St. Lawrence County Man Charged with Possession of Bulk Quantity Cocaine

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Casey Kocher, age 28, of Colton, New York, was indicted yesterday with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. 

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division made the announcement.

Kocher was stopped by the New York State Police in a rental vehicle in Colton, New York and allegedly possessed 25 kilograms of cocaine in a black duffle bag that was intended for further distribution. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Kocher appeared in federal court this morning before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favor and was ordered remanded to custody.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Drug distribution of this magnitude brings devastation to local communities by fueling addiction, driving violent crime, and endangering families and neighborhoods. Kocher showed no concern for his community as he allegedly brought bulk quantity cocaine to be disbursed among many, and now my office will bring the full force of the federal government to prosecute him.  I thank our local partners in St. Lawrence County, the New York State Police, and the United States Border Patrol for their work in helping bring this individual to justice.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: “The arrest of Casey Kocher and seizure of approximately 25 kilos of cocaine is a result of the collaborative efforts DEA New York and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals responsible for poisoning our communities. I applaud the diligent work of our special agents and those officers who removed this trafficker and their illicit narcotics from the tri-state pipeline.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said: “The seizure of 25 kilograms of cocaine underscores the commitment of the New York State Police to protecting our communities from the devastating impact of narcotics trafficking. I commend the professionalism of our Troopers and thank our partners at the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their collaboration in this investigation. Together, we remain dedicated to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”

The charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum prison sentence of up to life in prison.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

DEA and the New York State Police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt is prosecuting the case.