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Press Release

New York State Correction Officer And Saratoga Woman Charged In Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Brad Rushford, 33, of Ellenburg Depot, New York, and Freda Rushford, 62, of Saratoga Springs, New York, were arraigned today on charges related to a marijuana distribution conspiracy operating in upstate New York, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian.

The indictment charges both defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 kilograms or more marijuana. Freda Rushford is also charged with making a false statement to federal officers.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, both defendants face at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a maximum fine of $5 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. The false statement charge against Freda Rushford carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.

The defendants were arraigned in Plattsburgh, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Garry L. Favro. Trial is scheduled for April 18, 2016 before United States District Judge David N. Hurd in Utica, New York.

Brad Rushford, who is Freda Rushford’s son, worked as a correction officer with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations, New York State Police, and St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.

Updated February 19, 2016

Topic
Drug Trafficking