NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: Federal Tariffs and Other Actions Hurt Tourism and NY Exports

 

Tourism from and Exports to NY's Largest Trading Partner, Canada, Severely Impacted

New York had one of the steepest drops of any state in international tourism in 2025, with overseas travelers falling 3% — a loss of over 176,000 visitors — second only to California, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The decline is hurting the state’s economy, as fewer visitors means less spending and a smaller number of jobs in hotels and restaurants. The impact is most acute for areas near the Canadian border, where travel from Canada fell by more than 21%, a decrease of nearly 3.6 million visitors. Exports to Canada also declined by $3.8 billion due to tariffs.

“Federal policies are driving foreign travelers away and taking billions in tourism spending and harming our economy as exports substantially decline,” DiNapoli said. “That loss of revenue means fewer jobs in New York and tougher times for those working in the tourism industry. We’re already seeing the consequences, especially in hotels and restaurants in those regions near the Canadian border. New York is a top destination for tourists to the U.S., and policies that welcome and encourage international travel are needed to avoid damaging economic consequences.”

DiNapoli’s report found that international travelers spent nearly $17 billion in New York in 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. However, tourism-related Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was flat in 2025, hotel occupancy fell 1.2%, and employment trends were uneven — down 2.6% in the North Country and 2% in Western New York, but up 1% in New York City.

In 2024, there were over 932,400 private sector jobs in New York in industries associated with international travel, paying over $45.4 billion in wages. Nearly three-quarters of the employment (74.2%) was in accommodation and food services. Through September 2025, average employment in these industries increased by 1,782 jobs, 0.2%, over the same period in 2024, compared to private sector job growth of 1% in all other industries in the state. However, there were 798 fewer jobs in accommodation and food services, a decline of 0.1%.

Along with the decline in international visitors, DiNapoli’s report found a drop of 18.2% in the number of visitors to New York’s national park sites in 2025, according to the National Park Service. Attendance at state parks fell by more than 2.3 million in 2025, led by declines at Jones Beach, Bear Mountain, and Niagara Reservation, according to the New York State Office for Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Impact on New York Trade

As a result of new tariff policies implemented under the Trump administration in 2025, exports declined to almost one-half of New York’s trading partners. Among the highest declines were in exports to Canada, the state’s most significant trading partner. Exports of more than two-thirds of product categories from New York declined. Exports to almost half of the nations (46.1%) the state does business with declined; those to Canada decreased by $3.8 billion and to Israel by $1.4 billion. While Belgium is not one of the state’s largest trading partners, it had the third largest decline in exports in 2025, $853 million (36.5%).

Exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Hong Kong increased, with those to Switzerland and the United Kingdom over triple the 2024 amount, primarily reflecting significant growth in the trade of goods manufactured from nonferrous metal, excluding aluminum. Export growth was likely influenced by the significant increase in prices of the underlying metals. Excluding these products, New York exports declined, on a net basis, by $3.4 billion.

DiNapoli has an online tool that is tracking federal support to New York and how changes made by the federal government are affecting New York’s industries and economy. He has also released a series of reports on the tourism industry, tracking the abrupt shutdown caused by the pandemic in 2020, the post-COVID recovery and now how federal actions, including tariffs and immigration restrictions, have impacted tourism in New York.

Reports

Federal Impact: Travel and Tourism to New York – Federal Funding and New York

Economic Impact of Tariffs – Federal Funding and New York

Related Reports

Federal Funding and New York 

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR KILLING LA- BASED RAPPER AVANTI FROWNER IN ROBBERY IN CROTONA

 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Murder

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for first-degree Murder in the fatal shooting of an LA-based rapper in town for a performance in 2022. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The victim, Avanti Frowner, known as “Vontae,” was in New York and needed medication at a pharmacy. As he left the pharmacy, he and his friend were robbed of jewelry, and then the defendant forced Frowner back into the store at gunpoint and fired a dozen times, killing him. He callously murdered Frowner and put everyone in the pharmacy and on the street at risk.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Isiah Garrett, 27, of 1721 Grand Avenue, was sentenced today to 20 years to life in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Murder on March 3, 2026. Co-defendant Nayshon White, 28, pleaded guilty today to first-degree Manslaughter and will be sentenced on May 29, 2026 to 20 years in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Guy Mitchell. Two other codefendants’ cases are pending.

According to the investigation, on June 9, 2022, at approximately 1:40 p.m. outside the Amazing Pharmacy on East Tremont Avenue in Crotona, the defendant approached Avanti Frowner, 27, a Los Angeles based drill rapper, who was with is friend. The defendant and his coconspirators robbed them. During the robbery, Garrett forced Frowner into the pharmacy at gunpoint, and along with his co-conspirators severely beat him while he was on the floor. The defendant then shot him a dozen times in the torso. The victim was transported to the hospital where he died.

The defendant and two of his co-conspirators fled to Warrenton, GA, where they were arrested on June 22, 2022.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Miguel Alvarez of the 48th Precinct Squad, and NYPD Detective Patrick Sullivan of the Bronx Homicide Task Force, and Warrenton, GA, Chief of Police Ron Sellers for their work in the investigation.  

ICE Asks Lexington to Not Release Depraved Criminal Illegal Alien Charged with Kidnapping and Raping Child in Lexington, Kentucky

 

 7 out of the 10 safest cities in the U.S. cooperate with ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer requesting Lexington not release Jorge Luis Martinez-Ulloa, a 31-year-old criminal illegal alien from Honduras, who local police arrested for kidnapping, rape of a child under the age of 12, sodomy of a minor, assault, and strangulation in Lexington, Kentucky.

On March 29, 2026, ICE requested the Fayette County Jail not release this child predator back into American communities without notifying ICE. According to local reports, Martinez-Ulloa kidnapped the child and trapped her in an apartment where he is accused of grabbing her by her neck and raping her.

Jorge Luis Martinez-Ulloa

“This criminal illegal alien kidnapped and raped a child. ICE is requesting Lexington not release this child predator without notification to ICE law enforcement. Thankfully, Lexington cooperates with ICE, so this pedophile will not be released from jail back into American neighborhoods,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “We need more cities and states to cooperate with us to help remove sickos like this from our country. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, ICE will continue arresting and removing child rapists from our country.”

Martinez-Ulloa illegally entered the U.S. in 2012, under the Obama administration, near Laredo, Texas. He was removed back to Honduras and Martinez-Ulloa then chose to commit a felony and illegally re-enter the country three times on February 26, 2021, February 28, 2021, and March 7, 2021, under the Biden administration. He chose once again to commit a felony by illegally re-entering the country a fifth time at an unknown location and date.

ICE is working around the clock to remove criminals with no right to be in the U.S. Americans can report tips to ICE by using the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or visiting the official ICE website at www.ice.gov.

DEA and Partners Dismantle Pipeline: Over 500 Pounds of Meth and Cocaine Seized in Louisiana

 

DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer and United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller announced the disruption of major transnational drug trafficking operations following two significant seizures by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) in Louisiana’s Western District.

The operations resulted in the removal of approximately 550 pounds (247 kilograms) of methamphetamine and cocaine from the illicit supply chain, striking a significant blow to the cartels attempting to establish a foothold in the region.

“Whether it is concealed in ice cream machines or hidden in the cab of an 18-wheeler, the DEA and our partners are seeing right through the deceptive tactics of these criminal organizations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “Removing nearly 550 pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine from the supply chain in just two stops is a massive victory for public safety.”

The following cases highlight recent enforcement successes by the DEA and the Louisiana State Police:

The "Ice Cream Machine" Meth Bust (Breaux Bridge): In United States v. Garcia Rodriguez et al., agents intercepted two Mexican nationals towing several industrial ice cream freezers. Upon inspection, agents discovered fabricated metal boxes welded inside the insulated compartments. The search yielded approximately 147 kilograms (324 pounds) of methamphetamine.

In the matter United States v. Ranulfo Garcia Rodriguez and Christian Antonio Sanchez Ramirez, No. 26-cr-00070, two Mexican nationals were found to be towing several ice cream freezers concealing several fabricated metal boxes.

Inside the metal boxes that were welded to the back wall of the ice cream freezer, agents located approximately 147 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The 18-Wheeler Cocaine Interdiction (Lafayette): In United States v. Fields and Adams, a coordinated stop of a commercial tractor-trailer led to the discovery of a sophisticated hidden compartment built into the cab of the vehicle. Agents seized approximately 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of cocaine.

In the matter United States v. Lance Fields and Ronald Adams, Jr., No. 26-cr-00102, involves an 18-wheeler found to be trafficking approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in a hidden compartment inside of the cab of the 18-wheeler. 

If convicted, the defendants face sentences that range from 10 years to life in federal prison.

Relentless Pursuit of Transnational Networks

These cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, a whole-of-government partnership designed to dismantle the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG), the Gulf Cartel, and other transnational criminal organizations.

“We remain relentless in our mission to dismantle these networks and protect our communities from the violence and addiction these traffickers bring to our doorstep,” added SAC Hofer.

The defendants in these cases face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life imprisonment if convicted.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Governor Hochul Declares April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

State Landmarks to Be Illuminated in Teal on April 1 and April 29

New York Continues to Advance Efforts to Support and Empower Survivors, Prevent Sexual Violence

FY 27 Executive Budget Includes Proposals to Extend Rape Kit Retention Periods and Ensure Survivors Consent Before Evidence is Destroyed

Exhibit at Empire State Plaza Highlights International Denim Day Movement

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in New York, reaffirming the State’s commitment to supporting and empowering victims and survivors and preventing sexual violence in all its forms. State landmarks will be illuminated in teal the evening of Wednesday, April 1 to recognize the month and the evening of Wednesday, April 29 to mark Denim Day.

“Sexual violence remains a deeply serious issue impacting individuals and families across our state. As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and will continue to take meaningful action to strengthen our support systems and expand resources,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is committed to building safer communities where every New Yorker is protected and survivors are provided the resources they need to heal.”

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has advanced its commitment to victims and survivors of gender-based violence through nation-leading, survivor-centered investments and legislation. The FY27 Executive Budget proposal includes legislation to extend sexual offense evidence collection kit retention periods for survivors assaulted as children, give certain minors more authority over decisions related to their kits, and ensure that evidence isn’t destroyed without survivors’ consent. Current law requires that kits be retained for 20 years from the date of collection, which means that some survivors who were assaulted as children must make a decision while they are still recovering from the trauma of their assault.

The Governor has also advanced initiatives as part of this year’s State of the State agenda to improve online safety and prevent technology-facilitated sexual violence, including sextortion and deepfakes. Proposed legislation in the FY27 Executive Budget would establish privacy-by-default protections for minors and disable certain AI chatbot features on popular online platforms. Additional proposals would require labeling for AI generated content online.

As part of Governor Hochul’s Safeguard Teens from Online Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)

launched the “Power Down Speak Up” campaign. The campaign helps youth recognize and speak out against online sexual exploitation, including grooming, sextortion and the non-consensual sharing of images. It also provides resources for parents, educators and law enforcement to help identify warning signs of technology-facilitated abuse and sexual violence.

These landmarks will be illuminated to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

OPDV will partner with the New York State Office of General Services to host the New York State Denim Day Exhibit from Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29 at the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany, New York. OPDV will bring a mobile Denim Day Exhibit to Binghamton University on April 29.

The Denim Day movement started 27 years ago, after the Italian Supreme Court ruled that because a victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the person who raped her remove them, implying consent. Following the ruling, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity with the victim.

OPDV is also releasing its latest VOICES: Survivor Stories video, featuring sexual abuse survivor and former nationally ranked speedskater Bridie Farrell. Bridie lives in Lake Placid and has been instrumental in the adoption of Child Victims Act laws across the country, including here in New York.

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is the nation’s only Cabinet-level executive state agency dedicated to addressing gender-based violence.

New York’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is available 24/7: Call: 800-942-6906; Text: 844-997-2121; and Chat: opdv.ny.gov.

The New York State Office of Victim Services funds and supports more than 200 victim assistance programs that provide confidential, free services to victims and survivors of crime, including crisis counseling, support groups, civil legal help, relocation services, case management and other assistance. The agency also directly reimburses medical providers for the cost of a forensic rape exam (FRE) if an individual does not have private health insurance or chooses not to use it, helping protect survivors’ privacy. In addition, OVS accepts FRE claims in lieu of police reports, allowing individuals to seek financial assistance and reimbursement for other crime-related expenses.

Visit www.ovs.ny.gov/connect to locate a victim assistance program, and follow OVS on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

United States and State of Wisconsin Obtain Over $140M Judgment and Permanent Injunction Against Operator of Deceptive Timeshare Exit Services Aimed at Elderly Consumers

 

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri granted summary judgment to the Department of Justice and State of Wisconsin against Defendant Christopher Lee Carroll, finding he was a “mastermind” of an unlawful timeshare exit services scheme that harmed over 11,000 consumers. As part of its ruling, the court permanently enjoined Carroll from marketing timeshare exit services and from engaging in other unfair and deceptive trade practices. The court also ordered Carroll to pay over $95 million to redress harm caused to consumers and over $45 million in civil monetary penalties for his misconduct.

“The Justice Department will hold accountable anyone who uses unlawful high-pressure sales tactics and deception to take advantage of and exploit consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Americans deserve to be treated fairly and honestly.”

In a memorandum and order, the district court held that Carroll was at the center of an unlawful enterprise that violated the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive trade practices, the federal Cooling-Off Rule’s requirement that consumers be given three business days to cancel certain purchases made at locations other than the seller’s regular place of business, and Wisconsin state laws concerning fraudulent misrepresentations and direct marketing.

The court found that Carroll and his co-defendants used high pressure tactics and false and misleading statements to induce consumers to pay from $5,000 to over $80,000 to businesses including Square One Group LLC, and Consumer Law Protection LLC, for a purported release or exit from the consumers’ timeshare contracts. Carroll and his co-defendants often did not actually provide those services, did not inform consumers of their right to cancel the sales contracts within three business days without penalty, and denied consumers refunds when they or law enforcement officials complained.

Carroll was the final remaining defendant in this action. The court previously also imposed permanent injunctions against seventeen other defendants. Those defendants include several interrelated corporate entities, which were also held liable for the over $140 million monetary judgment against Carroll, and four other individual defendants, who agreed to stipulated orders under which they are collectively liable for over $11 million in monetary penalties, partially suspended due to their demonstrated inability to pay.

The United States is represented in this action by Trial Attorneys Meredith L. Reiter and Zachary L. Cowan and Assistant Director Zachary A. Dietert, from the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch, in coordination with staff at the FTC. The United States was previously also represented by former Trial Attorney Wesline N. Manuelpillai. Lewis W. Beilin represents the State of Wisconsin.

For more information about the Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch.

Attorney General James Offers Tips to Protect Consumers from Fraud During Tax Season

 

AG James Encourages New Yorkers to Beware of AI-Powered Tax Scams and Report Suspicious Activity to Her Office

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert to warn New Yorkers about tax preparation frauds and to provide tips to avoid common scams during tax season. While scams can take many forms, consumers should be particularly aware of those using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. With two weeks until Tax Day, Attorney General James is encouraging New Yorkers to stay vigilant to protect their personal and financial information and report suspected scams to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

“Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated AI programs to create more deceptive schemes this tax season,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers file their taxes, I encourage everyone to be on the lookout for scammers who try to steal their money and personal information. I encourage everyone to follow the tips from my office and contact us immediately if you believe you have been targeted or victimized by a scam.”

Attorney General James is warning New Yorkers about AI-powered tax scams, including:

• Fake videos of government officials or celebrities providing false tax information. AI allows scammers to quickly and easily create lifelike videos of well-known figures who may push fake tax incentives or deductions, or otherwise convince unsuspecting victims to give up money or sensitive information.
   
• Tax-related phishing emails. AI technology allows attackers to send highly convincing, personalized emails disguised as tax notices or tax preparation offers to steal users’ personal information. Previously, these emails may have been identifiable by typos or awkward grammar, but AI can make phishing emails extremely difficult to detect.
   
• Clone phone calls. Scammers can use AI to pretend to be an IRS official or a tax preparer. New technology allows users to copy and replicate voices and images to create believable, lifelike impersonations of tax professionals or people in official positions. Scammers may manipulate the caller ID so that the call appears to come from a recognized number and may reference information from a victim’s recent credit card transactions to appear legitimate. New Yorkers should be wary of surprise calls from people claiming to be affiliated with the tax return or refund process who demand money or sensitive information.
   
• False information in Google’s AI Overview. Scammers can manipulate results in Google’s AI Overview to show false phone numbers or links alongside legitimate information. Users searching for tax return-related assistance or information are more likely to find accurate information in non-AI-created web entries on trusted websites, which should appear below the Google AI Overview.

Other common tax season scams that New Yorkers should also be on the lookout for include:

• Fraudsters who claim you owe past tax debts and insist that you pay using a prepaid credit card, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate government officials and agencies do not seek to collect debts through these means.
   
• Being told that your legitimate tax refund from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was a mistake and therefore you must return it. If you owe money, you will receive a legitimate notice in writing that identifies the agency and the reason you owe money, not a phone call, email, or text message.
   
• Fraudsters who make false promises of free tax preparation services, only to deceive people into paying for those services.
   
• Tax preparers who deceptively claim to get you your tax refund quicker and then charge you high interest rates and fees.
   
• Tax preparers who provide loans to pay taxes and charge more than the amount charged by the IRS for entering into an IRS-provided payment plan or installment agreement with similar terms.   
   
• Any unsolicited calls, text messages, or emails asking for personal information or to verify financial account information.

Attorney General James offers the following tips for New Yorkers to protect themselves during tax season:

• If you receive an unsolicited call from someone you suspect may be a scammer, hang up and call them back on a trusted phone number.
   
• Thoroughly vet any unanticipated email addressing tax obligations or offering tax assistance before taking any action to ensure it is legitimate.
   
• Legitimate government organizations will never threaten arrest or deportation for failure to pay a debt and will never insist that consumers pay a debt only via a prepaid credit card, gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
   
• No matter who you use for tax prep, if they offer you a loan to pay taxes owed, make sure to review the fine print. The IRS offers low-cost loans and payment plans, so be sure to compare all of the terms.
   
• Ensure that any offers you receive on “free” tax preparation services are actually legitimate and free of charge, such as the IRS Free Filing. There are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, where consumers can get their tax returns prepared free of charge.
   
• If using a tax preparer, check the person’s qualifications and history through the Better Business Bureau. You should ensure that they sign the tax form and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) upon completion. Also ensure that you are given a statement of the tax services provided, and pay close attention to any extra fees or interests. For more information, consult New York’s Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers.  

Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to OAG by submitting a complaint online or calling 1 (800) 771-7755. Tax scams should also be reported to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1 (800) 366-4484.

White Plains Man Arrested And Charged For Manufacturing, Stockpiling, And Detonating Explosive Devices

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced federal criminal charges against RAYMOND ELDERS for manufacturing and possessing suspected improvised explosive devices in his apartment in White Plains and detonating them on a residential street.  ELDERS was arrested by the FBI and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court and detained. 

“By allegedly manufacturing dozens of suspected explosive devices and storing them in his apartment, Raymond Elders put everyone in his community at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “But he didn’t stop there.  As alleged in the complaint, and over a period of months, he lit these devices and detonated them in his neighborhood in White Plains, causing unexplained explosions that his neighbors repeatedly reported to the police.  It should go without saying that anyone who tosses illegal explosives onto New York residential streets should expect to face serious consequences, including federal criminal charges brought by our Office.”          

“Raymond Elders allegedly constructed dozens of IEDs and detonated at least two in his neighborhood,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.  “Elders’s alleged actions repeatedly disregarded the public’s safety by subjecting innocent bystanders to potentially devastating harm.  We thank the White Plains Police Department and the Westchester County Bomb Squad for their prompt response and for protecting the residents of Westchester County.  The FBI continues to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from violence.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

ELDERS, a convicted felon, was captured on surveillance video on at least two occasions in March 2026 igniting suspected improvised explosive devices and tossing them onto Odell Avenue in White Plains.  Below are excerpts from surveillance footage obtained from residential premises on Odell Avenue during the afternoon of March 18, 2026:

Below are additional excerpts from surveillance footage depicting Odell Avenue during the early morning hours of March 30, 2026:

In response to multiple 911 calls on March 30, White Plains Police Officers responding to the scene found an apparent pipe bomb on the steps of ELDERS’s apartment building.  A warrant-authorized search of ELDERS’s apartment returned at least approximately 25 suspected explosive devices, in addition to materials and supplies ELDERS allegedly used to assemble explosive devices.  Law enforcement evacuated all residents of the apartment building while FBI explosives specialists secured the scene.  Law enforcement’s analysis of the suspected improvised explosive devices remains ongoing.

An associate of ELDERS informed law enforcement that he has seen ELDERS assemble the suspected explosive devices while sitting on the living room couch in his apartment, which is on the first floor of a multi-family residence.   

ELDERS, 65, is charged with one count of use of a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of possession of destructive devices after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; as well as one count of receipt and possession of explosives after a felony conviction, one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices, and one count of unlawful manufacture of destructive devices, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI New York Office Westchester Safe Streets Task Force and Joint Terrorism Task Force, the White Plains Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.                 

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Briggs and John Sarlitto are in charge of the prosecution.  

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.