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Press Release

9 People Charged for Conspiring to Sell Cocaine, Cocaine Base and Marijuana and Illegal Possession, Use of Firearms

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that nine defendants were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with narcotics and firearms offenses.

The following individuals are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 280 or more grams of cocaine base, a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana:, along with drug related charges: Tyshawn Simmons aka “Ty,” 30;  Tashaka Mitchum aka “Sharky”, 22; Marquis McMillian aka “Dap,” 21; Franklin Brock Jr. aka “Little Frank”, 19; Franklin Brock Sr., 39; Patrick Christner, 28; Tina McDonald, 40; Schmillion Weaver, 29; and Ciarra Crane, 23. 

Tyshawn Simmons, aka “Ty”, Tashaka Mitchum, aka “Sharky”, and Marquis McMillian, aka “Dap,” are also charged with unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.    

The narcotics charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. The gun charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $250,000, or both. 

In conjunction with the arrests, agents and officers executed six search warrants at four Rochester residences and two vehicles. During these searches, officers seized four firearms, and approximately $2,500 in cash.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez, who is handling the case, stated that the charges stem from a long-term investigation into the drug trafficking activities in the Rochester area of Simmons and the other charged defendants. The investigation remains ongoing with respect to potential additional charges and additional defendants. 

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation headed by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Shepard, with assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division. Other law enforcement agencies assisted in the arrests including the United States Marshal’s Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina and the New York State Division of Parole, under the direction of Charles Bour.

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.

Updated November 18, 2014