News from DEA, Domestic Field Divisions, New York City Field Division

Local News Releases

FDAF Thank You Letter

September 20, 2004

Board of Directors
Federal Drug Agents Foundation
50 Jericho Turnpike
Jericho, NY 11753

Gentlemen,

My sincerest thanks are extended to you and the membership of the Federal Drug Agents Foundation (FDAF) for your continued support of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its mission. The Foundation has provided so much support over the past week that it is difficult to begin to thank you. Your assistance is a tangible symbol of our partnership. We are thankful for your help with the silent auction, the boat ride for the SAC’s and the wonderful banner that welcomes visitors to the museum. The Foundation’s hospitality in hosting the reception at the Plaza Hotel was first rate and provided a wonderful venue for the agency’s senior managers to meet a broad cross section of New York’s law enforcement community. I am also particularly grateful to the FDAF for recognizing Special Agent Arthur Guedes’ heroic actions in foiling a bank robbery. The plaque that you presented to him was appreciated not only by Special Agent Guedes, but by all of the men and women at DEA.

The FDAF’s generosity helped to assure that the “Target America” exhibit and the contemporaneous SAC Meeting were total successes. On behalf of Administrator Karen Tandy and the DEA family let me once again thank you for support. The men and women of the FDAF should be very proud of their contributions in promoting partnerships between public sector organizations and the business community. Your efforts are helping to promote respect for the rule of law and strengthening cooperation between and among law enforcement organizations. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Anthony P. Placido
Special Agent in Charge

Buffalo Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Dismantles Major Ephedrine Trafficking Organization Operating in United States and Canada

SEP 15--United States Attorney Michael A. Battle, Western District of New York and Anthony P. Placido, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's New York Field Division announced today the unsealing of an 8-count OCDETF Indictment in Operation Lame Horse, charging HUGH STEVENS a/k/a "Huey," age 58, SANDRA JACOBI a/k/a "Sandi," age 47, both of Derby, New York, KENNETH ARTHUR MEGO, age 32, of Orchard Park, New York, LYNN M. HESS, age 45, of Blasdell, New York, LOUIS RUSSO, age 36, and CHRISTOPHER RUSSO, age 32, both of Batavia, New York, with conspiracy to possess and distribute a listed chemical, to wit, ephedrine and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(c)(2), 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, carrying a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, imprisonment and a fine of $4,000,000.00, or both. HUGH STEVENS is also charged with managing a continuing criminal enterprise in violation of Title 21, United States Code, 848(a), which carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years, up to life, imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,000, or both. It should be noted that 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. (Disciplinary Rule 7-107(B)(6)).

Full Story>>

Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force Dismantles Schenectady based Cocaine Distribution Network

AUG 10 -- Glenn T. Suddaby, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York and Anthony P. Placido, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Office today announced that a federal grand jury for the Northern District of New York in Albany has charged eleven individuals in a nine count indictment with conspiracy to distribute cocaine from New York City to Schenectady and elsewhere between August 2003 and June 2004 and also charged nine of the defendants with the substantive charges of distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine on various days between January 2004 and June 2004. The maximum possible penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $4,000,000.00, with a statutory minimum penalty of imprisonment for 10 years.

Full Story>>