Three Rochester Gang Members Indicted; Charged with Gun and Drug Charges

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three people with narcotics trafficking, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and marijuana, and use and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

            Named in the Indictment are: Jacob Rivera, a/k/a  “JJ,” 22, Kevin Feliciano, a/k/a “Nash,” 19, and Marius Johnson, a/k/a "Florida," 27, all of Rochester, N. Y. 

The drug conspiracy charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. The gun charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years in prison which must be served consecutively to any other conviction, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, the defendants were leaders of a street level drug trafficking organization that from time to time referred to themselves as “M.D.B.” or “The Broezel Boys.” Members and associates of M.D.B. controlled the open air drug market in a multi-block area near the intersection of Dewey and Lexington Avenues, including all of Broezel Street, the north end of Maryland Street, portions of Driving Park and portions of Lakeview Park in Rochester. M.D.B. members and associates also maintained and operated several drug houses in Rochester including the duplex residence at 325/327 Lexington Avenue, the upstairs apartment at 171 Maryland Street, the upstairs apartment at 316 Lakeview Park and 672 West Main Street, each for the purpose of possessing, manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.

            The indictment further stated that members and associates of M.D.B. routinely possessed and used firearms to maintain and expand their territory; used violence and threats of violence against unaffiliated persons who attempted to sell illegal controlled substances within their territory; used violence and threats of violence against witnesses who were viewed as hostile to the interests of M.D.B.; and enforced a code of silence among members and others to prevent information concerning the activities of M.D.B. to be provided to law enforcement.

            “This Office will not permit violent gangs to operate in the City of Rochester,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Today’s case marks yet another instance where this Office, working with law enforcement officers from all levels of Government, used federal tools to keep the people of the City safe. The public is reminded that if they see any indication of gang activity, narcotics trafficking, or indeed any crime, to let an officer or this Office know the information. To repeat an earlier message – if you see something, say something, and we in law enforcement will do something.”                                            

            The indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction Resident Agent in Charge Scott Heagney, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Sheppard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division. 

            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.