Joint Federal-State-Local Drug Enforcement Operation Targets Syracuse Dealers

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Seven Syracuse residents face drug charges and other offenses following a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement operation aimed at area drug dealers, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)-New York Field Division, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach, II, and United States Marshal David McNulty.

Deandre Peterson, 23, and Damion Anderson, 47, both of Syracuse, are charged in United States District Court for the Northern District of New York (Syracuse) with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance (cocaine base/“crack”). If convicted, they face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million dollars, and a term of supervised release following incarceration of at least 3 years.

Tyree J. Baker, 33, of Syracuse, is charged in United States District Court for the Northern District of New York (Syracuse) with distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl). If convicted, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million dollars, and a term of supervised release following incarceration of at least 3 years. 

Tyreece Reeves, 19, of Syracuse, is charged in Syracuse City Court with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin) in the Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (cocaine) (two counts), Loitering in the First Degree, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, in violation of the New York State Penal Law.

In Federal Court a defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Kireese Russell, 20, of Syracuse, is charged in Syracuse City Court with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana in violation of the New York State Penal Law.

Ronnie L. Daniels, 22, of Syracuse, is charged in Syracuse City Court with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana under the New York State Penal Law. He was also arrested on outstanding warrants for Harassment, Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, Reckless Endangerment, and Intimidating a Witness, in violation of the New York State Penal Law.

James Dunn, 25, of Syracuse, was arrested on outstanding warrants for Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, and Unlawfully Fleeing, in violation of the New York State Penal Law, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, in violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

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

United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith said, “These arrests should inform those dealing drugs that law enforcement agencies from every level of government have joined forces to address narcotics distribution and the violence it spawns in Syracuse. We will continue to work together to make our neighborhoods and communities safer.”

Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler said, “In response to the recent incidents of violence and the rise in fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoid overdoses within the City of Syracuse the United States Attorney’s Office and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office in partnership with the City of Syracuse Police Department’s Special Investigations Division conducted a successful city-wide narcotics enforcement operation that resulted in multiple arrests that will have a significant impact on the streets of Syracuse. We could not have completed this operation without the assistance of the Gang Violence Task Force, the Crime Reduction Team, the Criminal Investigation Division, the New York State Police-CNET Central, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, the New York State Division of Parole, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Marshall Service. We value these  partnerships and the excellent relationships we have forged within the Central New York Narcotics Enforcement Community. Operations of this magnitude are inherently dangerous and complex and could not be completed without the tremendous efforts of our individual law enforcement officers working together in an effective, coordinated fashion made possible through years of mutual support. The City of Syracuse Police Department will continue to execute similar investigations moving forward and in response to any emergent threats to the community.”

Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s New York Field Division Ashan M. Benedict, said, “ATF stands committed to working with all of its state, local and federal partners to curb the spread of illegal narcotics and the death and violence it brings to our communities. I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for their collaboration and communication that made this case possible. I would also like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office for their work in prosecuting these cases.”

New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach, II said, “We have zero tolerance for those who bring illegal and dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods with absolutely no regard for the negative impacts that result. I applaud our partners for the hard work that went into this operation, and we will continue our collaborative efforts to stem the flow of illegal drugs into our communities.”

United States Marshal David McNulty said, “The U.S. Marshals Service enjoys a great relationship with our law enforcement partners and whenever they require our assistance to track down criminal suspects, we will be there to help bring them to justice.” 

These cases are being investigated by United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division (SID), the New York State Police-Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), the United States Marshals Service, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Perry and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.