners, who were not home at the time were alerted by their security system that someone had broken into their residence. When police arrived they found that a door had been damaged. Kirkland Police entered the residence and the suspect exited through a second-floor window, onto a roof on the back side of the house, and then jumped from the roof. 39-year-old Justin Vanderhoof, also of Clinton, was taken into custody by a sheriff’ Deputy and a Kirkland Officer. After being taken into custody, Vanderhoof complained of leg pain. Clinton Fire Department along with Central Oneida County Ambulance responded to the scene. Vanderhoof was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Sheriff’s ID unit responded and processed the scene. Sheriffs’ Criminal Investigators charged Vanderhoof with Burglary in the second degree, a class C felony. He was arraigned in a centralized arraignment court and is being held in the Oneida County Jail without bail. The State Police and Kirkland Police assisted at the scene.

On Tuesday, July 18th, around 8:38 p.m., Officers Omery and James responded to a suspicious person with a weapon complaint. A passerby observed an approximately 50-year-old black male occupying a red BMW waving around a handgun at the intersection of Second North Street and Kirkpatrick Street. Officers responded and stopped the vehicle, and the driver, Kenneth Davis. During a search of Davis’ vehicle, Officers discovered a clear knotted bag containing 15 grams of a beige chunky substance, a portable digital scale. two cell phones, sandwich bags, and $700 in U.S. currency. The chunky substance tested positive for the presence of crack cocaine. Officers determined that Davis was in possession of this substance with the intent to sell. Davis was booked into the Onondaga County Justice Center and was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree with Intent to Sell, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree. We would like to thank our Officers for their diligence in responding to this incident, and the resulting seizure of illegal drugs from our City streets. sources: Syracuse Police Department

On July 8, 2023, at 6:10 p.m., State Police Pulaski responded to a motorcycle crash on County Route 17 near Ohara Road in the town of Redfield, Oswego County. A 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Ronald G. Flower Jr., age 51 from Central Square, NY was traveling southbound on County Route 17 at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a right turn, crossed the lane of travel, and struck an earth embankment. Flower was transported from the scene by medevac helicopter to Upstate University Hospital. On July 22, 2023, Mr. Flower succumbed to injuries he sustained in the crash. sources: https://www.nyspnews.com

On July 24, 2023, at 4:49 p.m., State Police responded to 134 Gale Road in the town of Constantia for a reported explosion and structure fire. When fire personnel arrived, they reported a fully involved barn fire with a person trapped inside. When the fire was extinguished, firefighters discovered and removed the deceased body from the barn. The victim has been identified as Benjamin D. Swistak, age 25 from Constantia, NY. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Oswego County Fire Investigations, Cause and Origin Team. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Constantia Fire, Cleveland Fire, Central Square Fire, Sylvan Beach Fire, West Monroe Fire, and North Shore Ambulance, The investigation is continuing. sources: https://www.nyspnews.com

The Dollar Tree store located in Oneida NY is undergoing a transformation to become a Dollar Tree Plus store. This new initiative will expand the range of products available in stores to include items priced at $3 and $5, which is a departure from the company's traditional $1 to $1.25 price point. The store will be temporarily closed for 18 days starting from 7/26/23 to 8/12/23 to complete the project. Nationally In 2022, Dollar Tree increased its standard price point from $1 to $1.25 and plans to make even more changes with the introduction of Dollar Tree Plus. By the end of 2024, Dollar Tree plans to have at least 5,000 Dollar Tree Plus stores, offering products at three different price points: $1.25, $3, and $5. Although these stores are limited in number, the new products are also available for purchase online. The Dollar Tree Plus initiative aims to provide consumers with a wider selection of items at competitive prices, including cleaning products, household goods, clothing, and children's toys. However, customers should still compare prices before making a purchase to get the best deals, as some items may be a great bargain while others can be found cheaper elsewhere. Sources: Facebook , gobankingrates.com/

On Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, at approximately 8:30 PM, Officers from the Whitesboro Police Department completed a traffic stop of a silver 2012 Nissan Altima for having an inadequate muffler and switched registration license plates on Clyne Place. After an investigation, Derek S. Crouse, age 47 of Whitesboro, was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 3rd degree, an unclassified misdemeanor, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree, an A misdemeanor, after Officers located Crouse to be in possession of a substance that tested positive for cocaine. Crouse was issued numerous traffic summons and appearance tickets that were made returnable to the Village of Whitesboro Court at a later date. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=667149308786924&set=a.555799253255264

On July 20, 2023, the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit concluded a month-long investigation into illegal firearms trafficking in Oswego County. 18-year-old David M. Desimone III, from 143 Elderberry Lane in Hastings, was arrested for 53 felonies and 17 misdemeanors related to illegal firearms. CSU had conducted a previous criminal search warrant and an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) search order at the Desimone residence In November of 2022, and during that search warrant, items were seized, and an arrest was made. On July 20th, State Police conducted another search warrant at this residence, but this time with the knowledge that a secret room contained the illegal components of Desimone’s illegal firearms trade. State Police seized machine guns modified to be fully automatic, handguns, silencers, body armor, and other illegal firearms components. Many items had their serial numbers removed and/or defaced; multiple items were "ghost" long guns and handgun parts. The following is a breakdown of the charges: Criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree – (1) count – class "C" felony Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree – (8) counts – class "D" felony (silencers) Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree – (32) counts –class "D" felony (High capacity magazines) Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree – (11) counts – class "D" felony (Defaced firearms) Criminal possession of a firearm – (1) count – class "E" felony Criminal possession of a weapon 4th degree – (14) counts – class "A" misdemeanor (Possessing gun manufacturing parts while the respondent of an Extreme Risk Protection Order) Criminal Contempt 2nd degree – (2) counts – class "A" misdemeanor – (Violating the court order for possessing firearms while the respondent of an Extreme Risk Protection Order) Unlawful possession of body armor – (1) count – class "A" misdemeanor State Police allege Desimone has been selling firearms over the "dark web" and in person. Desimone is the subject of an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which restricts him from possessing any weapons. The state police utilized new penal law sections that deal with "ghost guns" and ERPO’s. The state police were assisted by the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the United States Postal Inspector, The Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Oswego County DA’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office. The Community Stabilization Unit is a new state police unit created in June 2021 to combat violent crimes, firearms, narcotics, and human trafficking. https://www.nyspnews.com/oswego-county-teen-arrested-on-53-felony-and-17-misdemeanor-charges-related-to-illegal-firearms.htm

On July 18, 2023, at 6:55 p.m., State Police responded to a reported crash in the area of State Route 5 and West German Street in the Town of Herkimer. When Troopers arrived on the scene, the driver who was struck advised them that the other driver fled the scene. The vehicle that fled is an unknown black Suburban which struck a red pickup truck that was traveling west on Route 5 causing it to exit the roadway and strike several parked vehicles at the Route 5 Auto Repair shop parking lot. The Suburban fled the scene and went into the Village of Ilion. The vehicle pulled into the Ilion Fastrac and parked. A white male was seen on surveillance video exiting the vehicle and looking over the vehicle for any damage. Surveillance video also shows a Ford Escape vehicle that pulled in next to the Suburban SUV and speak with the driver. State Police is looking to identify the operator of the black Suburban SUV. If anyone has any information regarding this hit & run investigation or knows the identity of the driver of the black SUV, they are asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000. https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-seek-public-assistance-in-identifying-driver-involved-in-hit-run-crash-in-herkimer-county.htm

PRESS RELEASE On July 22, 2 203, at 2:25 p.m., State Police in Lowville, along with the New York State Parks Police, responded to a reported drowning at Southwick Beach State Park. When patrols arrived, they observed CPR being administered to a male that was removed from the water by other swimmers. The male, identified as 40-year-old Odonel Archange from Syracuse, NY, was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. An autopsy is scheduled to determine an official cause of death. The investigation is continuing, and there is no indication of any foul play at this time. It appears Mr. Archange died from an apparent drowning. https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-drowning-at-southwick-beach-state-park.htm

On July 18, 2023, at 11:06 a.m., State Police responded to a tractor-trailer roll-over crash on Odell Road near Knapp Road in the town of Rutland, Jefferson County. A 2005 Volvo Tractor, operated by James A. Frizzell, age 70 from Carthage, NY was towing a tandem axle tanker trailer containing liquid manure southbound on Odell Road when he failed to maintain lane, exited the roadway, and overturned down an earth embankment subsequently striking a tree and utility pole. Frizzell who was entrapped in the cab of the truck, had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Rutland Fire Department. He was airlifted by LifeNet to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with non-life-threatening injuries. State Police were assisted at the scene by NYS DEC, Rutland Fire Department, Rodman Fire Department, Town of Watertown Fire Department, Guilfoyle Ambulance, National Grid, and Groff’s Towing.

Groundbreaking Held For $2.25 Billion Project That Will Build the Community Grid to Improve Mobility and Reconnect Downtown Neighborhoods $296.4 Million Already Awarded Under Contract 1; Initial Work Includes Reconstruction of I-81/I-481 Northern Interchange $384.5 Million Contract 2 Awarded This Week to Begin Conversion of the Southern Interchange of I-481/I-81 The start of Work Comes After More than a Decade of Planning and Community Engagement by the Department of Transportation New Project Logo Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today joined federal, state, and local officials to officially break ground on the transformational Interstate 81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse, formally launching one of the largest and most ambitious construction projects ever undertaken by New York State, in partnership with the federal government. Overseen by the State Department of Transportation, the $2.25 billion project will create a Community Grid to reconnect downtown neighborhoods severed by the I-81 viaduct’s construction and correct an enduring injustice that has disproportionately impacted residents of color in the City of Syracuse for decades. The historic project, which is the result of more than a decade of planning and community engagement, will also create a new Business Loop 81, which will pass through the city distributing traffic along the way and making other improvements that will improve mobility, enhance safety, create new recreational opportunities and promote economic growth throughout all of Central New York. “New York is the only state that has boldly embraced the urgent need to reconnect communities with a historic five simultaneous mega projects that will right the wrongs of the past,” Governor Hochul said. “As a central part of our efforts, the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project will serve as a national example of how thoughtful infrastructure can bring people together, promote growth, and increase prosperity for all communities. With this groundbreaking, we are beginning to weave back together the neighborhoods that were torn apart decades ago – healing the wounds that have festered for far too long and creating more livable, affordable, and sustainable communities.” Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Syracuse, put on your hard hats and get your shovels out, the transformation of I-81 begins today! Our infrastructure should connect, not divide our communities and the transformation of I-81 will lay the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for all of Syracuse. When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act to passage, I did so with projects like Syracuse’s I-81 transformation as my north star. Now, with shovels officially in the ground the federal funding can start flowing, creating thousands of good-paying union construction jobs, hired from here in the community, to reconnect Syracuse and bring more opportunity to residents across the city. I thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Walsh for their partnership and leadership on this vital effort.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “After years of relentless advocacy, I'm so excited to finally see the groundbreaking of the I-81 project. This will be transformative for the City of Syracuse and the region as a whole. I am proud to have fought to secure longtime priorities of mine in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide the resources needed to help revitalize and reconnect Syracuse, and I will keep working to see this project through.” Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said, “I-81’s construction created an unjust and longstanding barrier to healthcare, economic and educational opportunities for families in Syracuse. Now, thanks to funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re righting these wrongs of the past, improving safety, revitalizing the area for economic development, and creating good-paying union jobs that can support a family. As we work together with Governor Hochul and federal, state, and local leaders to rebuild our infrastructure better than ever before, we are ensuring a safer, more equitable future for communities across New York.” The innovative I-81 Viaduct Project is part of Governor Hochul’s unprecedented commitment to modernize New York State’s infrastructure and invest in projects that promote equity, connectivity, and multi-modal transportation opportunities for communities across the state in partnership with the federal government. The $32.8 billion State Capital Plan adopted in 2022 helps fulfill the governor’s vision for a modern transportation system that serves New Yorkers across the state, and the I-81 Viaduct Project will be funded with a mix of federal and state resources. Since the beginning of her time in office, Governor Hochul has made reconnecting communities through infrastructure a hallmark of her Administration, with more than $3 billion allocated in the Department of Transportation’s capital plan to transform such areas in East Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and the South Bronx. Through the construction of the Community Grid, the project aims to reverse the ill-considered decision made in the 1950s to build the viaduct through the heart of Syracuse. The Community Grid will reconnect neighborhoods, enhance mobility and improve access to and from the interstate highway network and key destinations, including the downtown business districts, area hospitals, and Syracuse University. It will also provide safe and ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle amenities throughout the project area. The Community Grid design will reconnect neighborhoods that have been separated since the viaduct's construction. The project will upgrade a portion of Interstate 481, which would be re-designated as I-81, and construct the new Business Loop 81 along Almond Street to improve connections to downtown and other business districts. The project also includes improvements to the sewer and stormwater management system that will reduce runoff and help prevent overflows during heavy rains that threaten the water quality of Onondaga Creek and Onondaga Lake. Additional project features include: Reconstruction of Almond Street nearly 13 miles of new or reconstructed sidewalks, two miles of new or reconstructed shared-use paths for bicycles and pedestrians, a 1-mile cycle track, and nearly two miles of new or reconstructed shared vehicle and bicycle lanes. A new full interchange on I-690 at Crouse and Irving Avenues to provide more direct connections to hospitals, employment centers, and educational facilities on University Hill. A reconfigured I-690 West Street interchange. A new northbound off-ramp from Business Loop 81 to Colvin Street. Bear Street improvements. A new third lane on I-481 northbound between I-690 and the NYS Thruway (Interstate 90); and an improved Exit 3 The Interstate 81 Viaduct Project will serve as a national example of how thoughtful infrastructure can bring people together, promote growth, and increase prosperity for all communities." Governor Kathy Hochul Major construction is now underway on the first of multiple contracts planned for the project. Work on Contract 1 consists of reconstructing the existing Interstate 481/I-81 northern interchange to the re-designated I-81 and Business Loop 81, while also converting portions of I-481 to the new I-81 and making several road and bridge improvements along the corridor. Contract 2, which was awarded this week, will begin the conversion of the southern interchange of I-481/I-81. Together these two contracts are essential to maintaining a high-speed interstate connection with national and international north-south trade routes from Tennessee to the Canadian border. The first phase of the I-81 Viaduct Project will create gateways to the Community Grid and will relieve existing traffic congestion issues in the city and improve access to and from the interstate highway network and such key destinations as the downtown business districts, area hospitals, and Syracuse University. It will also provide safe and ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle amenities throughout the project area. As construction proceeds, NYSDOT will continue to engage the community and keep stakeholders informed of developments in soon-to-be-opened community outreach centers on the north and south sides of the City of Syracuse. Some of the features visitors can expect when visiting the outreach centers are face-to-face interactions with an I-81 Viaduct Project representative, visuals of renderings associated with the project, and information on how to work on the project as a construction worker or as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Residents will also soon be able to receive updates and interact with the I-81 Team on soon-to-be-created I-81 social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The I-81 Viaduct Project website will continue to provide the public with information on construction, travel advisories, community outreach, and more. Followers will experience real-time notifications on road closures and detours, informative interviews, and exclusive videos and pictures. A bold new logo has also been created depicting the core principals and features of the project and the Community Grid - livability, connectivity, Business Loop 81, and high-speed traffic on Interstate 81 - combined with the skyline of the City of Syracuse. The new logo will be used in all communications and community engagement going forward. In alliance with community partners, the New York State Department of Transportation is collaborating with employment groups, including Pathways to Apprenticeship, WorkSmartNY Syracuse Build, the Urban Jobs Task Force, CNY Works, and New York State Department of Labor’s Workforce Forward: Syracuse, to recruit and train those who are interested in working on the project. NYSDOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the City of Syracuse, developed one of the first local-hire provisions approved under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to incentivize hiring local residents from zip codes in disadvantaged communities at a prevailing wage. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt said, “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is making historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure – in New York and all across the country – to reconnect communities, improve safety, and provide better travel options that meet the needs of local residents and connect them to opportunities for decades to come. We are proud to invest in the success of this project that will create thousands of new construction jobs and drive transformational change for communities in and around Syracuse.” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Since day one in office, the Governor has been laser-focused on getting this project done, and today her vision has become a reality. So get ready, Syracuse, because your transportation transformation starts today. The curtain is closing on outdated infrastructure that divides communities and the door is opening to a 21st Century transportation network that fosters improved livability, economic vitality, and sustainability for all the communities of Central New York. This once-in-a-lifetime transportation investment project will provide new opportunities for growth, jobs, and economic development throughout the entire Region – investing in people and positively lifting the community for generations to come. We are so excited that this day has finally come and all of us at DOT are committed to fulfilling the community’s vision of this project’s awesome potential.” State Senator Rachel May said, “The I-81 project has been the largest question of Syracuse’s future for more than a decade, and so I am thrilled to see today’s groundbreaking. This is one of the most extensive infrastructure projects in our state’s history and will help right some of the injustices caused by the elevated roadway that decimated Black neighborhoods and segregated Syracuse. With the new community grid, we can move toward Syracuse’s bright future together as one city. As the project progresses, we must reinvest in our community and ensure that many of the people who have been negatively impacted by the presence of this highway can reap the benefits of the project’s high-quality jobs. Thank you to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for your hard work at the federal level, Governor Hochul for your leadership, and my colleagues for your support at the state level.” State Senator John W. Mannion said, “The Syracuse and Central New York renaissance continues with the groundbreaking and reconstruction of I-81 – one of the largest infrastructure projects currently underway in the United States. This massive undertaking will correct historic injustices, reconnect downtown neighborhoods, and open up new areas for investment and redevelopment while improving safety and mobility. I am confident that this project will serve as a national example of how well-planned infrastructure can bring people together and promote growth.” Assemblymember Pam Hunter said, "Today's groundbreaking is one step closer to the project to replace the I-81 viaduct with a community grid. The federal and state governments are committed to writing the historical wrongs of erecting infrastructure that divides our communities and leaves them disadvantaged. This project will bring new opportunities to our neighborhoods and create cohesion where there was once a divider." Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “The I-81 Viaduct groundbreaking is a historic milestone for our beloved Central New York communities! Having been a longtime supporter of the community grid plan, I’m thrilled to see this long-awaited project officially underway. This investment will not only improve the existing highway infrastructure system and bolster pedestrian and roadway safety, but it will positively impact our local neighborhoods’ resiliency and economy. I thank our federal and regional partners for supporting and investing in this next chapter for the City of Syracuse and our surrounding towns.” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “Breaking ground on the Interstate 81 Project is a victory for the people of Syracuse and all of Central New York. The Community Grid will help address the harmful impact of the 81 viaducts on city residents that has persisted for more than half a century. It will also improve transportation and mobility and create jobs and opportunities for people in the City of Syracuse and the region. I thank Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and the Biden Administration for their support of the project.” Contact the Governor’s Press Office Contact us by phone: Albany: (518) 474 - 8418 New York City: (212) 681 - 4640 Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

Israel Garcia Led the GMG YGz, a Violent Street Gang, for Over a Decade Following the Murder of 21-Year-Old Alfonso McClinton in 2010 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ISRAEL GARCIA, a/k/a “Shorty Rock,” the former leader of the Get Money Gunnaz set of the Young Gunnaz street gang (the “GMG YGz”), was found guilty at trial of the October 11, 2010, murder of Alfonso “Joey” McClinton in aid of racketeering. GARCIA shot and killed McClinton on a residential street in the Bronx, New York, as part of a dispute over narcotics trafficking territory. GARCIA was also convicted of engaging in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics, murder while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy, murder through the use of a firearm, possessing firearms in connection with narcotics trafficking, and attempted witness tampering. The verdict followed a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “On October 11, 2010, Israel Garcia shot and killed 21-year-old Alfonso ‘Joey’ McClinton on a residential street in the Bronx. Garcia was the leader of the violent street gang known as the GMG YGz, which had been warring with Joey McClinton’s family over drug territory in the Bronx. Garcia used this horrific murder to maintain his leadership role in the GMG YGz and solidify his hold over the GMG YGz drug-selling territory. For the next decade, Garcia led the GMG YGz’s reign of terror over the neighborhood, recruiting children and others into a drug trafficking enterprise that poisoned the community with crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, and protecting his drug turf with firearms and violence. Over time, Garcia attempted to create the façade of a law-abiding citizen, becoming the dean of a local high school in order to mask that he was still running the GMG YGz’s violence and drug trafficking. Yesterday, a unanimous jury held Garcia accountable for his brutal killing of Joey McClinton and for ruining countless other lives.” According to court filings and the evidence presented in court during trial: For more than a decade, the defendant controlled the sale of narcotics in the vicinity of East 184th Street and Morris Avenue in the Bronx as the leader of the GMG YGz. As part of their narcotics operation, GMG YGz members carried firearms and engaged in back-and-forth shootings with neighboring, rival crews. This violence resulted in, among other acts, the 2010 murder of Alfonso “Joey” McClinton. The State of New York arrested and prosecuted GMG YGz member Joseph (“Juice”) Johnson for the killing.[1] Ballistics, video evidence, and eyewitness testimony, however, revealed that there was a second shooter involved in McClinton’s murder. GARCIA was that second shooter. When GARCIA became concerned that Johnson might cooperate with law enforcement, GARCIA took steps to prevent Johnson from identifying GARCIA as the person with whom he committed the murder. * * * GARCIA, 32, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of (i) murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison and a maximum sentence of death or life in prison; (ii) narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; (iii) murder while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of death or life in prison; (iv) murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of death or life in prison; (v) firearms use, carrying, and possession in connection with a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and (vi) attempted witness tampering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration; the New York City Police Department; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Marshals Service. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Gutwillig, Maggie Lynaugh, and Jonathan Bodansky, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Owen Foley, are in charge of the prosecution. [1] Johnson was convicted at trial of second-degree murder in The People of the State of New York v. Joseph Johnson, Index Number 4311/2010. On February 3, 2022, the verdict against Johnson was vacated. Johnson subsequently pled guilty to manslaughter and is serving a 17-year sentence. ContactNicholas Biase (212) 637-2600 Updated July 20, 2023