ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Giovanni Deleon, 27, is staring down a long stretch in federal prison after admitting today to his role in a major fentanyl distribution network operating in Western New York. Deleon pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of the deadly opioid, a charge that carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years.
The feds say Deleon wasn’t just a small-time street dealer. Between August and December 2018, he actively conspired with others to move significant quantities of fentanyl throughout the region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher detailed how Deleon both supplied customers directly and helped procure the fentanyl itself, suggesting a deeper involvement in the supply chain.
This wasn’t a solo operation. A multi-agency task force brought Deleon down. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Rochester Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) all contributed to the investigation, showcasing the breadth of the fentanyl crisis and the resources needed to combat it. Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito (ATF), Chief La’Ron Singletary (Rochester PD), Patrol Agent in Charge Jeffrey Wilson (Border Patrol), Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert (FBI), and Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan (DEA) all oversaw portions of the probe.
If Deleon had gone to trial and been convicted, he could have faced life in prison. The guilty plea likely secures a lesser, though still substantial, sentence. Beyond the decade-plus behind bars, Deleon is also facing a potential $10,000,000 fine – a stark reminder that dealing in fentanyl comes with a hefty price tag.
The sentencing is currently scheduled for September 18, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer. Expect a detailed account here at Grimy Times when the sentence is handed down. This case is another grim illustration of the fentanyl epidemic ravaging communities across the nation, and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to stem the tide.
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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