Felon Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Tabari Facen, 36, of  Rochester, N.Y. was convicted after a jury trial of possessing 28 grams or more of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possessing a firearm and ammunition while being a convicted felon. The defendant, who has a prior state drug trafficking conviction, faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, an $8,000,000 fine or both.

            Assistant U.S. Attorneys  Charles E. Moynihan and Craig R. Gestring, who handled the prosecution of the case at trial, stated that Facen was arrested following the execution of a search warrant at 303 Lakeview Park in Rochester on September 26, 2011 by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team. Upon entering the location, officers encountered and arrested the defendant in the master bedroom of the location. In searching the house, officers located and seized over 53 grams of crack cocaine and paraphernalia used to distribute crack cocaine (including digital scales and small ziplock bags) which were secreted in various places throughout the residence. Officers also found a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun, two loaded handgun magazines, and over 100 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.

            “As all are aware, Rochester has experienced a rash of violence of late," said U.S. Attorney Hochul. "Much of that violence is committed with firearms. Thanks to today’s verdict, a defendant who possessed both firearms and drugs, and is a prior felon to boot, has now been removed from Rochester for what will be a very long time. The public should be assured that we will continue to target other offenders who engage in either violence or gun related offenses.”

The conviction is the result on an investigation by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team composed of law enforcement personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Scott Heagney, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James M. Sheppard, and the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Henderson.

            Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2013 before U.S. District Court Judge David G. Larimer.