BUFFALO, N.Y. – The grim headlines of Amherst, NY have been etched into the city’s memory as Ronald Epps, a man whose name now stands for heinous crime, was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Epps, 48, was convicted following a jury trial on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, arson, possession of Molotov Cocktails, maintaining a premises for drug trafficking, and firearms violations.
Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. declared, ‘Today’s verdict marks the first instance where our office has used federal fraud laws to convict a murderer.’ The sentence comes as a stark reminder of Epps’ relentless pursuit of monetary gain at the expense of human life.
Epps, engaged to Angela Moss and living together in Amherst, was accused of murdering his fiancée on August 27, 2009, for the sole purpose of collecting on her $100,000 life insurance policy. The prosecution argued that he waited for Moss before shooting her once in the back of the head and leaving her body by the roadside.
Following the murder, Epps attempted to claim insurance money from State Farm Insurance, but his claim remains unpaid to date. His criminal activities did not end there. He set fire to a vacant apartment next door using Molotov Cocktails in 2010, followed by another fire at his own residence. He later received $3,769 in damages from State Farm.
Epps also used his home as a drug distribution hub. Witness testimony and police seizures confirmed the sale of cocaine and marijuana at his address, leading to further charges against him.
The sentence is the result of an extensive investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Orchard Park Police Department, and Amherst Police Department. Special Agent in Charge Ashan Benedict and Chiefs Mark Pacholec and John Askey led their respective forces in bringing Epps to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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