Two Alleged Members Of Yonkers Narcotics Ring Are Charged In White Plains Federal Court

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, George Venizelos, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Charles Gardner, the Commissioner of the Yonkers Police Department, and Joseph A. D’Amico, the Superintendent of the New York State Police, announced the arrest of two alleged members of a narcotics trafficking ring centered in and around Hoover Road in Yonkers, New York. Defendants THOMAS J. SUPPA and JOSEPH KOPPE were arrested yesterday and presented in White Plains federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison, who ordered that SUPPA be detained and KOPPE be released on bail upon meeting bail conditions.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “These arrests underscore the commitment of this Office to eliminating the scourge of drug trafficking and its attendant harms from Yonkers and communities throughout the Southern District of New York. Together with our partners in state and local law enforcement, we will continue to work to improve the safety of our streets and the quality of life for our citizens.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge George Venizelos stated: “As alleged, Suppa and Koppe were members of a narcotics ring that distributed large amounts of cocaine to Yonkers, damaging the fabric of a city. The FBI remains committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to eradicate this epidemic.”

Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated: "Individuals who choose to deal in the narcotics trade in our city will be targeted and vigorously prosecuted. These arrests are another example of our continued success working together with our federal partners to address criminal activity in our neighborhoods. I would like to thank U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and his office along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their support and assistance in this investigation."

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico stated: "With the arrests of these two drug traffickers, the streets of Yonkers are a safer place. Drugs and the crime and violence they cause will never be tolerated. I thank the U.S. Attorney's Office, Yonkers Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their continued partnerships."

According to the allegations in two criminal Complaints unsealed today in White Plains federal court:

From at least January 2012 and up to and including July 17, 2013, SUPPA and KOPPE conspired together and with others to distribute crack and powder cocaine in and around Hoover Road in Yonkers. In furtherance of the conspiracy, SUPPA is alleged to have personally sold crack cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer on or about May 6, 2013 and July 17, 2013. KOPPE is alleged to have sold crack cocaine and powder cocaine to the same undercover officer on or about June 27, 2013.

SUPPA, 30, has been charged with one count of distributing more than 280 grams of a mixture or substance containing crack cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 812, 841(a), and 841(b)(1)(A), and one count of conspiracy to commit the same, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. Both offenses, upon conviction, carry a maximum prison sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

KOPPE, 32, has been charged with one count of distributing more than 28 grams of a mixture or substance containing crack cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 812, 841(a), and 841(b)(1)(B), and one count of conspiracy to do the same, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. Both offenses carry, upon conviction, a maximum prison sentence of 40 years and a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.

Mr. Bharara praised the FBI, the Yonkers Police Department, the New York State Police and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for their work in this investigation.

The prosecution is being overseen by the Office’s White Plains Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Filor and Scott A. Hartman are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

KOPPE COMPLAINT
SuppaThomas.Complaint