ROCHESTER, N.Y.—A massive cocaine haul has been seized in the Rochester area, and four defendants have been charged with narcotics trafficking. According to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., the seizure is the largest ever in the area.
Christopher Kendrick, 24 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found in his possession on February 4, 2014, on Interstate 490 near Chili, N.Y. He has been charged with possession with intent to distribute 10 kilograms or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10,000,000 fine.
'These seizures demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to protect the community from these dangerous drugs,' said U.S. Attorney Hochul. 'At the same time, the public should be aware that cocaine, in addition to heroin and prescription drugs that are illegally abused, can have lethal consequences and no one is immune from the addictions caused by these drugs.'
Jaime Fontanez and Daniel Acevedo were also arrested on February 4, 2014, following the execution of a search warrant at 72 Jewell Street in Rochester, N.Y. During the investigation, law enforcement officers recovered three kilograms of suspected cocaine. The defendants are charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, attempting to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
A fourth defendant, Manuel Rivera, was arrested on January 31, 2014, after officers recovered two kilograms of cocaine during a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Seneca Manor Drive in Rochester. He is charged with conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The complaints are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Kevin Niland, Inspector in Charge, Boston Division, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Michael Ciminelli, the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major Wayne C. Olson, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Sandra Doorley.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.''
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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