Buffalo man pleads guilty to assaulting federal VA employee

BUFFALO, NEW YORK – United States Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Demont Coston, 56, of Buffalo, New York, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to assault on a federal employee. This charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, who is handling the case, said that on September 12, 2023, Coston called the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) crisis line and repeatedly threatened to blow up the Buffalo VA building. Later that day, Coston called the VA crisis line again and said, “I should go blow it up… I should go burn the building down.” On September 14, 2023, Coston texted the crisis line, saying, “The VA hasn’t done anything for me in 30 years, it’s time to get rid of them, by any means necessary.” Coston also mentioned, “Destroying all the VA facilities, but I have an idea in mind first” and “I’m in DC, near the main VA, ha ha ha, that’s good, I know where to hit them.”

This complaint is the result of an investigation by the VA Medical Center Police, under the direction of Chief Richard King, and the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., before Judge Roemer.

Brooklyn, New York — The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing person from the 63rd Precinct.

The missing individual has been identified as David Taveras, a 23-year-old male residing at 5706 Farragut Road. He was last seen leaving his residence on Monday, June 17, at approximately 1 p.m.

David is described as approximately 5’8″, 170lbs, with a fair complexion, brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a pink hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and black trainers, and was carrying a black backpack.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the NYPD.

ALBANY, NY— Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a significant investment of $5.4 million to support the LGBTQ+ community in New York. This includes a $4.4 million allocation to the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center to expand safe and culturally affirming programs, particularly for LGBTQ+ people of color. An additional $1 million will be dedicated to workforce development programs for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people by expanding the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund. Additionally, new policy guidance has been released to help state agencies better serve LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and foster a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ state employees.

“Pride Month is a time of celebration and a reminder of the need to continue our efforts to advance the rights of the LGBTQ+ community here in New York State,” said Governor Hochul. “New Yorkers of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions deserve to be safe, heard, and valued. New York State stands with the LGBTQ+ community.”

The Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center will use the $4.4 million investment to offer a variety of resources, programs and services in a culturally affirming environment. The center will provide medical care, mental health and social support services, legal referrals, job training, cultural programming and internet access, all in a stigma-free environment.

Carmen Neely, President and CEO of the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center, expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, “The Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center project has been underway since 2016 and we are excited and grateful to finally have a home. We cannot thank Governor Hochul, her team, and our elected officials in New York enough for their support. This is the beginning of a new era and we are absolutely thrilled and ready to get to work!”

State Senator Cordell Cleare also praised the investment, noting the center’s importance to the local community. “I am thrilled that Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $4.4 million investment in the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center in the heart of the 30th District during Pride Month. This will be a space where everyone from LGBTQ+ youth to seniors will have a one-stop shop for social, educational, and culturally sensitive programs and services. The Governor also added a $1 million investment in LGBTQ+ resources and support for workforce development programs. This funding will help achieve all of these goals in our Harlem neighborhood and in a culturally affirming center for members of the LGBTQ+ community.”