Major Felony Crime Task Force honored for work keeping community safe, often behind the scenes

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 5:46 pm

Task Force to receive ‘2025 Achievement Award’ from National Association of Counties

Photo by Tom Rivers: District Attorney Susan Howard speaks during last week’s County Legislature meeting about a National Association of Counties award for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force. Legislator Skip Draper is at right.

ALBION – The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force will receive a national award for its collaborative efforts with local and regional law enforcement agencies.

The Task Force has made over 1,250 arrests and participated in 2,800 investigations since 2007, and has a near 100 percent conviction rate, said District Attorney Susan Howard. The Task Force operates under supervision of the District Attorney in Orleans County.

“The specialized unit is especially adept in the application and execution of search warrants, and is poised to assist other local law enforcement agencies in the effort to ensure successful prosecutions at all levels,” she said.

The National Association of Counties will present Orleans County with a “2025 Achievement Award” during its national meeting July 11-14 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Howard praised the task force, led by supervising investigator Joe Sacco, for its work with local state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Custom Enforcement, the Office of Special Investigations, the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“They kind of work in the dark but they need to be recognized,” Howard said. “They work so hard behind the scenes keeping on community safe.”

The Task Force also includes investigators Corey Black and Brett Sobieraski. Black has just retired from the Task Force after several years.

“Members are experienced investigators that have worked in law enforcement an average of 20 to 30 years prior to joining, thus bringing with them a high level of experience,” Howard said. “The Task Force focuses on the war against drugs, but also handles homicides, assaults and any other type of criminal investigation.”