ALBANY, NEW YORK – On April 24, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone met with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service New York Division Inspector in Charge (INC) Ketty Larco-Ward and Targeted Risk Analytics & Criminal Enforcement (TRACE) Team Leader Ruben Del Valle to receive a presentation on the TRACE Task Force.
TRACE is a newly established intelligence-driven task force focused on partnering with local and state law enforcement to primarily investigate mail theft, fraud, and financial crimes. The task force, which is dedicated to the New York Metropolitan area, has helped identify criminal enterprises operating across county and state laws.
FAUSA Sarcone stated: “My Office is always willing and eager to collaborate with law enforcement partners dedicated to rooting out crime. I am impressed by the initiatives undertaken by the TRACE team so that the tools at their disposal are effectively used, and their results speak for themselves. I look forward to what I expect to be a fruitful partnership.”
INC Larco-Ward stated: “Cooperation and collaboration with our law enforcement partners are one of the most effective weapons against crime, and we continue to enhance our technological and investigative efforts, in conjunction with persistent prosecutorial teams like NDNY to combat postal crimes such as mail theft, complex fraud and financial crimes schemes. These cases require specialized tools and coordination, and this task force allows us to identify patterns, disrupt operations early, and protect victims before the damage spreads.”
Pictured above (left to right): Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Northern District of New York First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, and TRACE Team Leader Ruben Del Valle.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Northern District of New York — U.S. Department of Justice press release.