A Rochester man was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years for his role in a violent drug trafficking conspiracy and the murder of a 21-year-old mother.
Angelo Ocasio, 42, was found guilty of involvement in a shooting and murder of Meosha Harmon at 137 Cameron Street in July 2009, as well as multiple drug distribution and firearms offenses. He was sentenced by Judge Geraci.
Ocasio was part of a long-term and violent narcotics trafficking ring in the City of Rochester headed by James Kendrick and his brother Pablo "Paul" Plaza. He distributed drugs for the organization and used violence against rival drug dealers, disloyal workers, and anyone who posed a danger to the conspiracy or its members.
In late July 2009, Ocasio and co-conspirator Damion Colabatistto fired approximately 11 shots at a person at an upstairs window of the residence, who turned out to be Meosha Harmon. Harmon, the mother of two young children, died as a result of gunshot wounds to her head.
Ocasio’s sentencing comes after five of his co-defendants were convicted of multiple drug distribution and firearms offenses, and three murders committed by members of the conspiracy. James Kendrick was found guilty of various narcotics and firearms offenses and of the murders of Francisco Santos and Ryan Cooper, and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. Pablo Plaza was found guilty for the murder of Ryan Cooper and sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years.
The investigation into the case was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everardo A. Rodriguez and Melissa M. Marangola handled the prosecution of the case.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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