Thirteen Arrested During Joint Investigation Of Massena Cocaine And Heroin Ring

MASSENA, NEW YORK - United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced that law enforcement officers have arrested twelve individuals on federal drug trafficking charges. A superseding indictment charges the following people with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, over 28 grams of cocaine base (crack), and heroin, in Franklin, St. Lawrence, and Clinton Counties:

 Patrick Lloyd, aka “Problem,” 25, of New York City
 Jessica Monaghan, 26, of Massena, New York
 Codi Burke, 21, of Massena, New York
 Michael Spencer, aka “Don,” 25, of New York City
 Bernie Russo, 35, of Massena, New York
 Kimberly Jandrew, 27, of Massena, New York
 Justin Brailsford, 25, of Massena, New York
 Jon Garcia, 22, of New York City
 Zachary Huto, 21, of Massena, New York
 Leslie Moore, 27, of Massena, New York
 Paul Williams, aka “Cash,” 30, of Massena, New York

Lloyd, Garcia, and Williams are in custody on state charges. Monaghan, Burke, Spencer, Russo, Jandrew, Brailsford, Huto, and Moore were arrested this morning. A twelfth person is charged in the indictment but has not yet been arrested. Two others were arrested this morning and are being charged by federal criminal complaints with participating in the drug conspiracy. Four search warrants were executed in Massena today, resulting in seizures of handguns, cocaine, and heroin.

Brailsford and Garcia are also charged with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin on or about July 6, 2013, in Clinton County (Count 2). Williams is also charged with possessing with intent to distribute over 28 grams of cocaine base (crack) on or about August 8, 2013, in Clinton County (Count 3).

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

If convicted, each defendant except Lloyd could face a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment and a maximum sentence that includes imprisonment for forty (40) years and a $5,000,000 fine. The superseding indictment alleges that Lloyd has a prior drug felony conviction, so Lloyd faces a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment for ten (10) years and a maximum sentence that includes imprisonment for life and a $10,000,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Hartunian said: “The St. Lawrence River Valley is the intersection of the front line for border security and the outer reach of big city drug suppliers who travel north seeking new and expanded markets. This case illustrates how vigilance and collaboration can combat threats to our communities, as a multitude of federal, state, local, and tribal agencies worked together to dismantle a ring that brought in and distributed cocaine, crack, and heroin, and employed firearms and violence. The success of our effort to preserve public safety and the idyllic charm of the area depends on our shared commitment to robust enforcement, deterrence, and prevention.”

“While the violence and street-level dealing that comes with drug trafficking are local crimes, the criminal networks behind them stretch to other cities, other states and other countries,” said James C. Spero, Special Agent-in-Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Buffalo. “To effectively attack these networks takes a team effort. An outstanding team investigation by our Border Enforcement Security Task Force is what led to today’s arrests and is what will lead to the complete dismantling of these criminal organizations.”

St. Lawrence County District Attorney Nicole Duvé said: “Today is another important step in addressing the increasing presence of urban heroin and cocaine supply networks in northern St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. The cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, together with assistance from local citizens are the key to reclaiming our communities. I encourage the public be vigilant and to continue to help law enforcement keep our neighborhoods and our children safe and drug free.”

Massena Police Chief Timmy J. Currier said: “Enforcement – specifically arresting and holding those responsible for trafficking and conspiring to provide their product – is important, but the truth is, there is a market for that product. There is a reason drug sales occur: we have people buying illegal drugs. We must continue to work hard to find ways to prevent our teenagers and young adults from becoming drug users, from improving parenting skills, increasing the life skills and decision-making of our children, and developing the economy in our area. Tackling this issue from every angle is our best chance at success.”

Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne said: “As District Attorney Duve and I discussed two weeks ago in Franklin County, these criminal groups have no boundaries and it is only through local, state and federal cooperation that we can make a difference and keep organized drug distribution networks out of the North Country. I cannot thank the US Attorney’s Office enough for their leadership in dismantling this group today.”

The investigation revealed that this organization obtained large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and crack from suppliers in New York City and used couriers to transport the drugs to Massena, where the organization’s distribution network sold ounce and gram quantities of the drugs to wholesale drug dealers and drug users in the area. Members of the organization engaged in acts of intimidation and violence.

Seizures by law enforcement officers during this investigation total about 380 grams of cocaine, about 377 grams of heroin, nearly 100 grams of crack, 5 handguns, and over $11,000 in cash.

The superseding indictment is the result of a year-long Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Massena Police Department (MPD), the Saint Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police (NYSP). The District Attorneys of Clinton, Franklin, and St. Lawrence Counties, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, the United States Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine, the United States Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Potsdam Police Department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the New York Attorney General’s Office, the Oneida Indian Nation Police, and the United States Border Patrol assisted in the investigation.

The United States is represented in this prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Gardner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita.