Day of reckoning forlogger
Ringleader behind criminal acts
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Law enforcers called them the "Backwoods Sopranos." David Cain, Junior was the ringleader behind criminal acts to cut competing tree surgeons out of the business. The day of reckoning came Monday.
David Cain of Somerset was convicted last month of bringing down a
reign of terror on his rivals in the Niagara and Orleans County logging and tree cutting business. Cain's rivals accused accused him of making death threats, and using violence, including arson, to try to eliminate the competition. Cain went as far as burning the personal vehicle of a Niagara County sheriff's deputy, and destroying trucks and other tree-cutting equipment of rival loggers, including Keith Kent of Kent Forestry.Orleans County logger Keith Kent said, "Pickup truck burned, every tire on every piece of equipment in my yard slashed, radiators taken out."
Cain, for his part, tried to turn the tables on prosecutors and government witnesses, claiming he was the victim of his tree-cutting rivals. But Federal Judge Richard Arcara was not moved, and sentenced David Cain to 55 years in federal prison, on arson, extortion, and racketeering counts.
News 4's Al Vaughters asked, "In your opinion, this is still a long way from being over?"
Cain's attorney Daniel Henry said, "Oh yes, I think so. There are a number of issues here, that I think are important, that are going to be addressed at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. So I think we have not heard the end of this case."
Some in law enforcement likened David Cain and his family to a rural version of televisions "Sopranos."
Cain's brother Christopher, and a cousin are set for sentencing later this month, for their part in this reign of terror. And Cain's mother was convicted of witness tampering, linked to another court proceeding in 2006.
See the news video here:
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/day_of_reckoning_for_logger_090112
