A devastating blow has been dealt to a notorious drug kingpin in Rochester, New York. Kevin Lamont Anderson, also known as Cuda, has had his convictions and life sentence affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Anderson was found guilty on October 26, 2009, of conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, maintaining a drug involved premises, and money laundering conspiracy. The verdict came after a six-week trial before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, during which evidence was presented showing Anderson led a conspiracy to distribute crack and powder cocaine from 1990 to December 2005.
The government presented evidence that Anderson controlled a series of houses in the northeast section of Rochester, where drugs were sold to customers. But Anderson’s crimes went far beyond just drug trafficking. He was also responsible for the double homicide of Clifford Robinson and Allen Tyrone Smith in May 2002. Anderson shot the two men in a house on Avenue A in Rochester, then, with the help of co-conspirators, placed their bodies in Robinson’s vehicle and left it on Cutler Street.
Anderson’s sentence of life in prison was upheld by the Court of Appeals, as was the sentence of his co-defendant, Willie Grimes, also known as Chill. Grimes was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute, crack cocaine and cocaine, and sentenced to 135 months in prison. The court also affirmed a special jury verdict that determined Anderson’s assets were subject to forfeiture in the amount of $1,000,000.
The defendants had argued on appeal that their convictions should be reversed due to juror misconduct, insufficient evidence, and false testimony. They also claimed that their sentences were unreasonable. However, the Court of Appeals rejected these claims, stating, “We have considered all of the defendants’ arguments on this appeal and find in them no basis for reversal. Accordingly, we AFFIRM the judgments of the district court.”
The government was represented on appeal by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank T. Pimentel. The trial was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank H. Sherman and Everardo A. Rodriguez. In total, seven other defendants were also convicted in this case. The affirmation of Anderson’s convictions and sentence serves as a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking and violent crime in Rochester and beyond.
Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the affirmation of the convictions and sentences, stating that the decision is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the law enforcement officials involved in the case. The people of Rochester can rest a little easier knowing that a notorious drug kingpin is behind bars for life.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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