Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Narcotics into Jail

Hoeub Chan, 35, of Rochester, NY, admitted in federal court to smuggling narcotics into jail while already serving time for a major fraud scheme. The defendant stuffed Oxycodone and Dextroamphetamine into the seams of his shirt, socks, and shoes before being processed into custody — a brazen move that triggered a federal probe.

Chan pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, facing up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the smuggling charge. Prosecutors said he lied repeatedly to Deputy U.S. Marshals, denying possession of any contraband despite the drugs being concealed on his person during intake.

The incident unfolded after Chan was sentenced in January 2016 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, a scheme involving Rochester Electric and Gas. He and associates rerouted payments from closed accounts, stealing over $72,000 — funds he was ordered to repay. That conviction landed him behind federal bars, where he attempted to bring in controlled substances.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, handling the case, detailed how law enforcement uncovered the drugs during a routine search post-arraignment. The contraband was not only dangerous but strategically hidden, suggesting intent and premeditation.

The investigation was led by the United States Marshals Service under Marshal Charles Salina, whose team traced the smuggling attempt back to Chan’s actions during intake processing. No outside accomplices have been charged at this time.

Sentencing is set for April 5, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci. Chan remains in federal custody, now facing additional time for attempting to weaponize his own incarceration with illicit drugs.

RELATED: Deported Dealer Back in NH, Faces Decades for Meth Flood

RELATED: Meth & Re-Entry: Dominican Dealer Pleads