U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced charges against eight individuals involved in a narcotics conspiracy in the Rochester, NY area. The charges were brought through indictments or criminal complaints and relate to their roles in drug-related 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 of 10 years in prison with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $10 million.
Juan Sosa is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking. This carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could lead to life imprisonment.
Jose Laviena and Giovanni Serrano are also facing charges by criminal complaint for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms linked to drug trafficking. They each face at least five years in prison if convicted, with potential sentences extending up to life imprisonment.
Dusty Phakousonh faces charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carrying a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and up to 40 years if convicted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper stated that investigations led authorities to execute 20 search warrants across residences and vehicles, resulting in significant seizures including approximately 2,678 grams of fentanyl, various other drugs, six firearms, cash totaling around $100,000, jewelry valued similarly, among other items.
This operation is part of "Operation Take Back America," which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts involving multiple federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), local police departments including the Rochester Police Department (RPD) among others.
Authorities remind that these charges are accusations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
