Cedric E. Cundiff, a 67-year-old resident of Massachusetts, made his initial appearance in federal court in Syracuse, New York, following charges of assaulting a federal officer with a knife.
According to the criminal complaint, on January 29, 2026, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force went to a Syracuse residence to serve an arrest warrant for Cundiff. He was wanted in Suffolk County, Massachusetts on charges that included robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. When task force officers located him at the residence and attempted to apprehend him, Cundiff fled into a bedroom. As one officer tried to open the door, Cundiff allegedly used a knife to cut the investigator’s hand, resulting in two lacerations and a fracture.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented: “This case illustrates the danger that our Marshals and other agents face on a daily basis as they work to keep us safe. This Department of Justice will continue vigorously prosecuting anyone who attacks our brave law enforcement officers – if you cross that line, you will pay.”
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Each and every day, our law enforcement partners put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. As alleged, the defendant violently attacked an officer who was doing just that. Let me be loud and clear: Harassment, obstruction, and violence of any kind against members of federal law enforcement will not be tolerated. Anyone who does not heed this warning will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Division stated: “This was a dangerous and volatile arrest that underscores the real risks our law enforcement partners face every day. The defendant, already a wanted individual out of Massachusetts, is now facing significant federal prison time for these serious allegations. The FBI will not tolerate any act of violence against our law enforcement partners who work around the clock to keep our communities safe.”
Acting U.S. Marshal Christopher Amoia added: “Violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated. Assaults on officers who are carrying out their lawful duties pose a serious threat to public safety and the rule of law. The United States Marshals Service, in partnership with federal and local law enforcement agencies, remains committed to holding individuals accountable for such acts.”
Cundiff appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz and is currently detained pending further proceedings.
The complaint notes that all charges are accusations at this stage; Cundiff is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If convicted on this charge alone, Cundiff faces up to 20 years in prison along with fines reaching $250,000 and up to three years supervised release after imprisonment.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI along with the U.S. Marshals Service and New York State Police; Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is handling prosecution.
