Carlos Javier Figueroa, Murder, Drug Trafficking, New York 2023

Rochester Drug Ring Kingpin Sentenced to Life in Prison

In a major blow to the city’s notorious drug trade, Carlos Javier Figueroa, a/k/a Javi, a/k/a Big Bro, 44, of Rochester, NY, was sentenced to serve life in prison plus 25 years for his role as the leader of a violent Rochester-based drug trafficking organization.

Figueroa’s organization was responsible for the transportation and sale of cocaine in the City of Rochester, and was linked to acts of violence, including the September 12, 2016, shooting death of Walter Ross at the corner of Burbank Street and North Clinton Avenue.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert A. Marangola, Cassie M. Kocher, and Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the prosecution of the case, Figueroa coordinated shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico, which were sent to locations in Rochester via the United States Postal Service (USPS). The cocaine was then broken down and packaged for sale at various locations throughout the city.

The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, and involving numerous law enforcement agencies, resulted in the seizure of over $700,000 in cash, six assault rifles, three loaded handguns, over four kilograms of cocaine, and a quantity of suspected heroin and fentanyl.

A total of 12 defendants were charged and convicted in this case, which was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.

Figueroa’s sentencing is a major victory for law enforcement and the community, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of involvement in the drug trade. The case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the investigators and prosecutors who brought Figueroa to justice.

Defendant: Carlos Javier Figueroa a/k/a Javi, a/k/a Big Bro

Criminal Charges: Narcotics conspiracy, possession and discharge of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and murder while engaged in narcotics conspiracy

City and State: Rochester, NY

Exact Date: January 29, 2018 (sentencing) and September 12, 2016 (crime date)

Sentence or Outcome: Life in prison plus 25 years

Dollar Amounts: $700,000 in cash seized

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