Casey Kocher, a 28-year-old resident of Colton, New York, has been indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The indictment follows an incident in which Kocher was stopped by the New York State Police while driving a rental vehicle in Colton. Authorities allege that he had 25 kilograms of cocaine in a black duffle bag intended for distribution.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division. Kocher appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favor and was ordered remanded to custody. The charges are accusations at this stage, and Kocher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Drug distribution of this magnitude brings devastation to local communities by fueling addiction, driving violent crime, and endangering families and neighborhoods. Kocher showed no concern for his community as he allegedly brought bulk quantity cocaine to be disbursed among many, and now my office will bring the full force of the federal government to prosecute him. I thank our local partners in St. Lawrence County, the New York State Police, and the United States Border Patrol for their work in helping bring this individual to justice.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III commented: “The arrest of Casey Kocher and seizure of approximately 25 kilos of cocaine is a result of the collaborative efforts DEA New York and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals responsible for poisoning our communities. I applaud the diligent work of our special agents and those officers who removed this trafficker and their illicit narcotics from the tri-state pipeline.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added: “The seizure of 25 kilograms of cocaine underscores the commitment of the New York State Police to protecting our communities from the devastating impact of narcotics trafficking. I commend the professionalism of our Troopers and thank our partners at the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their collaboration in this investigation. Together, we remain dedicated to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”
If convicted, Kocher faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison with a maximum possible sentence up to life imprisonment under federal law.
The investigation is being conducted by DEA agents along with members of the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt is handling prosecution.
