U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced charges against eight individuals involved in a narcotics conspiracy in Rochester, New York. The defendants are facing serious allegations related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Carlos Serrano, Jr., Sam Sierra, Jr., Carlos Melendez, Jr., and Eban Sterina have been indicted for narcotics conspiracy. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could be sentenced to life imprisonment with fines reaching $10 million.
Additionally, Juan Sosa is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and firearm possession linked to drug trafficking. This carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life.
Jose Laviena and Giovanni Serrano also face charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and firearm possession related to drug trafficking. They face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and up to life imprisonment.
Dusty Phakousonh is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which has a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper revealed that investigators executed 20 search warrants across multiple locations, seizing large quantities of drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, hashish, synthetic cannabinoids (K2), suboxone, as well as firearms, drug paraphernalia, cash totaling approximately $100,000, and jewelry valued at around $100,000.
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation involves collaboration between the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration led by Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller; the U.S. Marshals Service directed by Marshal Charles Salina; Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; along with local law enforcement agencies such as the Rochester Police Department led by Chief David Smith.
Authorities remind that these charges are accusations only until proven guilty in court.
