Tobias Boyland, a principal of nine Western New York collection agencies under investigation for illegal practices, was sentenced today on weapons charges, receiving 15 years in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Federal agents seized a small arsenal during an investigation of Boyland's alleged illegal debt collection business last year. He faced up to 45 years in prison. He still faces prosecution on the illegal debt collection charges.
A New York Supreme Court jury found Boyland guilty in early March after a four-day trial. Boyland, 44, did not testify.
Boyland was arrested last June after a high-profile raid of his business and home that followed a six-month state investigation. State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, who flew to Buffalo at the time and announced the raid, accused Boyland of illegally threatening delinquent bill payers. An AK-47 assault rifle and four handguns were among the weapons seized.
Previously free on bail, he was remanded to jail. Boyland earlier served 13 years in prison for attempted robbery. As a convicted felon, he was not permitted to carry firearms.
On Feb. 9, New York Supreme Court Justice Paula L. Feroleto issued orders barring Boyland and two associates, Kayla Pritchett and Dorian Wills, from ever again working in the collection business in the state. The business’ tactics included having employees pose as police officers, (
Boyland ran several agencies that operated out of at least four locations in Western New York. The agencies used several names: Central Resource Management, Final Claims Asset Locators, Final Control Asset Locators, Interchange Payment Solutions, Next Step Services, Portfolio Asset Assurance, Silverbay Services and Teleport.
