Eight arrested on drug charges

Federal prosecutors have charged eight people for involvement in a drug trafficking operation.

The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one kilogram or more of heroin. They are facing a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The defendants, all Rochester residents are: Edwin Deleon, 27; Eugenio Torres, 44; Clarita Mendez, 31; Sergio Smith, 30; Manuel Lewis, 29; Bryan Deleon, 23; Juan Ortega-Baez, 18; and Angel Fernando, 28.

Deleon, Torres, and Mendez also are charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the defendants dealt heroin and cocaine in and around the city of Rochester.

During the execution of search warrants this Wednesday, investigators found multiple firearms, quantities of suspected fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and more than $20,000 in cash.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.