ROCHESTER, NY – The streets of Rochester ran red last summer, and the fallout continues. Federal prosecutors today announced an indictment against Brandon Washington, Deadrick Fulwiley, Derrick Steele, and Jermell Washington, alleging their leadership in a violent drug trafficking organization directly linked to the July 21st ambush shooting that claimed the life of Rochester Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz. This isn’t just about drugs; it’s about a bloody turf war that turned deadly for a cop doing his job.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, the quartet faces a 10-count indictment, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, operating multiple drug houses throughout the city, and – crucially – possessing firearms in furtherance of their criminal enterprise. Brandon Washington and Deadrick Fulwiley are further charged with the possession of a machine gun, ratcheting up the severity of the accusations. The indictment details how Washington’s organization clashed violently with a rival gang led by Rasheem Sullivan, sparking a series of escalating attacks.
The feud between the Washington crew and Rasheem Sullivan, along with eight other alleged Bloods gang members charged in December 2022 with narcotics conspiracy and weapons offenses, manifested in drive-by shootings, arson, assaults, and ultimately, the fatal shooting of Officer Mazurkiewicz and the wounding of Officer Sino Seng. The ambush wasn’t a random act of violence, but a direct result of this ongoing conflict, according to federal authorities. While the indictment doesn’t explicitly state who pulled the trigger, it lays out the context of organized crime that created the environment for such an attack.
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, speaking at a press conference, vowed to continue cracking down on gun violence in Rochester. “My message to those who think that they can terrorize our community with senseless acts of violence is ‘don’t do it’,” she stated. Ross highlighted a shift in charging practices, with her office working closely with the Rochester Police Department (RPD), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and other agencies to prioritize federal prosecution of gun-related offenses. The aim? To keep the most dangerous offenders off the streets while their cases are pending.
This case is the culmination of a year-long initiative that has already seen approximately 100 defendants charged with federal gun crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is not just focusing on individual arrests, but dismantling entire criminal organizations. The joint effort also involves the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, New York State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. While officials tout these efforts as a success, the question remains: will these indictments truly stem the tide of violence in a city grappling with a persistent crime problem?
The indictments against Brandon Washington, Deadrick Fulwiley, Derrick Steele, and Jermell Washington represent a significant step in the investigation, but it’s just one battle in a larger war. The streets of Rochester remain tense, and the families of both Officer Mazurkiewicz and the victims of the ongoing gang conflict are left to mourn. The coming months will reveal whether these federal charges will deliver the justice and lasting peace the city desperately needs.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime|Weapons|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Press Release
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