Cohoes, NY – Yesterday afternoon, 42-year-old Anthony Ojeda was returned to Albany County Supreme Court before the Hon. Roger McDonough, following the execution of a bench warrant. On August 26, 2021, a warrant was issued after the defendant failed to appear in court on both August 24, 2021, and August 26, 2021. Ojeda and co-defendant Neil Garzon were located in the country of Mexico in January of this year.

Ojeda is charged with One Count of Murder in the Second Degree, Manslaughter in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of Child.

The indictment alleges that on or about December 3, 2019, while at an address in the City of Cohoes, Ojeda recklessly engaged in conduct that showed a depraved indifference to human life, and caused the death of a 6-week-old infant.

Ojeda was remanded to the Albany County Jail, and will next appear in court on July 8, 2024.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, said:

“The Office of International Affairs (OIA) within the Justice Department’s Criminal Division serves as the nation’s central authority for international criminal law enforcement coordination, including by working with domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to facilitate the return of fugitives to face justice. The Criminal Division is focused on keeping Americans safe at home and abroad by ensuring criminals are held accountable for their actions regardless of where in the world they may be hiding. Consistent with this focus, OIA worked with Mexican authorities to secure Ojeda’s arrest and extradition. The Justice Department expresses its gratitude to the Government of Mexico for their continued partnership and mutual efforts to combat crime.”

Albany County District Attorney David Soares said:

“This was a reflection of years of work on the part of several police departments, and federal law enforcement agencies to make sure these individuals returned to court. While their failure to appear is a reflection of an older version of bail reform, it’s a good illustration of why law enforcement must be a part of policy conversations related to public safety.”

Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin said:

“I think it’s a great step in the furtherance of the prosecution and their case. We have full confidence now that the Albany County District Attorney’s Office will see this case through to the end.”

Assistant District Attorney Caroline Murray, the Bureau Chief of the Special Victims Unit, and Assistant District Attorney Ariel Fallon are handling the prosecution of this case.

All parties are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty