PROVIDING LEGAL SERVICES THROUGHOUT NEW YORK STATE

585.270.8882

CALL US

CONTACT US

Rochester Investigation Results in Drug Trafficking Charges

A recent federal drug trafficking case out of Rochester highlights the importance of having an experienced Rochester criminal defense attorney on your side whether you are facing state or federal charges for drug possession. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, on June 7, 2021, “six Rochester men were charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, at least 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and at least 500 grams or more of cocaine.” According to the press release, the federal charges “carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, as well as a $10,000,000 fine.”

As experienced Rochester drug crime defense lawyers, we want to tell you more about the case and to discuss potential defense strategies for serious drug crimes charges.

Arrests Resulted from a Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET) Investigation

The arrests of the six Rochester men, who range in age from 19 to 44, resulted from an investigation conducted by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET). This task force is a multi-jurisdictional task force involving local law enforcement officers and deputies from Monroe County, as well as agents from federal agencies. The task force specifically investigates alleged trafficking offenses.

According to the press release, the investigation suggested that, at least as far back as August 2020, 44-year-old Jason Siplin led a drug trafficking organization in the Rochester area that involved the distribution of “large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in the City of Rochester and the surrounding areas.” The investigation identified an alleged drug house in Rochester from which the narcotics were sold, as well as storage units in which Siplin allegedly stored narcotics and money from the trafficking operation. Siplin was one of the six men arrested and identified in the press release.

In addition to Siplin, the U.S. Attorney’s office discussed the roles of five other Rochester-area men who were allegedly involved in the drug trafficking organization, who “fulfilled various roles in furtherance of Siplin’s narcotics trafficking activities.” The press release indicates that one of the five additional men arrested would cook or transform bulk cocaine into crack cocaine, and then others would break down the crack cocaine “into individual units [to be] bagged for street sale.” The press release also says that the men arrested would staff the alleged drug house, sometimes conducting as many as 40 to 50 drug transactions per day. The investigation also suggested that Siplin and his organization sold crack cocaine to other dealers. Five of the six men arrested, including Siplin, have been detained, while the sixth was “released on conditions.”

Potential Defenses to Drug Trafficking

When someone is facing drug trafficking charges, it is essential to begin working on a defense strategy. While a defense strategy will always depend upon the particular facts of the case, some potential defense to drug trafficking charges may include but are not limited to:

  • Unlawful search and seizure that constitutes a violation of the Fourth Amendment;
  • Entrapment;
  • Lack of possession of the drugs; or
  • Violation of Miranda rights.

Contact Our Rochester Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

If you are facing drug trafficking charges or any type of charges for drug possession or distribution, an experienced Rochester criminal defense lawyer at our firm is here to help. Contact King Law to learn more about how we can assist you.

Categories

May 26, 2022

When Are Property Owners Responsible for Personal Injuries?
Read More

November 17, 2023

New York Passes Clean Slate Act
Read More

August 31, 2022

Answers to Your FAQs About Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim
Read More

August 25, 2022

4 Rules When You Get Pulled Over for DWI in New York
Read More