Brad Rushford, Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy, New York 2016

New York State Correction Officer and Saratoga Woman Charged in Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy

Plattsburgh, New York – In a shocking turn of events, Brad Rushford, a 33-year-old correction officer with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and his 62-year-old mother Freda Rushford of Saratoga Springs, New York, have been arraigned on charges related to a massive marijuana distribution conspiracy operating in upstate New York.

According to the indictment, both defendants are facing charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 kilograms or more of 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 charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation into the marijuana distribution conspiracy was led 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.

Brad Rushford’s employment with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision raises questions about the integrity of the prison system and the potential for corruption within its ranks.

The case is set to go to trial on April 18, 2016, before United States District Judge David N. Hurd in Utica, New York.

The indictment charges Brad Rushford and Freda Rushford with the following crimes:

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.

Freda Rushford is also charged with making a false statement to federal officers.

The case is being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including 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.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Brad Rushford and Freda Rushford

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, making a false statement to federal officers

City and State: Plattsburgh, New York

Exact Date: April 18, 2016 (arraignment)

Sentence or Outcome: Trial set for April 18, 2016

Dollar Amounts: Up to $5 million fine, up to $250,000 fine

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