Trusted Traveler Program Applications Suspended for New York State Residents

Screenshot of Barry Covert Providing Legal Analysis to WGRZ on Trusted Traveler Program Application Suspension

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that it is suspending applications for Trusted Traveler Programs from residents of New York State. Trusted Traveler Programs, such as NEXUS and other global entry, allows for an expedited process for pre-screened travelers who are traveling between the United States and Canada.

As reported by WGRZ 2 On Your Side, the federal government cited New York State’s recently enacted Green Light Law as the reason for suspending Trusted Traveler Program applications from New York State residents. The Green Light Law allows illegal aliens, who are residing in New York State, to receive a state issued driver’s license. In addition, the Green Light Law prohibits New York State DMV data from being shared with federal law enforcement agencies such as Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

New York State officials who support the Green Light Law argue that other states already have similar laws in place and DMV data is not needed for the extensive screening process that is required for applicants of Trust Traveler Programs such as NEXUS. State and local officials who opposed the Green Light Law argue that the Department of Homeland Security’s actions indicate the law should be repealed.
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Analysis of Cameron Collins, Son of former Congressman, Sentenced to Five Years Probation For Insider Trading

Screenshot of Barry Covert in WGRZ studio discussing sentencing of Cameron Collins

Cameron Collins, the son of former Congressman Chris Collins, was sentenced for his involvement in an insider trading case. The sentence handed down by a federal judge in Manhattan did not include any jail time. Cameron Collins was sentenced to five years probation. The sentence includes six months of home confinement, five hundred hours of community service, and a fine of $150,000.

In October 2018, Cameron Collins plead guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He could have faced a maximum sentence of forty-six months in prison.

Cameron Collins’ sentencing came nearly a week after his father, former Congressman Chris Collins, was also sentenced in this insider trading case involving Innate Immunotherapeutics. Chris Collins was sentenced to 26 months in prison.

WGRZ 2 On Your Side reported live as the sentence was handed down to Cameron Collins. Attorney Barry Covert was in studio to provide immediate legal analysis of the sentencing. Continue reading this post for Barry Covert’s comments and click on the videos below to watch the full reports, which include the interviews with Barry Covert.
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Legal Analysis of Impact Sheriff’s Support May Have on Sentencing of Kenneth Achtyl

Screenshot of Barry Covert Interview with WGRZ on Potential Sentencing of Form Sheriff's Deputy

Kenneth Achtyl, a former Deputy with the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, is scheduled to be sentenced by an Orchard Park town justice on the evening of January 23rd.

Prior to the sentencing, WGRZ 2 On Your Side aired a report on the support Achtyl has received and how it may impact the severity of his sentence. Attorney Barry Covert was interviewed to provide legal analysis for the report. Continue reading this post for Barry Covert’s comments and click on the video below to watch the full report, which includes the interview with Barry Covert.

While serving as an Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy in 2017, Kenneth Achtyl was accused of assaulting a 25 year old man at a Buffalo Bills tailgate. It is reported that the man suffered a bloodied face, broken nose, and concussion due to the altercation with Achtyl.

In September 2018, an Orchard Park jury found Kenneth Achtyl guilty of assault in the third degree, official misconduct, and falsifying records.
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