iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Fifteen people were charged by criminal complaint on October 1, 2026, in a federal bank-fraud conspiracy case in New York. Prosecutors allege the group sought to defraud individuals, financial institutions and the U.S. Treasury of more than $620,000, using checks stolen from residential and business mailboxes. Those claims are allegations, not findings of guilt.
What prosecutors allege
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York says the complaint accuses the defendants of participating in a bank-fraud conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that members and associates of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (UGSN), which they say operated in Albany and elsewhere since at least September 2024, sought to generate revenue for the group through crimes including bank fraud. The amount of more than $620,000 is alleged to have been targeted; it is not a confirmed loss, recovery or restitution total. U.S. Attorney’s Office announcement, October 1, 2026.
How the checks were allegedly used
According to the complaint as described by local outlet Orleans Hub, the alleged scheme involved taking checks from home and business mailboxes and depositing fraudulent checks into accounts. The outlet reported at least 59 checks deposited into accounts held by alleged co-conspirators at 17 financial institutions, affecting at least 39 victim account holders in the Northern District of New York and elsewhere. These counts are attributed to the complaint through the outlet’s reporting; the underlying complaint was not available for review. Orleans Hub report.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Who was charged
The DOJ announcement names 15 defendants, with ages ranging from 24 to 41. The names and aliases below identify people charged, not people found guilty:
#1 Best Overall
- ENDLESS POWER FROM SOLAR ENERGY: Just 45 minutes of direct sunlight powers the camera for a full day of use, while the built-in battery lasts up to 180 days on a single charge during cloudy days. Solar charging requires temperatures above 32°F.△
- EASY WIRE-FREE INSTALLATION: Place the Tapo SolarCam C402 KIT where you need it without relying on nearby outlets. Install the camera and solar panel together or separately using the included 13 ft cable for flexible placement.
- PRIORITIZE WHAT MATTERS: Set activity zones to monitor specific areas for motion or people. Free person and motion detection helps reduce unwanted alerts and notifies you when activity is detected.
- VERSATILE VIDEO STORAGE: Store footage locally via a microSD card (up to 512GB)* or via cloud with a Tapo Care cloud subscription. Tailor your security to suit your needs, whether indoor or outdoor, you have the storage option you need.
- FULL-COLOR 1080P, DAY AND NIGHT: See clearly in low light with a large-aperture lens and built-in spotlights. Capture full-color night vision up to 30 ft away to monitor for possible intruders or motion.
- David Robinson, also known as “RR” and “Double”
- Wayne Samuels, also known as “Spazz” and “Doobie”
- Nygel Hall
- Markese Jones, also known as “Milly”
- Justin Clarke, also known as “JT”
- Amari McEwan-White
- Christopher Michel
- Jevon McKain, also known as “Mojo”
- Jeffrey Ghee, also known as “Drama”
- Tori Staton, also known as “Tip”
- Derrick Bradford, also known as “DB” and “Da Bully”
- Antoinette Gueits, also known as “Baggz”
- Arthur Lilly
- Michael Carter, also known as “Stunna”
- Eric Strong, also known as “Nuski”
The announcement does not establish that any individual carried out a particular act described in the alleged scheme.
Investigators and reported court developments
The DOJ says the investigation involved the FBI Albany Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and Albany Police Department, along with other assisting agencies.
Rank #2
- Outdoor 4 is our most affordable wireless smart security camera yet, offering up to two-year battery life for around-the-clock peace of mind. Local storage not included with Sync Module Core.
- See and speak from the Blink app — Experience 1080p HD live view, infrared night vision, and crisp two-way audio.
- Two-year battery life — Set up in minutes and get up to two years of power with the included AA Energizer lithium batteries and a Blink Sync Module Core.
- Enhanced motion detection — Be alerted to motion faster from your smartphone with dual-zone, enhanced motion detection.
- Person detection — Get alerts when a person is detected with embedded computer vision (CV) as part of an optional Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately).
Orleans Hub separately reported that Jeffrey Ghee was taken into federal custody and transported to Rochester for an appearance in federal court. A Blue Water Healthy Living report said agents searched a Binghamton residence on October 1 and that Arthur Lilly and Antoinette Gueits were detained there; it also said a detention hearing for Tori Staton was scheduled for October 5 in Syracuse. These are secondary-report details, and later court status was not verified. Blue Water Healthy Living report.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat charge and possible penalty are involved?
The complaint charges participation in a bank-fraud conspiracy. The DOJ announcement states a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million and up to five years of supervised release. These are legal maximums for the charged count, not a prediction of what any defendant will receive; the case has not established guilt or a sentence.
Rank #3
- 【2K High Definition】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with.Controller Type:Amazon Alexa;Android;Google Assistant.Connectivity protocol:Wi-Fi.Power source type:Corded Electric, Power Adapter: 100–240 V. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if its your pet playing around or if someone is actually there.
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Assistant】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, use your simple voice command to view Tapo indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or Google Chrome Cast with a screen. Streaming via Google limited to display on Chromecast & Nest devices only.
- 【2-Way Audio w/ Built In Siren】Never truly leave home with the built-in 2-way audio. Use as a pet camera with phone app to comfort your pet from anywhere in the world. Keep your family safe with cameras for home security indoor by warding off intruders.
What happens next?
The only forward court date identified in secondary reporting was a detention hearing for Tori Staton scheduled for October 5, 2026. The outcome and subsequent docket activity are not established here. The DOJ announcement says defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【2K Resolution & Color Night Vision】This 2K Ultra HD security camera is designed for indoors and outdoors. You can choose to install indoor and outdoor cameras for home security in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, baby room, yard, garage, etc. You can not only capture high-definition surveillance footage through the security camera outdoor during the day, but also see colorful images at night. The outdoor camera provides comprehensive and multi period services for your home security.
- 【Two-way Talk & Motion Detection】The outdoor security camera is equipped with a noise-canceling microphone and speaker. You can have a remote talk with family, pet or unexpected visitor on the wifi camera side through the phone app. The house cameras with audio and video will bring you an unexpected user experience. Once the motion is detected, the indoor camera will send you a notification via the phone app. If strangers break into home, the built-in siren will help you deter the intruders.
- 【IP65 Waterproof & Easy to install】The outdoor cameras for home security, which have an IP65 waterproof design, so in any weather, there is no need to worry about the outdoor cameras being damaged. The security camera outdoor with dust and water resistance that can be easily installed on walls, shelves, trees, roofs, and other places you want, helping you to keep an eye on your home security anytime and anywhere.
- 【24/7 SD Card Storage & Optional Cloud】 The wifi outdoor camera features in-app 10s alert video clips or pictures. It also supports TF card (up to 128GB, not included) or cloud storage (with a 30-day trial). Both storage ways allow for 24/7 continuous recording, ensuring that you can play back your videos whenever you want. This indoor camera also has advanced encryption technology to protect your privacy, so even if the home security cameras are stolen, no one can access your recorded videos.
- 【Work with Alexa Assistance】The cameras for home security, which can also work with Alexa assistant. If you have third parties at home, you can connect the wifi camera with them, use your simple voice command to view the indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or other Alexa devices with a screen. Easily get your home security footage up on a larger TV display.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
