A Greece man admitted in federal court that he threatened the family of an FBI agent in an effort to retaliate against the agent’s work.
Steven L. Ploof, 48, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to threatening to assault a member of the immediate family of a federal law enforcement officer, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
Prosecutors said the charge carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez said that on September 15, 2025, Ploof went to the Ogden home of an FBI Special Agent and his family. When he arrived, Ploof placed two posterboard signs on the front porch. One read “Corrupt FBI AGENT!” and the other read “I Want To (expletive) Your Kids!”
Investigators obtained video of Ploof placing the signs from a residential security system.
Federal authorities said the threat targeted the agent’s family with the intent to impede or retaliate against the agent for performing official duties.
The FBI led the investigation, with assistance from the Greece Police Department, the Ogden Police Department, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Judge Vacca scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2026.
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