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11 Charged in Rochester Cocaine Ring
ROCHESTER, NY – 11 individuals have been charged in two complaints with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and crack cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and an $8,000,000 fine.
The defendants, identified as Dennis Smith, aka ‘Fish’, Darren Smith, aka ‘Fat Boy’, Kaleaf Ball, aka ‘Leaf’, Reginald Streeter, aka ‘Street’, Juan Sampel, Angel Ocasio, Jose Quintana, Luz Morales, aka ‘Leida’, Jason Gibson, Kelly Shanks, and Jose Gonzalez, allegedly operated an ongoing drug trafficking conspiracy in the City of Rochester from 2015 through April 26, 2016.
According to the complaints, members of this conspiracy were responsible for the importation and distribution of large quantities of cocaine and cocaine base in the Rochester area. Law enforcement officers conducted controlled purchases of cocaine, utilized federal wire taps to intercept electronic and wire communications over various cellular telephones, and conducted search warrants on multiple U.S. Priority Mail parcels containing cocaine and cash proceeds from the sale of cocaine.
The investigation culminated in the arrest of the 11 individuals and the execution of multiple search warrants. During the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement officers seized approximately five kilograms of cocaine and over 100 grams of cocaine base; quantities of heroin and marijuana; more than $200,000 in cash; and several firearms.
Five of the individuals named in the complaint have one or more prior drug felony convictions. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rochester Police Department, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotic Enforcement Team, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. praised the investigative efforts, stating, ‘This represents yet another important success in our continuing efforts to protect the public from the twin dangers of firearms and large scale narcotics trafficking.’
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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