(WNY News Now) – Federal authorities have charged eight individuals in Rochester, New York, for their alleged roles in a large-scale narcotics conspiracy tied to fentanyl and firearms trafficking.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that eight defendants have been charged by indictment or criminal complaint for involvement in a narcotics conspiracy operating in the Rochester area. The charges are the result of an extensive federal investigation under Operation Take Back America.
Four individuals — Carlos Serrano, Jr., Sam Sierra, Jr., Carlos Melendez, Jr., and Eban Sterina — were indicted for narcotics conspiracy. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life, along with fines up to $10 million.
Three others — Juan Sosa, Jose Laviena, and Giovanni Serrano — were charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Sosa faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, while Laviena and Serrano face at least five years. Each could receive life imprisonment if convicted.
A separate complaint charges Dusty Phakousonh with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.
According to court documents, all eight defendants are Rochester residents. Federal agents executed 20 search warrants on 14 homes and six vehicles. Seizures included:
- 2,678 grams of fentanyl
- 692 grams of cocaine
- 22 grams of crack cocaine
- 31 pounds of marijuana
- 168 grams of hash
- 441 grams of synthetic cannabinoid (K2)
- 108 grams of suboxone
- Six firearms
- Drug paraphernalia
- Approximately $100,000 in cash
- Approximately $100,000 in jewelry
The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide U.S. Department of Justice initiative aimed at dismantling drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations while reducing violent crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Local partners include the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Greece Police Department, and Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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