30 Kilos of Cocaine Seized from Mail Delivery Service Packages in New York City

 

Two Separate Investigations Result in Cocaine Seizures in Brooklyn and Manhattan

Three alleged drug traffickers face charges in connection with using UPS package delivery services to smuggle large loads of cocaine into New York City. Two separate investigations resulted in the seizure of a combined total of 30 kilograms of cocaine (over 66 pounds) in Brooklyn and Manhattan as charged in an indictment and criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP). The cocaine carried an estimated street value of $900,000.

Joshua VARGAS was arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court yesterday on a newly unsealed indictment, which contains charges related to the seizure of approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn on July 15, 2026. The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Task Force Division (DEA-NYTFD) Group T-23, with assistance from SNP’s Investigators Unit, uncovered another eight kilograms of cocaine shipped in an additional package with delivery intended for the same Brooklyn address. 

A second investigation, conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force, with the assistance of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Enforcement Division (DEA-NYED) Group D-32, resulted in the arrests of Tyrone WATTS and Ines ZOUICHE in Kips Bay, Manhattan on July 27, 2026. Approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine were recovered from a UPS package. More than $4,000 cash and three allegedly forged driver’s licenses were also seized. Two children were present at the time of the arrests.

Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts, DEA New York Task Force Division, Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, DEA New York Enforcement Division, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas announced the indictment and arrests.

“Drug traffickers will exploit any means possible to move their poison, including the use of legitimate package delivery services that millions of Americans rely on every day,” said DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “These individuals used ordinary packages and our mail delivery system to conceal and transport large quantities of cocaine across the country and directly into New York City neighborhoods. The seizure of approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine underscores the scale of this drug trafficking operation. The DEA New York Task Force Division and our Task Force partners continue every day to target these networks before their drugs reach our city streets.”

“The seizure of 11 kilograms of cocaine in a UPS package destined for New York City, demonstrates the various methods drugs traffickers use when attempting to transport dangerous drugs throughout the country,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Drug traffickers continue to exploit every method at their disposal to conceal and transport illicit narcotics, but what is even more troubling is exposing their own children to this type of dangerous criminal activity. The DEA will not tolerate individuals who put profits ahead of public safety, especially when children are involved. I commend our Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the New York Enforcement Division, HSI, and our prosecutorial partners whose collaboration led to these arrests and prevented this cocaine from reaching our streets. The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in identifying, targeting, and dismantling those who abuse our nation’s mail system to distribute deadly narcotics.”

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said, “Our city’s supply of cocaine is surging.  Frequently mixed with lethal opioids and other synthetic drugs, cocaine has been detected in over half of all overdose deaths in New York City. Throughout the city, our office has worked with our federal, state, and local partners to intercept significant amounts of cocaine. We have recovered multiple kilograms concealed in ordinary looking packages, which were transported by common parcel delivery services. We continue work closely with District Attorneys’ Offices to prosecute those who enrich themselves by endangering the safety of our communities.”

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Drug traffickers continually adapt the ways they move dangerous narcotics into our communities, and law enforcement must be equally vigilant in identifying and disrupting those methods. Narcotics trafficking fuels addiction, threatens public safety and can drive violence in our neighborhoods. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and hold those responsible accountable. I commend the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and our partners for their strong work on these cases.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas said, “These defendants are accused of turning an ordinary storefront delivery into the endpoint of an interstate cocaine shipment, allegedly using false identities and surveillance tactics to shield the scheme from law enforcement. By intercepting this shipment, investigators prevented 11 kilograms of cocaine from reaching New York streets and exposed conduct that placed the public, including children, dangerously close to a narcotics trafficking enterprise. HSI New York’s success is strengthened by partners who help us share intelligence, act with precision, and close the gaps criminals try to exploit across jurisdictions, agencies, and legitimate commerce.”

DEA-NYTFD Group T-23 is comprised of Special Agents with DEA, and officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the New York State Police, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection. 

DEA-NYED Group D-32 is comprised of Special Agents with DEA, and Task Force Officers from the River Vale (New Jersey) Police Department, Englewood Cliffs (New Jersey) Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department.

The HSI Task Force is comprised of agents and officers with HSI and the NYPD. 

Cocaine Delivery: East Williamsburg, Brooklyn

An investigation by DEA-NYTFD Group T-23 identified two UPS packages that allegedly contained cocaine and were shipped to 174 Bogart Street in East Williamsburg. The packages were flagged as suspicious at a UPS facility in Queens, where a K9 alerted positively to the presence of narcotics. Both had been sent by the same sender account from UPS stores in California. While the 174 Bogart Street recipient address was consistent, recipient names and suite numbers varied for each package. 

On July 15, at approximately 2:12 p.m., an undercover officer posing as a UPS driver observed defendant Joshua VARGAS outside 174 Bogart Street exiting a gray Mercedes with Connecticut license plates. The undercover asked VARGAS if one of the packages was his and VARGAS allegedly responded in the affirmative, although the parcel bore a name other than his. 

VARGAS was placed under arrest. A court authorized search of the package yielded three brick shaped kilogram packages of narcotics wrapped in tape. Following a positive K9 hit on the Mercedes, a FedEx package containing eight brick shaped kilogram packages of narcotics was seized from the vehicle. DEA laboratory analysis identified narcotics as from both packages as cocaine.

VARGAS is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees and Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees in connection with these 11 kilograms of cocaine. Bail for VARGAS is set at $200,000 cash/bond.

Eight additional kilograms of cocaine were recovered from the second UPS package addressed to 174 Bogart Street. The investigation is continuing with respect to this package.

Cocaine Delivery: Kips Bay, Manhattan

In a separate investigation, members of the HSI Task Force identified a package containing 11 kilograms of cocaine that had been shipped from California for delivery to a UPS store in Kips Bay, Manhattan. The package was flagged and searched pursuant to a court authorized search warrant. 

On July 27, 2026, HSI investigators with the assistance of DEA-NYED Group D-32 observed defendant Ines ZOUICHE allegedly receiving delivery of the package inside a UPS store located at 353 Third Avenue, where she was required to present identification to a UPS employee. Agents arrested ZOUICHE as she exited the store with the large parcel. She allegedly possessed a forged Delaware driver’s license. 

Prior to ZOUICHE entering the UPS store, agents observed defendant Tyrone WATTS circling the block in a white Audi sedan, peering into parked cars in an apparent counter-surveillance maneuver. Investigators stopped WATTS after ZOUICHE’s arrest and discovered two children, including a toddler and a child under 10, were present in the white Audi. A black duffle bag recovered from the floor of the car allegedly contained approximately $4,000 cash, a vial of cocaine, and two more Delaware licenses. All three Delaware licenses bore ZOUICHE’s photo and the same date of birth but different names.

A subsequent court authorized search of ZOUICHE’s cell phone yielded a text conversation allegedly between her and WATTS from December 2025, in which ZOUICHE sent a passport style photo to WATTS and provided information that would normally appear on a license. 

A criminal complaint charges WATTS and ZOUICHE with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree During an arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on July 28, 2026, bail for both defendants was set at $100,000 cash/$200,000 bond.   

Bridget G. Brennan thanked Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., and commended her office’s Special Investigations Bureau and Investigators Unit, the DEA New York Task Force Division, the DEA New York Enforcement Division, the HSI Task Force, the NYPD, the New York State Police, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection and all the agencies involved for their work on the investigation.

Joshua Vargas  Hartford, CT  Age: 35

CPCS 1st – 1 ct  Attempted CPCS 1st – 1 ct  CPCS 3rd – 1 ct  Attempted CPCS 3rd – 1 ct

Criminal Complaint	Charges
Tyrone Watts  Queens, NY  Age: 35	CPCS 1st – 1 ct   Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd – 1 ct
Ines Zouiche  Brooklyn, NY  Age 36	CPCS 1st – 1 ct   Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd – 1 ct

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Attorney General James Announces $4 Million to Support Community Organizations in the Bronx

Nine Local Charitable Organizations Will Each Receive $300,000 to Support Community-Based Work

Price Family Foundation Will Grant Approximately $1.3 Million to Bronx Nonprofits

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office will deliver approximately $4 million to support nonprofit community organizations in the Bronx. Astor Services for Children and Families, Bronx Children’s Museum, Bronx Council on the Arts, Bronx River Alliance, Bronx Works, Morris Heights Health Center, New York Botanical Garden, Part of the Solution, and Renaissance Youth Center will each receive $300,000 as a result of a dispute resolved by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) over the estate of former Bronx resident Herman Price. The remaining funds will be distributed to the Price Family Foundation, a private foundation that will use the funds to make grants to charitable organizations in the Bronx.

“I am proud to announce $4 million in funding to support community organizations in the Bronx,” said Attorney General James. “The programming and services these organizations provide are integral to the health, safety, and vibrance of neighborhoods from Woodlawn to Mott Haven. I am grateful that this successful result will help ensure Mr. Price’s estate continues to serve the borough he loved.”

Mr. Price passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, leaving behind an estate worth approximately $7.9 million. In his self-made will, Mr. Price bequeathed his estate to the “Price Foundation” upon his death, though no such organization exists. When Mr. Price’s next of kin moved to claim the entire estate, the Price Family Foundation objected, asserting it was the intended recipient of the estate. As New York’s primary regulator of charitable bequests in estates and trusts, OAG intervened in the ensuing litigation and successfully negotiated a settlement to ensure fair distribution of Mr. Price’s estate.

As a result of OAG’s intervention, Mr. Price’s next of kin have agreed to receive $3.5 million and nine charitable organizations selected in consultation with OAG will receive a total of $2.7 million. The nine organizations include:

• Astor Services for Children and Families, a mental and behavioral health clinic that provides affordable counseling and educational services to children and families in the Bronx.
• Bronx Children’s Museum, a museum dedicated to nurturing creativity, wonder, and a love of learning through interdisciplinary academic programs.
• Bronx Council on the Arts, a cultural organization that facilitates and supports the arts and local artists through workshops, artist residencies, and community engagement programs.
• Bronx River Alliance, a community-led environmental conservation organization dedicated to improving the Bronx River corridor by restoring the Bronx River and coordinating the construction of the Bronx River greenway.
• Bronx Works, a multi-service organization that aims to reduce poverty and empower youth by helping individuals and families enter the workforce and live independently.
• Morris Heights Health Center, a community-based healthcare organization that offers high- quality, affordable healthcare to individuals and families in Morris Heights and throughout the Bronx.
• New York Botanical Garden, a beloved, acclaimed green space with deep community ties that offers cultural and educational programming.
• Part of the Solution, a community-based organization that fights poverty and hunger in the Bronx by providing personalized financial services and food security.
• Renaissance Youth Center, an educational center that provides a safe haven for Bronx youth where they can access tutoring, coaching, and other enrichment programs.

The remainder of the estate – approximately $1.3 million – will benefit the Price Family Foundation, which will grant the funds to various nonprofits in the Bronx.

Governor Hochul Announces $8.5 Million Available to Boost the Dairy Industry Through Round 2 of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program

Part of Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State, the Dairy Modernization Grant Program Will Help Farmers and Dairy Cooperatives Install New Technologies for the Transportation and Storage of Milk

Additional $12.75 Million Dedicated to Round 3 in FY 2026-27 Enacted Budget, Bringing Total Committed to Dairy Infrastructure Projects Under the Governor’s Leadership to $42.85 Million

Application Deadline is October 28, View Additional Information and Application

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $8.5 million is available to dairy farmers and cooperatives as part of Round 2 of the New York State Dairy Modernization Grant Program. First announced in Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address, this grant program provides unprecedented support to New York’s dairy farmers and improves dairy supply chain efficiency. The program helps New York’s dairy farmers and agricultural marketing cooperatives expand on-farm milk storage capacity and supports projects that will improve the transportation and storage of milk, particularly during emergency events. This funding builds on the more than $21.6 million that was awarded to 103 farms across the state through Round 1 of the Dairy Modernization Program in 2025. A third round of funding, an additional $12.75 million, was dedicated to the program through this year’s Budget, bringing the total committed to dairy infrastructure projects under the Governor’s leadership to $42.85 million.

“New York’s dairy industry continues to be the driver of New York’s agricultural economy,” Governor Hochul said. “We must ensure that our hard-working dairy farmers have the resources, technology and equipment they need and deserve to continue to meet the demands of the marketplace. Round 2 of the Dairy Modernization Grant will do just that, helping our dairy farmers modernize and make the necessary investments to not only maintain but to also grow their operations.”

The Dairy Modernization Grant Program is administered by the Farm and Food Growth Fund, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Funding ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants for projects that expand on-farm milk storage capacity; improve efficiencies; and invest in milk transfer systems and cooling technologies. Examples of eligible projects include the purchase/installation of milk storage tanks, including bulk tanks and milk silos; milk tankers for transport; milk pipelines; upgraded glycol chillers; farm milk loading systems; and more.

The request for proposals opens today, August 19, 2026. Virtual open office hours for interested applicants will be held September 9, 2026, at 12 p.m. Applications are due by Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Full details regarding project eligibility and directions to submit applications can be found at ffgrowthfund.org/dairymodernization. In addition, a new Frequently Asked Questions document can be found in the Resources section of the grant website.

Funding for this program comes as part of Governor Hochul’s overarching commitment to the dairy industry. Under the Governor's leadership, the FY 26-27 Enacted Budget provides an additional $12.75 million to dairy farmers for Round 3 of the Dairy Modernization Program and an additional $5.25 million from the Environmental Protection Fund over the previous year for agricultural programs and initiatives that also benefit New York dairy farms, such as the Climate Resilient Farming grant program and the Agricultural Non-Point Source Abatement and Control program, that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change. Additional allocations for the Farmland Protection Program and the State’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts will also support the New York dairy community.

New York State has also supported the expansion of the dairy manufacturing sector in New York, celebrating a number of recent investments across the state, including the $650 million Fairlife production plant in Webster, a $30 million expansion to the Agri-Mark cheese manufacturing facility in Chateaugay, and Chobani’s $1.2 billion facility in Rome, helping New York continue to be the leading producer of milk in the Northeast. There are currently nearly 300 world-recognized dairy processing plants across New York.

About the Dairy Industry in New York State

New York State has 2,700 dairy farms that produce more than 16.6 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth-largest dairy state. The dairy industry is the state’s largest agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the state’s economy by generating nearly half of the state’s total agricultural receipts and providing some of the highest economic multipliers. New York's unique and talented dairy producers and processors contribute significantly to the state’s agriculture industry, economy and the health of our communities. 

Housing Lottery Launches for 1340 Blondell Avenue in Westchester Square, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Blondell Commons, a seven-story residential building at 1340 Blondell Avenue in Westchester Square, The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Exact Capital Group under the Blondell Equities LLC, the structure yields 182 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 126 units for residents at 30 to 70 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $29,418 to $147,280.

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, assigned parking spaces, a shared laundry room, recreation room, children’s playroom, elevator, gym, and community center. Residences are equipped with name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

1340 Blondell Avenue in Westchester Square, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are 16 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $732 for incomes ranging from $29,418 to $45,810; 16 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $863 for incomes ranging from $35,315 to $54,960; and four three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $981 for incomes ranging from $40,800 to $63,120.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 12 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,369 for incomes ranging from $51,258 to $76,350; six two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,627 for incomes ranging from $61,509 to $91,600; and four three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,863 for incomes ranging from $71,040 to $105,200.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 44 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,005 for incomes ranging from $73,063 to $106,890; ten two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,390 for incomes ranging from $87,669 to $128,240; and 14 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,745 for incomes ranging from $101,280 to $147,280.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 4, 2026.

Permits Filed for 1552 Leland Avenue in Parkchester, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1552 Leland Avenue in Parkchester, The Bronx. Located between Archer Street and Guerlain Street, the lot is near the Parkchester subway station, served by the 6 train. Marash Voka of Voka Mechanical Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 12,302 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 20 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 650 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse and 29-foot-long rear yard.

John Backos of Grid Drafting and Consulting LLC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed this month for a three-story residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

WORST OF THE WORST: ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Sexual Predators, Thieves, and Other Dangerous Criminal Illegal Aliens

 

Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, ICE has been unleashed to arrest and remove illegal aliens from American communities

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, including those convicted for sexual assault of a child, forcible sexual abuse, cocaine possession, and other despicable crimes.

“ICE arrested pedophiles, sexual predators, thieves, and other dangerous public safety threats in our communities,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “Under President Trump’s leadership, crime rates across the country have plummeted to historic lows. It is common sense. When you remove illegal aliens from the country, Americans will be safer.”

Arrests include:

Ervin Jose Diaz-Gramajo, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for TEN counts of sexual assault - carnal knowledge of a child 13-14 years old in Accomack County, Virginia.

Giuber Johan Rodriguez-Antunez, a criminal illegal alien from& Honduras, convicted for sexual assault of a child in Houston, Texas.

Kevin David Barron-Esqueda, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for forcible sexual abuse in Provo, Utah.

Elvis Vargas-Murillo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for fraud, cocaine possession, parole violation, narcotic equipment possession, and illegal re-entry in the U.S. District Court of Arizona.

Ramona Del Rosario Silva-Gacitua, a criminal illegal alien from Chile, convicted for grand theft, conspiracy to commit burglary and theft by forgery in Ventura, California.

Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

Second Suspect In August 2025 Mount Vernon Gunpoint Robbery Located In Poconos, Arrested, And Charged

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced that ERIC BOOTHE was arrested and charged as the second participant in an August 29, 2025, gunpoint robbery of a gas station in Mount Vernon.  BOOTHE was presented before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy and ordered detained pending trial.

“Last summer, Mount Vernon residents’ morning routines came to a halt when two individuals robbed a gas station at gunpoint and fled, kicking off a manhunt across the region,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald.  “One of the men, Jamaire Robertson, allegedly shot at NYPD officers while in flight.  Robertson was quickly identified, arrested, and charged within hours, but Eric Boothe allegedly fled into the Bronx and tried to disappear, eventually relocating to rural Pennsylvania.  Thanks to the FBI and our White Plains prosecutors, Boothe’s getaway has ended, and he will now answer to our federal Complaint in court.”

“Eric Boothe spent months attempting to evade accountability following an alleged gas station robbery in August 2025,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.  “Thanks to the relentless efforts of FBI investigators, and our Summer Heat 2.0 initiative, he was located, apprehended, and will now face consequences for his actions.  No matter how long someone runs, we remain committed to pursuing those who endanger our communities.”

According to the Complaint unsealed in White Plains federal court:(1) 

After spending much of the prior evening traveling in tandem through the Bronx and Mount Vernon, BOOTHE and Jamaire Robertson parked Robertson’s car near Robertson’s apartment in the Bronx at around 5:10 a.m. on August 29, 2025, donned masks, hoods, and gloves, and set off on foot together toward a gas station in nearby Mount Vernon.  At approximately 5:29 a.m., BOOTHE and Robertson, each brandishing a handgun, violently robbed the gas station attendant at gunpoint:

Following the robbery, the two suspects ran south on foot and eventually separated.  Robertson fled down a residential street in Mount Vernon near its border with the Bronx, where he discharged his firearm at New York City Police Department officers attempting to approach him.  Robertson was arrested that afternoon, but BOOTHE fled deeper into the Bronx, ceased use of his phone, and altered his patterns of financial and social media activity, eventually relocating to the Poconos in Pennsylvania.  The FBI’s investigation led to a new phone used by BOOTHE, registered in the name of a third party, and to a pizzeria frequented by BOOTHE in the vicinity of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, near where BOOTHE was eventually arrested.

BOOTHE, 40, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  BOOTHE is also charged with possessing and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Because BOOTHE was convicted in 2016 of the same firearms crime, he now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, which must be served consecutive to any other prison term imposed.  Federal robbery and firearms charges against Jamaire Robertson remain pending. 

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. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, as well as the NYPD and the Mount Vernon Police Department.  Mr. McDonald also thanked the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for their assistance in apprehending the defendant.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarlitto is 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.

1.  As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation. 

Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Clean Air Act Reports

 

The owner of a company that produces charcoal pleaded guilty to fabricating data relating to the air emissions from his charcoal production facility.

According to court documents, Nicholas Upchurch, 46, owned Rebel Smoke, a company in Burkesville, Kentucky, that used kilns to convert wood to charcoal. The air emissions from the facility were to be routed through emissions control facilities to reduce the air pollution released into the environment. However, as part of his plea agreement, Upchurch admitted to falsifying data submitted to the Commonwealth of Kentucky as part of compliance with the company’s air permit.

Upchurch’s sentencing date has not been scheduled. The falsification count has a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine whether to accept the plea agreement after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) made the announcement.

EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with assistance from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection.

Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD is prosecuting the case. Additional assistance was provided by former Senior Trial Attorney Matthew Morris of ENRD.