Attorney General James Announces Takedown of Major Capital Region and Hudson Valley Drug Trafficking Ring

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday announced the dismantling of a large drug trafficking network operating across the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, following a yearlong investigation that led to 26 arrests and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash.

Authorities said the investigation uncovered a multi-county operation responsible for distributing cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl across communities in Albany, the Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Ulster, and Westchester counties. In total, investigators seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, about 1.2 kilograms of heroin laced with fentanyl, five handguns, and roughly $67,000 in cash. Officials estimated the street value of the drugs at approximately $350,000.

“My office is proud to work with law enforcement agencies across our state to dismantle illegal drug trafficking operations that put New Yorkers in danger,” James said. “These traffickers were flooding our communities with cocaine and a deadly combination of heroin and fentanyl.”

The investigation, led by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force in coordination with the New York State Police, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bethlehem Police Department, relied on covert surveillance and hundreds of hours of court-authorized wiretaps targeting more than two dozen phones. Officials said the operation focused on identifying suppliers and distributors moving narcotics throughout upstate New York.

Prosecutors allege the network was led in part by Albany-based distributors who coordinated with suppliers in New York City’s Bronx borough. One of the central figures, identified as Jahrell Friday, is accused of partnering with multiple co-defendants to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout the Capital Region. Investigators said Friday also attempted to ship narcotics from California through the mail; one intercepted package allegedly contained a kilogram of cocaine concealed among children’s Christmas gifts and clothing.

Authorities said coded language was used throughout the operation, including terms such as “Fernando” for fentanyl and “dog food” for heroin.

Another alleged supplier, Alex Umpierre of the Bronx, is accused of storing and cooking crack cocaine in his apartment and distributing drugs through associates in upstate New York. Investigators said a search of his residence recovered three handguns.

Officials said the indictment also identifies Alcides Garcia as a Bronx-based distributor who allegedly used a local bodega as a narcotics hub. Both Garcia and Umpierre are charged with operating as major traffickers, offenses that carry mandatory life sentences under state law if convicted.

State Police Superintendent Steven G. James credited the investigation for preventing widespread distribution of lethal drugs. “There is no doubt that by intercepting these dangerous acts, lives have been saved,” he said.

The 276-count indictment, unsealed in Albany County Court, charges the 26 defendants with a range of offenses including criminal sale and possession of controlled substances, conspiracy, and related crimes. One defendant also faces grand larceny charges tied to an alleged vehicle theft in Bethlehem.

Those charged include individuals from Albany, the Bronx, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and other communities across New York and Connecticut. Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Former Church Board Member Indicted for Allegedly Stealing $3.8 Million from Manhattan Swedish Church

NEW YORK — A former board member of a Manhattan church has been indicted on charges that he stole more than $3.8 million in donations over a six-year period and used the funds for personal expenses and risky investments, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Monday.

Olof Olsson, 45, of Manhattan, is accused of exploiting his position on the board of directors of the Swedish Church of New York, also known as the Swedish Seamen’s Church, while simultaneously serving as a licensed securities broker responsible for managing the church’s financial assets.

Prosecutors allege Olsson diverted church funds into accounts he controlled, falsified financial records to conceal the transfers, and misled church leadership about the organization’s financial condition.

“When churchgoers donate money, they expect their generous contributions will be used to support their church and its mission,” James said in a statement. “Olof Olsson took advantage of his role as a trusted member of the Swedish Church of New York to steal millions of dollars.”

The 24-count indictment, unsealed in New York County Supreme Court, charges Olsson with grand larceny, possession of forged instruments, and falsifying business records. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to 25 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, Olsson served on the church’s board from 2016 to 2023 and worked as a financial advisor at a firm that held the church’s investments. In that role, he allegedly had access to charitable donations and bequests that formed a significant portion of the church’s assets.

Investigators say Olsson created a scheme in which he transferred funds into a bank account opened in the church’s name but controlled solely by him. He then allegedly used forged financial statements to hide withdrawals and maintain the appearance that the church’s investments were intact.

The Office of the Attorney General said the scheme ran from at least 2018 through 2025, during which Olsson allegedly siphoned millions of dollars and used the money for personal expenses, including investments in a failed and high-risk venture. Prosecutors also allege he manipulated annual financial records to inflate asset values and obscure losses.

The case began after an investigation was launched in December 2025 by the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau, which uncovered evidence of irregular financial activity tied to the church’s accounts.

Authorities emphasized that the allegations include the use of forged banking documents and fabricated statements from multiple financial institutions.

The charges against Olsson are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Attorney General James Secures $350,000 Settlement From Brooklyn Furniture Retailer Over Consumer Complaints

NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Monday a settlement of up to $350,000 with Brooklyn-based furniture retailer Payless Furniture Inc., which does business as 1StopBedrooms, following allegations that the company misled customers, delayed deliveries, and imposed unlawful fees.

The Office of the Attorney General said it received hundreds of consumer complaints alleging that the online furniture seller charged excessive cancellation fees, failed to deliver goods on time, advertised misleading shipping timelines, and provided damaged or incorrect furniture without offering adequate refunds or replacements.

Under the agreement, 1StopBedrooms must provide restitution to affected customers, pay $75,000 in penalties, and cover $2,000 in state costs. The company is also required to revise its advertising and business practices to comply with New York consumer protection laws.

“No New Yorker should have to pay hundreds of dollars for furniture only to receive it late or damaged,” James said in a statement. “We are requiring 1StopBedrooms to refund customers who were forced to pay unlawful cancellation fees or could not cancel their order after it was delayed for months.”

Payless Furniture Inc., which operates as 1StopBedrooms and is headquartered in Midwood, Brooklyn, came under investigation after the Attorney General’s office received 270 consumer complaints detailing delayed deliveries and refund disputes.

Investigators found the company often advertised items as “in stock” with delivery timelines of around 30 days, even when actual shipping dates were significantly later. The company also failed to provide legally required notices informing customers of their right to a refund when deliveries were delayed beyond permitted time frames.

The investigation further concluded that customers were frequently charged a 15% restocking fee and additional shipping costs of $2.25 per pound when orders were canceled or significantly delayed. In some cases, consumers received partial refunds or no refunds at all.

Regulators also found the company failed to adequately address complaints involving damaged or incorrect furniture. According to the Attorney General’s office, the company’s policy required customers to report damage within 24 hours, but investigators said 1StopBedrooms often did not repair items, replace goods, or resolve complaints in practice. Some customers were allegedly told they must withdraw complaints from the Better Business Bureau or online review platforms before receiving refunds.

Under the settlement, 1StopBedrooms must pay $78,810.71 in restitution to 57 consumers who filed complaints with the Attorney General’s office or the Better Business Bureau, and an additional $206,115.37 to 232 eligible consumers, including those affected by delivery delays, improper cancellation fees, or defective merchandise.

New York law requires retailers to notify customers of delays beyond 30 days and provide options including cancellation with a full refund, cancellation with credit, acceptance of a new delivery date, or selection of alternative merchandise. Refunds must be issued within two weeks of cancellation.

The Attorney General’s office said consumers who purchased furniture between January 15, 2019, and January 15, 2025, may still be eligible for compensation and can file claims until August 10, 2026.

New York Authorities Move to Shut Down Illegal Pesticide Sales in the Bronx

NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a coordinated enforcement action Monday aimed at halting the distribution of illegal and unregistered pesticides in New York City, following an investigation into a supply chain linked to hazardous chemical products.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG), working alongside the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, conducted surprise inspections at three wholesale warehouses in the Bronx, where investigators discovered and quarantined illegal pesticide products at two of the locations. Officials also issued cease-and-desist orders directing the businesses to immediately stop the sale and distribution of the products.

Authorities said the action is part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal importation and distribution of a toxic, unregistered insecticide known as “Sniper,” which has been linked to multiple poisoning incidents reported to the New York City Poison Center.

“New Yorkers should never have to worry that the products being sold in their communities could seriously harm their families,” James said. “These illegal pesticides are dangerous and unregulated, and my office is taking action to stop the flow of these products at its source.”

Investigators said they are working to identify importers and distributors responsible for bringing the product into the state. The latest enforcement action uncovered evidence that several Bronx-based wholesale operations are part of the supply chain.

At the warehouses, DEC inspectors identified illegal pesticide products and ordered them quarantined, preventing further sale or distribution. The Attorney General’s office said an investigator simultaneously served legal notices requiring the businesses to cease all related activity.

State officials warned that unregistered pesticides are illegal under both state and federal law unless approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state regulators. Authorities said many of the products targeted in the investigation are particularly dangerous when used in homes, where improper handling and lack of ventilation can pose serious health risks, especially to children.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the enforcement action should serve as a warning to distributors and retailers statewide. “The use of unregistered pesticides is unlawful in New York State and poses potential significant risks to human health and the environment,” she said.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and further enforcement actions are possible as authorities continue tracing the supply chain behind the illegal products.