CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Samet Cekic, 34, of Greece, NY, was arrested pursuant to a fugitive complaint filed by the United States Attorney Office, fulfilling obligations pursuant to an extradition treaty which exists between the United States and Turkey.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who is handling the proceedings, stated that, according to information provided by the Government of Turkey, Cekic was previously convicted of Attempted Intentional Killing under Turkish Law. That conviction stemmed from an incident which occurred on September 22, 2006, in the Province of Corum, District of Alaca, Turkey, during which defendant was alleged to have engaged in a fight during which he stabbed an individual multiple times with a knife, causing life-threatening injuries. On July 2, 2008, defendant was sentenced to serve five years and seven months in prison. However, he ultimately failed to appear to serve that sentence. The defendant was located Tuesday by the United States Marshals service as he left his residence in Greece. Pursuant to the Treaty, the Government of Turkey submitted a formal request through diplomatic channels for the extradition of Cekic, so that he may serve the previously imposed sentence. 

Cekic’s arrest is the result of the efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina. 

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and was detained.