ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A massive cocaine trafficking operation has landed nine individuals in serious legal trouble, with the possibility of life sentences hanging over them like a sword of Damocles. U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., announced today that Edward Mighty, Seymour Brown, Andre Taylor, Ricardo Bailey, Robert Wilson, Kenneth Harper, Desmond Bice, and Christopher Samuels, all from Rochester, NY, have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine and cocaine base.
Their alleged activities also include using telephones for drug trafficking, distributing marijuana, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Winifredo Gonzales, from Brooklyn, NY, has been charged separately with similar offenses.
Edward Mighty is alleged to be the leader of the Rochester-based organization, obtaining large quantities of cocaine from Gonzales in Brooklyn. The drugs were then transported to Rochester for processing and distribution as powder and crack cocaine. Members of the group, including Taylor, Brown, Bailey, Wilson, Harper, and Samuels, are accused of using their cell phones to conduct the drug business.
On February 10, 2015, law enforcement executed a series of search warrants, resulting in the arrest of several key figures. Gonzales was apprehended at his Brooklyn residence after police recovered 17 kilograms of cocaine and two handguns. The drugs were being transported from Brooklyn to Rochester when authorities intercepted them. Edward Mighty and Ricardo Bailey were taken into custody during this operation.
Additional searches led to seizures of firearms, drug distribution paraphernalia, cash, and cell phones at various locations in Rochester. Seymour Brown was arrested at his residence, while Robert Wilson and Kenneth Harper were apprehended at another location. During the raids, officers found 29 bags of crack cocaine, three handguns, ammunition, multiple cell phones, and a significant amount of cash.
The cocaine distribution conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a fine of up to $10 million. The possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum sentence of five years and can lead to a life sentence as well, along with a fine of $250,000.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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