Jury Finds Rochester Man Guilty Of Drug And Gun Charges

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that a federal jury has convicted Arthur Long, 46, of Rochester, NY, of possession with intent to distribute methylone (Ecstasy) and marijuana, using a premises for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The drug charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine, the firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of life

 “This defendant, despite having great talent and a road filled with opportunity, chose instead to hurt the very public who once encouraged his success,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Arthur Long’s drug trafficking activities have taken him from the basketball court to criminal court where he could receive a lengthy jail sentence.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer M. Noto and Robert A. Marangola, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in July 2013, the Rochester Police Department conducted an investigation that culminated in the execution of search warrants at the defendant’s home on Chi Mar Drive in Chili, NY. Officers also searched Long’s vehicle, a 1977 Cadillac Eldorado. During the execution of the warrants, investigators recovered ecstasy tablets and capsules containing Methylone, marijuana, an AK-47 rifle and a stolen .45 caliber handgun, along with packaging materials.

During his post arrest interview with investigators, the defendant admitted to selling drugs in the violent open-air drug market on South Plymouth Avenue in the City of Rochester and to possessing the AK-47 and .45 caliber hand gun for protection.

The verdict is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. before Chief U.S District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. who presided over the trial of the case.