U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on Thursday that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against a Buffalo police detective accused of purchasing stolen account credentials through an illicit online marketplace.
Terrance Michael Ciszek, 35, also known as DrMonster, is charged with affecting transactions with access devices issued to other persons and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Ciszek was previously indicted on charges of possession of unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and making false statements to a federal agency.
According to prosecutors, between March and August 2020, Ciszek purchased 11 packages from Genesis Market, an online platform that sells data stolen from malware-infected computers worldwide. The purchases allegedly gave him access to 194 stolen account credentials. Investigators say he attempted to use stolen credit cards to make purchases and possessed the identification of another person.
In April 2023, Ciszek is accused of lying to the FBI, denying the purchases and suggesting his nephew may have been responsible.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly following an FBI investigation.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
