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Danzey’s 25-Year Sentence Caps Finger Lakes Drug Takedown
Wayne County, NY – The streets of the Finger Lakes region are a little less poisoned today thanks to a massive, years-long investigation that culminated in the convictions of 47 individuals involved in sprawling fentanyl and cocaine trafficking networks. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the final sentencing – 25 years in prison plus five years post-release supervision for ringleader Michael Danzey – effectively dismantling a major drug pipeline that flooded Wayne, Monroe, Cayuga, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, and Yates counties with deadly narcotics.
The takedown, spearheaded by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) in partnership with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, wasn’t just about street-level dealers. This was a sophisticated operation, pulling in 177 total crimes and netting over 10 kilograms of fentanyl, more than 10 kilograms of cocaine – valued at a staggering $9 million – along with 19 firearms, including assault weapons and untraceable “ghost guns,” and over $440,000 in dirty money. It wasn’t a clean sweep; it was a surgical strike against the heart of a criminal enterprise.
The investigation revealed that Danzey, along with his brother Terrance Raggs, were key players, peddling cocaine throughout Wayne County. But Danzey’s depravity didn’t stop at drug dealing. In June 2021, he attempted to *murder* an individual he believed had stolen from him, leaving the victim with serious injuries. Raggs then allegedly helped cover up the shooting, concealing evidence from law enforcement. Other central figures in the Wayne County network included Ryan Faniel, Romaris Glanton, Karmalus Herrington, Tyquail Raggs, and Aaron Sweeney, all moving cocaine and oxycodone across multiple counties.
The trail led investigators to a hotbed of activity on Avenue D in Rochester, a single block that served as a major distribution hub. Suppliers like Raquel “Ma” Torres and Jaquinn Edwards, along with Jasmine Ofray and Raymond Vega, allegedly funneled drugs throughout the region. Feeding this pipeline was Luis Rivera and his sons – Luis Emmanuel Rivera, Natan Rivera, and Jacob Rivera – who operated a cocaine and fentanyl distribution network right out of Rochester. Jacob Rivera was already serving time when this investigation closed.
“Deadly opioids sold by sophisticated drug trafficking networks are tearing communities apart throughout our state,” Attorney General James stated bluntly. “This investigation successfully took down major drug trafficking networks and removed millions of dollars of fentanyl and cocaine from our streets… I will continue to go after anyone who puts New Yorkers in danger with illegal drugs.” The investigation utilized covert surveillance, thousands of hours of electronic monitoring, and numerous search warrants to build its airtight case.
While Danzey’s 25-year sentence marks a significant victory, this case serves as a grim reminder of the relentless flow of illicit drugs into New York State. The OCTF and its partners are already working on the next case, the next network, and the next attempt to poison our communities. This isn’t a war with an end; it’s a constant, brutal struggle for the soul of the state.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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